Healthcare Outlook in United Arab Emirate (UAE)
Though the 2014 fall in oil prices adversely affected the revenues of the GCC economy, the national governments initiated several economic diversification efforts to reduce the reliance on oil-related revenues. 

Two-thirds of the world’s population is just an eight-hour flight away from UAE, reflecting the country’s strategic location. With simple visa rules, state-of-the-art technology, affordable treatments, highly skilled doctors, and tourist attractions, the UAE is on track to become the medical tourism hub of the GCC. 

Dubai and Abu Dhabi lead the inbound medical tourism market in the GCC. With the number of medical tourists growing from 107,000 in 2012 to 337,011 in 2018, Dubai offers numerous internationally accredited healthcare facilities as well as the Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) free zone, a health & wellness destination. 

The DHCC employs licensed professionals from almost 90 countries, strengthening the city’s medical tourism portfolio. Dubai ranks 16th out of 41 destinations listed in the Medical Tourism Index. Orthopaedics, dermatology & skincare, dentistry, and fertility treatment are the top specialties for medical tourism in Dubai.

Not to be left behind, Abu Dhabi has partnered with the Medical Tourism Association (MTA), to promote the city as a medical tourist destination in markets such as Russia, China, and, the GCC, focusing on specialty areas such as cardiology, oncology, and executive screenings.