The UAE Healthcare System: A Global Hub for Excellence
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, emphasizes that the health and well-being of citizens, residents, and visitors is one of their highest priorities. Highly qualified national talents contribute to ensuring all members of the community can receive world-class medical treatments. Partnerships with leading global medical institutions further enhance this goal. Clear plans are in place to facilitate accessible and top-quality medical care for everyone.
The UAE’s healthcare sector is one of the most rapidly expanding in the region with the highest number of JCI-accredited hospitals in the Middle East. The UAE’s healthcare system achieved first place among GCC countries and also secured a position in the top 50 worldwide in 2022. It attracts skilled and experienced healthcare professionals from around the world. The UAE is working with leading global institutions to further develop its healthcare system to establish itself as a major center for world-class healthcare.
Structure and Regulation
The UAE Healthcare System is divided into public and private sectors, although both cooperate and collaborate extensively. To understand how the system is governed, it is helpful to gain an understanding of the organization and regulation of the country’s healthcare sector.
- The Federal Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) actively oversees the healthcare sector at both the federal and emirate levels and regulates medical licensing in the Northern Emirates.
- The Department of Health (DOH) regulates healthcare services in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
- The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) oversees healthcare in Dubai.
- The Sharjah Health Authority manages healthcare in Sharjah.
Healthcare Facilities and Statistics
The number of healthcare facilities is constantly increasing. At the end of 2020, the UAE had 5369 facilities. In the same year, there were 162 hospitals in the UAE. Compared to 86 hospitals in 2010, this reflects an increase of 88 percent over 10 years.
| Facility Type (End of 2020) | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Total Healthcare Facilities | 5369 |
| Government Facilities | 772 |
| Private Facilities | 4597 |
| Total Hospitals | 162 |
| Public Hospitals | 53 |
| Private Hospitals | 109 |
Funding and Insurance
How is healthcare funded in the UAE? The government provides health insurance coverage for UAE nationals within each emirate. Citizens may access free or subsidized care within either the comprehensive government-funded health service or in private hospitals covered by their insurance network.
Expatriate residents make up approximately 88% of the population. They mainly receive care in the rapidly expanding private sector, which is mostly insurance-based. From 2023, Abu Dhabi and Dubai mandated medical insurance for all residents, extending this requirement to other emirates in the UAE. Employers are mandated to provide cover for their expat employees, with some also covering their dependents.
Medical Tourism and Future Innovations
The UAE is a popular destination for overseas patients seeking high-quality, accessible medical care. The Medical Tourism Index 2020-21 ranked Dubai as the top destination in the Middle East and in 6th place globally, with Abu Dhabi also in 9th place.
Dubai Healthcare City Island
Dubai is building a new futuristic medical oasis. This is a floating island concept with its own underwater transportation system that is designed to provide state-of-the-art healthcare to the residents of the emirate. This unique space spans an area of one million square meters. The first part is spread across 670,000 sq.m and houses educational activities. In contrast, the other 330,000 sq.m half is dedicated to functions such as the exhibition hall, research and development department, science and technology park, and library. As far as medical facilities are concerned, a total of 14 towers are committed to healthcare, while the two residential zones include 24 hotels.