The Rise of Dubai as Medical Tourism Hub

Dubai is ranked no. 1 in the MENA region and sixth globally for medical tourism as per the Medical Tourism Index. Additionally, it is ranked fifth globally for the quality of its facilities and services. Dermatology (31%), dentistry (24%) and gynecology (18%) emerged as the three most sought-after medical specialties among medical tourists in 2022. 

Likewise, medical tourists hailed from Asia, Europe, as well as Arab countries. DHA reported that 39% of these medical tourists originated from Asian countries. Similarly 22% from Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and 21% from Arab & Gulf countries. Medical tourists mostly sought orthopedics, plastic surgery, ophthalmology, fertility and recovery treatments.

Dubai’s Booming Medical Tourism and Healthcare Infrastructure Growth

Dubai has shown a remarkable increase in medical tourism during 2022, with 674,000 medical tourists contributing AED 992 million ($270 million), marking a AED 262 million ($71 million)  increase compared to 2021. As a result of increased capacity, Dubai has witnessed a 11.5% growth in healthcare facilities in the first quarter of 2023. Dubai Health Authority (DHA) granted licenses to 143 health facilities increasing the total count to 4,609 licenses. This includes 52 hospitals, 77 specialized clinics, 58 one-day surgery centers, 82 dental and 122 general clinics. The general clinics include pharmacies, nursing homes and alternative medicine centers. 

The rising number of medical tourists as well as investments in Dubai’s healthcare sector demonstrates the growth in investor confidence. Dubai’s exceptional infrastructure, strategic location and healthcare initiatives have enabled it to become a leading medical tourism hub in the region. Dubai’s competitiveness in the healthcare sector is attributed to its ability to provide a world-class healthcare model along with state-of-the-art facilities and highly qualified medical professionals. 

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