Dubai expands medical tourism sector following record revenues

Dubai is strengthening its medical tourism industry after indirect revenues exceeded $628 million last year. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost Dubai’s standing in the global medical tourism market.

The partnership, signed by Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of DET, and Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, director general of DHA, aims to position Dubai as a top destination for healthcare and quality of life.

The MoU focuses on enhancing competitiveness, efficiency, and transparency in the healthcare sector while adhering to international standards.

In 2023, Dubai saw a significant rise in medical tourism, attracting 691,478 international patients who spent over AED 1.034 billion ($282 million) on healthcare services.

This growth surpasses 2022 figures and highlights Dubai's role as a major global hub for medical tourism, contributing significantly to its GDP by driving growth in key sectors such as aviation, hospitality, and telecommunications.

This collaboration is part of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to make Dubai a leading destination for business and leisure.

The initiative seeks to attract investments in healthcare, host major global medical events, and establish Dubai as the preferred choice for those seeking high-quality medical services and a superior quality of life.

Al Ketbi highlighted Dubai's strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and favorable environment for healthcare investments, which have attracted numerous international hospitals and specialized centers.

This effort aims to make Dubai a top choice for healthcare excellence and overall well-being.