Hospitals and Healthcare Services in the UAE
The UAE is one of the wealthiest countries in the Middle East. As a result, it offers a world-class healthcare system across the Emirates, especially in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The country offers a mix of public and private hospitals and you can access these facilities with public or private health insurance, depending on your nationality. The 2021 World Index of Healthcare Innovation ranked the UAE as the 20th best healthcare country globally.
Understanding the Healthcare System
In short, it has public and private health systems which are regulated at a national and emirate level. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) oversees healthcare nationally. Then regional healthcare authorities ensure a high standard of care within each emirate. These designated authorities include the Health Authority-Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and the Emirates Health Authority (EHA).
Historically, the government subsidized public healthcare and hospitals in the UAE. However, following the growth of the private healthcare system, there are now more private hospitals than public. In fact, according to 2017 statistics, there are 98 private hospitals, compared to just 45 public ones. Notably, both private and public hospitals in the UAE offer a high quality of care. While public institutions provide more general healthcare services, private hospitals are more specialty-based. Furthermore, public hospitals are often research and training facilities, too.
How to Access Hospital Treatment
Public healthcare is free or highly subsidized for citizens in the UAE. They can access hospital treatment with their national Health Card (Dubai) or their Emirates ID which shows their insurance details. In contrast, foreign nationals residing in the UAE must have private health insurance to access hospital care. That said, they will still need to apply for a national public Health Card through the MOHAP to do so. However, while the fee for this is fairly reasonable, at AED 500, the benefits are limited as it only applies to some public health institutions and hospitals.
Booking hospital appointments is easy, and you can do it online. Patients can access treatments without prior notice on their first visit but may require a direct referral from a doctor for a second consultation.
Emergency Treatment in the UAE
There are several emergency numbers in the UAE. However, in a medical emergency, you should call 998 for an ambulance. Both public and private hospitals accept patients for emergency treatments. Fortunately, this applies to Emirati nationals, expats, tourists, and visitors, and the intake treatment is always free. However, once the patient is stabilized, the hospital might transfer them to another facility, which is better equipped for specialized care. Therefore, any additional care requires payment, either by the patient or their insurance provider.
Hospital Stays and Costs
Globally, the UAE’s hospitals are highly rated. Accordingly, most hospitals across the Emirates offer world-class facilities, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. For this reason, the latest Medical Tourism Index Rankings places them sixth and ninth, respectively, among the world’s leading medical tourism destinations. Generally speaking, hospital patients can expect an excellent standard of medical care from highly-trained professionals.
Hospital rooms tend to be spacious, too, and many are equipped with WIFI, televisions, and other electronic utilities. Of course, you can choose to have a private room, but it will cost more than if you share with another patient. Aftercare facilities are also first-class. Regarding expenses, private health insurance is relatively expensive in the UAE and is currently the seventh-costliest in the world. That said, hospital expenses are significantly lower than in the US.
Top Hospitals in Dubai
This guide explores the top 11 hospitals in Dubai, highlighting what makes each one special. The following table provides the top hospitals in Dubai with location, specialties, and google ratings:
| Hospital Name | Location | Key Specialties | Google Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rashid Hospital | Oud Metha | Emergency & Trauma Care, Neurosurgery, Orthopedics | 3.4 |
| American Hospital Dubai | Oud Metha | Oncology, Cardiology, Robotic Surgery, Maternity | 4.0 |
| Mediclinic City Hospital | Dubai Healthcare City | Oncology, Orthopedics, Maternity, Internal Medicine | 3.8 |
| Aster Hospital, Mankhool | Al Mankhool | General Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, ENT | 4.7 |
| Al Zahra Hospital Dubai | Al Barsha | Internal Medicine, Bariatric Surgery, ENT, Orthopedics | 4.4 |
| Mediclinic Parkview Hospital | Al Barsha South | Maternity, Pediatrics, General Surgery, Family Medicine | 3.6 |
| King’s College Hospital Dubai | Dubai Hills | Liver, Diabetes, Women’s Health, Cardiology | 4.4 |
| Saudi German Hospital Dubai | Al Barsha 3 | Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Cardiology | 4.0 |
| Canadian Specialist Hospital | Deira | Cardiology, Urology, ENT, Reproductive Medicine | 4.6 |
| Emirates Hospital Jumeirah | Jumeirah | General Surgery, Dermatology, Orthopedics, Aesthetics | 4.6 |
| NMC Royal Hospital, DIP | Dubai Investments Park | Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Neurology, Internal Medicine | 4.5 |
Rashid Hospital – Dubai’s Leading Trauma & Emergency Care Center
- Established: 2012
- Beds: 187
- Specialties: Bariatric Surgery, Minimally Invasive Procedures, Emergency & Trauma
Rashid Hospital is one of the top hospitals in Dubai, especially for emergency and trauma care. It has a large emergency department that is open 24/7 and treats serious injuries and urgent health problems. The hospital has skilled doctors, modern equipment, and a strong team trained to handle accidents, surgeries, and critical cases quickly. It is also known for having the advanced ICU (Intensive Care Unit) and specialized departments, like neurology and surgery. It’s part of the Dubai Health Authority, which means it follows high standards for patient care.
American Hospital Dubai – Premium U.S.-Accredited Care
- Established: 1996
- Beds: 254
- Key Specialties: Cardiology, Oncology, Orthopedics
American Hospital Dubai is one of the most trusted private hospitals in the city. Namely, it was the first ever in the Middle East to get full accreditation. It offers premium U.S.-accredited care in the heart of Dubai with U.S.-trained physicians and specialists in various fields.