Beyond their shimmering skylines, towering architecture, and opulent lifestyles, the UAE’s major tourist destinations, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are rapidly turning into hubs for the country’s emerging medical tourism market. Backed by world-class healthcare services and infrastructure, market insights indicate that the UAE will continue to maintain its pace despite the higher costs of its medical services.
In its neighbourhood, the UAE faces regional competition from Iran and Turkey. Both countries leverage their nationally developed medical expertise and low-cost services, attracting patients seeking quality and affordability.
In contrast, the UAE targets wealthier patients with high-end medical services, shaping its pricing strategy. The UAE’s patient base includes affluent Gulf states like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, as well as countries like China and Russia, while Iran and Turkey focus on neighbouring and developing nations such as Azerbaijan, Iraq, Tunisia, and the Balkan states.
Market share and growth
Research by CMI supports this, projecting the UAE medical tourism market to grow at a CAGR of 8.70 per cent from 2024 to 2033, with market size expected to reach USD 2,300 million by 2033. BlueWeave Consulting estimates the market was valued at USD 628.9 million in 2023, projected to reach USD 1,263.16 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.11 per cent.
“The UAE has firmly positioned itself as a leading global hub for medical tourism. In 2022, Dubai alone welcomed over 6.74 lakh medical tourists, contributing significantly to the country’s healthcare economy. Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are also emerging as key players in this sector,” Shihab Makaniyil, CEO and Founder of ShopDoc, pointed out.
Makaniyil emphasised that “the establishment of Dubai Healthcare City, along with key healthcare hubs along Jumeirah Beach Road and Al Wasl Road—where a high concentration of premium clinics and hospitals are located, coupled with superior air connectivity, a well-developed hospitality culture, and the presence of travel facilitators—have made the UAE one of the fastest-growing international medical tourism destinations.”
Emerging trends and what sets it apart
The UAE stands out due to its combination of high-quality healthcare services, internationally accredited hospitals, cutting-edge facilities, and a multicultural environment with multilingual medical staff. India, the United States, and Europe significantly contribute to the UAE’s healthcare by establishing renowned hospitals.
Notable examples include Thumbay Hospital from India, the American Hospital and Cleveland Clinic from the US, and the German Saudi Hospital from Germany. These institutions bring world-class infrastructure and advanced medical equipment to the UAE, which, while enhancing service quality, also leads to higher treatment costs.
Factors such as short waiting times, luxurious recovery experiences, and streamlined medical visa processes further enhance its appeal. While treatment costs may be higher compared to many other countries like India, Thailand, or Turkey, the UAE offers a blend of affordability compared to Western nations clubbed with exceptional service quality.
Makaniyil highlighted that medical tourists in the UAE primarily seek treatments in cosmetic surgery, orthopaedics, fertility cures, dental procedures, cardiology, and wellness programs, including holistic and preventive healthcare services.
The rise of wellness tourism, personalised healthcare packages, the integration of digital health technologies, and growing interest in alternative therapies such as herbal medicine, Ayurveda, and regenerative treatments are some notable trends. Makaniyil’s ShopDoc has a USD 50 million integrated wellness and medical tourism corridor between the UAE and Kerala that aims to capitalise on this growing demand.
For Dubai, the transformation started in 2016 with its health strategy. The Dubai Health Experience (DXH) was created to support medical tourism, connect healthcare facilities, travel agents, and hoteliers, and offer online consultations and insurance recommendations.
Abu Dhabi also established a similar platform, enhancing its medical tourism. While other emirates like Ras Al Khaimah and Al Ain could benefit from medical tourism development, Dubai and Abu Dhabi lead the way, backed by strategic investments and government support.
The road ahead
The UAE’s medical tourism sector is leveraging emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoMT to enhance healthcare services. Many leading players are using AI to improve decision-making and data handling, while blockchain ensures the secure and seamless transfer of medical records.
Makaniyil’s own ShopDoc utilises “AI and data analytics to personalise patient journeys, recommend the best hospitals and doctors, and predict treatment outcomes.”
While high healthcare costs remain a significant barrier, influencing patients’ decisions despite factors like service quality and political stability, it is the UAE’s strong emphasis on quality and accessibility, backed by the use of emerging technologies, that sets it apart and will allow its rise as a premier destination for medical tourists.
This story is done in collaboration with DataLEADS, which is an award-winning global digital media and tech company.
