DHA and DET Partner to Boost Medical Tourism in Dubai

Strengthening Medical Tourism in Dubai

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) have entered into a strategic partnership to boost medical tourism in Dubai. The partnership aims to solidify Dubai’s status as a premier global destination for medical tourism. The collaboration is designed to attract international healthcare seekers by enhancing Dubai’s healthcare offerings and overall competitiveness in the global market.

This follows the UAE’s efforts to establish new global health standards using AI, genomics and health literacy and attract medical tourists seeking specialized treatments in dermatology, dentistry, gynecology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, ophthalmology and fertility treatments. The majority of the medical tourists in the UAE account from Asia (39%), Europe and CIS countries (22%) and the Arab world (21%).

Core Initiatives of the DHA & DET Partnership

• Promoting Dubai as a preferred medical tourism destination: The DHA and DET will actively collaborate to raise global awareness about Dubai’s advanced healthcare services and world-class medical facilities. This initiative aims to make Dubai the top choice for medical tourists seeking quality care.
• Enhancing the quality of healthcare services: Both the DHA and DET are committed to maintaining the highest standards of medical care, with a strong focus on ensuring patient satisfaction and upholding service excellence across all healthcare providers in the emirate.
• Supporting innovation and research: The partnership emphasizes fostering innovation in healthcare by encouraging research and development. The MoU aims to create a culture of continuous improvement and technological advancement within the medical sector, ensuring that Dubai remains at the forefront of global healthcare trends.
• Aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda: This collaboration directly supports the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda – D33, which seeks to position Dubai as a global hub for business, leisure, and healthcare. By boosting the medical tourism sector, this initiative will also contribute to the growth of Dubai’s economy, enhancing its role as a leading destination for both business and leisure activities.

Impact on Dubai’s Economy and Tourism

Through this partnership, Dubai aims to attract a growing number of international visitors seeking high-quality medical treatments. Additionnally Sheikh Mohammed also approved an AED 10bn (USD 2.72bn) expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. Once completed, DEC will become the largest purpose-built indoor events and exhibition venue in the Middle East. This in turn boosts the local economy, as increased tourism spending on accommodation, transportation and other services will help stimulate further growth in the emirate’s hospitality and service industries.