UAE rises as global medical tourism hub with Abu Dhabi leading the way, says expert

Al Etihad

01-06-2025

2 June 2025 00:19
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)By combining world-class healthcare with luxury and exceptional patient support, the UAE is emerging as a leading medical tourism destination in the region, and Abu Dhabi is keeping pace with this growth, an industry expert has said.
Speaking to Aletihad , Danish Ahmed, CEO and Founder of global health travel platform Healthtrip, said the country's healthcare sector has 'undergone remarkable transformation' over a decade. 'Renowned surgeons from top medical hubs, including the US, Germany, the UK, and India are now practising in the UAE,' Ahmed said. 'With a wide array of cosmetic clinics, a diverse cultural environment, and a variety for all ages, the UAE offers not only top-tier healthcare but also a comprehensive, family-friendly travel experience.'The country is investing in wellness resorts while advancing medical research in genetics, longevity, and AI-driven healthcare — all in addition to hosting world-class institutions like Cleveland Clinic, Burjeel Medical City, and American Hospital.Abu Dhabi, in particular, has become a go-to destination for those seeking first-class cosmetic, dental, and specialised medical treatments, he said. The emirate has built top-class infrastructure and leading surgeons from around the world would readily fly in to provide the services. Abu Dhabi today is home to world-class medical institutions ... These investments ensure that the emirate — and the UAE at large — is poised to remain at the forefront of health and medical tourism for years to come,' Ahmed said. In terms of pricing, rates in the UAE are comparable to those in medical tourism hotspots, such as Thailand and Malaysia; hence, it has become a top alternative for many patients from different parts of the world, the expert said.But the country offers more than just competitive rates. 'Competitiveness is not about price; it is about experience. The UAE's offerings are parallel to advanced countries in quality and on par with Thailand and Malaysia in pricing. For GCC, Africa, and Central Asia patients, it is increasingly the first choice.'Cosmetic and dental services remain high in demand among medical tourists; however, there has recently been a notable shift in patient needs. More patients are travelling for advanced, specialised treatments, such as 'cancer care, organ transplants, orthopaedic treatments, stem cell therapies, and full-body health checkups', Ahmed said. For those seeking these services, the UAE is a good fit considering the country's cutting-edge medical infrastructure, commitment to innovation, and reputation for high-quality care.
Need for Awareness As the country gains popularity as a health tourism hub, one of the factors it needs to work on is awareness, Ahmed said. 'Many patients are still unaware that the UAE offers care that rivals or even surpasses traditional medical tourism hubs in Western countries or even in Asia. Affordability also plays an important role for patients but often misunderstood as a barrier,' Ahmed said. However, technology, communication, and human support all help bridge the initial trust gap, he added. 'Trust is fundamental to health travel,' Ahmed said, highlighting the importance of guaranteeing quality across hospitals.Protecting trust and quality in global healthcare requires rigorous evaluation of hospitals, prioritising patient safety, clinical excellence, and transparency. This approach integrates real-time monitoring, continuous feedback, and active collaboration with healthcare providers. Partnerships with hospitals and health authorities further strengthen the delivery of region-specific, reliable care for patients from diverse backgrounds, the expert said.
Economic Strategy Ahmed believes health tourism is well aligned with the UAE's diversified economic strategy. 'Health tourism fits beautifully into the UAE's vision for a diversified, happiness-focused and knowledge-based economy. It stimulates key sectors of technology, healthcare, hospitality, aviation, insurance and even fintech,' he said.
'Health-led travel attracts high-value visitors and creates numerous skill-based job opportunities for the resident population,' Ahmed said.