Jordan leads Mena medical tourism with 224,000 visitors in 2024
The Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) has reported a significant increase in international medical and wellness tourism visits to the Middle East and North Africa region. In 2024, the medical tourism sector saw 224,740 visitors, with 51,448 in Q1 2025.
The country's comprehensive healthcare ecosystem, including 69 private sector hospitals with 5,500 beds, has made it a preferred destination for patients seeking advanced medical treatments, particularly from GCC nations and neighboring countries.
Iraq leads the international demand at 257,396 visitations, followed by Saudi Arabia at 216,256.
Kuwait received over 31,920 visitors, followed by Qatar at 15,524, Bahrain at 13,856, Oman at 8,828, and the UAE at 6,584.
GCC visitors value Jordan's cultural resonance, shared language, and understanding of their healthcare preferences.
Jordan's geographic features provide natural therapeutic sites that complement its advanced medical facilities.
The Dead Sea, 400 meters below sea level, offers exceptional therapeutic benefits through mineral-rich waters containing 33% salt content and high levels of magnesium, sodium, and bromine.
The country's atmospheric conditions, including year-round UVB radiation, increased oxygen content, and minimal pollution, contribute to an optimal environment for health treatments.
Wellness offerings range from Dead Sea spa treatments to the therapeutic waters of Ma'in Hot Springs, offering traditional Arabian Hammam treatments alongside modern rehabilitation therapies.
Jordan's medical tourism infrastructure is supported by state-of-the-art facilities and advanced medical technology, with significant investments in modern equipment and specialised units ensuring international standards of patient care and better outcomes.
"Jordan's medical tourism sector has demonstrated remarkable growth, led by theworld-class healthcare services the country offers, the natural therapeutic sites with first class resorts, and our famed hospitality," said Dr Abdelrazzak Arabiyat, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board. "Our healthcare facilities maintain international standards while providing cost-effective treatments, making Jordan an attractive destination for patients seeking high quality medical care."
"The diversity of medical specialties available in Jordan, combined with the expertise of our healthcare professionals, who are trusted across the GCC, has created a strong medical tourism ecosystem," added Dr Arabiyat. 'The visitors are further energised by the natural therapeutic destinations that add to the well-being of all visitors.' -TradeArabia News Service
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Trade Arabia
a day ago
- Trade Arabia
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi launches Beirut flights
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, the ultra-low-fare national airline of the UAE, has launched its inaugural flight to Beirut. This milestone reinforces the airline's commitment to expanding its network across the Middle East and making travel more accessible, affordable and inclusive for everyone in the UAE. The new route operates three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with one-way fares starting from just AED249. As the only ultra-low-cost carrier flying directly from Abu Dhabi to Lebanon, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi offers UAE residents, including the large Lebanese community, a convenient, cost effective and smart travel option. The route makes it easier for families to reunite, for tourists to explore Lebanon's rich culture, and for more people to fly often without compromise. The inaugural flight was celebrated at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport with a media and stakeholder conference attended by government officials, airport executives, and senior representatives from Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. Speaking at the press conference in Beirut, Tamara Vallois, Head of Commercial at Wizz Air said: 'Today marks a historic occasion of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi's first landing in Lebanon. This new route opens up more opportunities for families, businesses, and tourists to travel affordably between two vibrant capitals, which is already underlined by the fact that our flights for the upcoming weeks are nearly all sold out. As the national airline of the UAE, we stay true to our broader mission of making the region more accessible with easy travel options that deliver both value and high quality. We stay committed to contributing to the Abu Dhabi ecosystem by boosting tourism and business links between the countries and our crew looks forward to seeing many happy customers on board soon for a well-deserved summer vacation visiting loved ones or discovering the many gems this incredible country has to offer.' Laura Lahoud, Minister of Tourism for Lebanon, added: 'The launch of direct flights between the UAE capital and Beirut by Wizz Air Abu Dhabi marks a significant milestone in our mission to revitalise Lebanon's tourism sector. This new route strengthens regional connectivity, fosters cultural exchange and aligns with our vision of making Lebanon more accessible to travellers. It will also be an important driver of travel demand and supports the creation of jobs and economic growth. We welcome this partnership and look forward to more visitors experiencing the beauty, rich history and renowned hospitality that Lebanon has to offer.' The beating heart of Lebanon, Beirut is a diverse blend of ancient history, culture, and energy, with Unesco World Heritage Sites, vibrant souks, buzzing nightlife and Mediterranean charm. The city offers a sensory feast for visitors with a plethora of unmissable activities and rich culinary traditions. Must-visit spots include the Raouché Rocks, the National Museum, and the historic Downtown district. Beyond Beirut, travellers can enjoy easy day trips to Lebanon's scenic villages, majestic mountains, and postcard-perfect coastal towns.
Trade Arabia
a day ago
- Trade Arabia
Bahrain's Sama Bay Project enters fast track
Bahrain-based Millet Engineering Bureau has announced that work is in full swing at the Sama Bay development located on the Galali waterfront with its second phase over 90% completed. According to the Bureau, the initial phase of Sama Bay covered a total area of 75,000 sq m in a prime coastal location. This phase introduces a vibrant mix of facilities including 14 retail units with flexible leasing options, 14 food trucks integrated within an open-air service zone, and two fully equipped public beaches designed to accommodate recreational and leisure activities. As the firm overseeing the design and implementation of Sama Bay project, Millet Engineering Bureau said it was delighted to see the project on track for full delivery in the near future. The second phase represents a pivotal advancement, introducing an exclusive array of seaside dining venues designed to deliver exceptional culinary experiences in an idyllic setting, said a statement from the Bureau. These additions are set to further elevate the project's profile as a signature destination and a driver of both tourism and economic growth, in alignment with Bahrain's Tourism Strategy 2022–2026 and the national development goals outlined in Economic Vision 2030. It also features the 'Al Nakheel Premium,' a state-of-the-art open-air fitness gym nestled in a natural environment, alongside multiple sports amenities such as a football field, padel courts, and a variety of outdoor seating areas distributed throughout designated relaxation and social zones, said the statement. Dr Salman Alghatam, the General Manager of Millet Engineering Bureau, stated that work on Sama Bay has progressed in alignment with the project's master schedule and in accordance with the highest engineering and quality standards. "In a remarkably short span, the project has emerged as a flagship destination for tourism, recreation, and lifestyle activities, drawing widespread interest from Muharraq residents, citizens, and international visitors alike," stated Dr Alghatam. "Its strategic coastal setting, combined with thoughtfully designed spaces, offers a seamless and enriching experience that meets a broad spectrum of interests while delivering outstanding quality and comfort," he added. Dr. Alghatam pointed out that since the launch of Phase I, the Sama Bay has attracted strong visitor engagement and served as a venue for major public events such as Bahrain Sports Day, affirming its role as a dynamic hub for wellness and community life. The second and final phase of the project significantly elevates the waterfront experience through the addition of six architecturally distinct buildings with direct sea views, each designed to accommodate two restaurants, he stated.
Trade Arabia
a day ago
- Trade Arabia
Abu Dhabi completes gas systems remediation in buildings
The Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi (DoE) has announced that it has successfully completed the gas systems remediation project in buildings with a 100% completion rate. According to DoE, over 200,000 safe working hours were recorded during the implementation of the programme, which began in August 2023, as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of gas systems across the emirate. The work was successfully completed on over 2,400 buildings, including more than 200 buildings classified as high-risk, which were addressed urgently, said the DoE in a statement. Additionally, 550 previously undetected gas leaks were identified and repaired, and all gas filling lines were relocated outside the buildings as part of the programme. It also involved the replacement of more than 450 gas tanks and control panels, as well as the installation of over 10,000 gas leak detectors inside kitchens. Dr Saif Saeed Al Qubaisi, Acting Director General of Regulatory Affairs at DoE, said: "Safety is a collective effort and a shared responsibility among all stakeholders in this sector. Building owners play a vital role in maintaining the safety and security of the community." "We began our inspection and remediation project in August 2023 and have successfully inspected over 3,100 buildings across the emirate," he stated. Eng Ahmed Alsheebani, Executive Director of the Petroleum Products Regulatory Affairs Sector at DoE, said: "Abu Dhabi continues to lead in ensuring the safe use of gas systems, recognising gas as a vital resource that impacts various aspects of daily life and plays a key role- alongside clean and renewable energy sources - in supporting the stability of the energy sector." According to the Executive Regulations for Gas Works in Buildings, property owners are required to sign an annual maintenance contract with a gas operator permitted by the DoE.
