Medical tourism represents a high-value sub-sector within the UAE’s broader tourism strategy. The federation has invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure, international accreditation, and regulatory frameworks designed to attract patients from across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The medical tourism segment is projected to generate over AED 12 billion annually by 2028.
Market Size and Growth
| Metric | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | Target 2028 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International patients (000s) | 630 | 720 | 810 | 1,200 |
| Revenue (AED Bn) | 7.2 | 8.5 | 9.8 | 12.5 |
| Average spend per patient (AED) | 11,400 | 11,800 | 12,100 | 10,400 |
| YoY patient growth | — | +14.3% | +12.5% | — |
The decline in projected average spend by 2028 reflects an expected broadening of the patient base from high-end procedures to a wider spectrum of treatments, including dental, ophthalmology, and preventive wellness.
Source Markets
The UAE draws medical tourists predominantly from markets with either limited domestic healthcare capacity or patients seeking premium service standards unavailable locally.
| Source Region | Share (2024) | Primary Procedures |
|---|---|---|
| GCC states | 28% | Orthopaedics, fertility, cardiac |
| South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh) | 22% | Oncology, cardiac, transplant |
| Africa (Nigeria, Kenya, Ethiopia) | 18% | Oncology, neurology, paediatrics |
| CIS (Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan) | 14% | Aesthetic, dental, orthopaedics |
| Other (Europe, East Asia) | 18% | Wellness, aesthetic, executive health |
Infrastructure and Accreditation
The UAE operates over 180 JCI-accredited facilities — the highest concentration in the Middle East. Key medical tourism clusters include Dubai Healthcare City, Abu Dhabi’s Cleveland Clinic, and the broader network of private hospital groups.
| Facility / Cluster | Emirate | Specialisation | JCI Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Healthcare City | Dubai | Multi-specialty hub | Accredited |
| Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi | Complex care, oncology | Accredited |
| Mediclinic network | Multi-emirate | General and specialist | Accredited |
| King’s College Hospital Dubai | Dubai | Multi-specialty | Accredited |
| Burjeel Holdings network | Multi-emirate | Oncology, orthopaedics | Accredited |
Regulatory Framework
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) launched a dedicated medical tourism portal and health card system in 2023, streamlining visa processing for patients and companions. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health operates a parallel facilitation programme. Both emirates offer medical visa categories that allow extended stays for treatment and recovery.
Competitive Landscape
The UAE competes with Thailand, India, Turkey, and Singapore for medical tourism market share. The UAE’s competitive advantages are proximity to African and GCC source markets, premium service standards, and Arabic-language capacity. Its disadvantage is cost — UAE medical procedures typically run 40-60 per cent more expensive than equivalent treatments in India or Thailand.
| Competitor | Strength | UAE Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Cost, volume capacity | Proximity to GCC and Africa |
| India | Cost, specialist depth | Premium service, shorter travel time for GCC |
| Turkey | Cost, European access | Arabic-language, Islamic cultural alignment |
| Singapore | Quality, research | Proximity, visa accessibility |
Outlook
Medical tourism is a structural growth segment for the UAE, supported by rising healthcare demand across Africa and South Asia, expanding airline connectivity, and continued investment in specialist healthcare capacity. The sector’s growth trajectory is less sensitive to discretionary spending cycles than leisure tourism, providing a countercyclical buffer.
Current Assessment: Expanding — the UAE is well positioned but must manage cost competitiveness as regional alternatives improve.