UAE Medical Tourism Market Size Likely to Grow at a CAGR of 8.70% By 2033

As per the current market research conducted by the CMI Team, the UAE Medical Tourism Market size is expected to record a CAGR of 8.70% from 2024 to 2033. In 2024, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 1,085.58 Million. By 2033, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 2,300 Million.

UAE Medical Tourism Market: Growth Factors and Dynamics

• State-of-the-Art Medical Facilities: The UAE has invested heavily in healthcare infrastructure, offering advanced medical technologies and state-of-the-art facilities. Hospitals and clinics in the UAE are equipped with the latest medical equipment and follow international standards.

• Highly Qualified Medical Professionals: The country attracts highly skilled and internationally trained medical professionals. Many doctors and specialists in the UAE have qualifications from renowned medical institutions around the world.

• Strategic Location and Connectivity: The UAE’s strategic geographic location makes it easily accessible from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Excellent air connectivity with major international airlines facilitates easy travel for medical tourists.

• Government Support and Policies: The UAE government actively promotes medical tourism through supportive policies, incentives, and marketing campaigns. Initiatives like the Dubai Health Experience (DXH) aim to boost the UAE’s reputation as a premier medical tourism destination.

• Comprehensive Healthcare Services: The UAE offers a wide range of medical services, including specialized treatments in areas such as cosmetic surgery, orthopedics, cardiology, oncology, and fertility treatments. This variety attracts patients with diverse medical needs.

• High Standards of Care and Accreditation: Many hospitals and clinics in the UAE have international accreditations, such as from the Joint Commission International (JCI), ensuring high standards of patient care and safety.

• Cultural and Language Inclusivity: The multicultural environment in the UAE ensures that medical tourists from different parts of the world feel comfortable. Medical staff often speak multiple languages, and cultural sensitivity is a priority.

• Tourism and Hospitality Infrastructure: The UAE is known for its luxury tourism and hospitality sector. Medical tourists can combine their treatments with leisure activities, staying in world-class hotels and enjoying the country’s attractions.

• Affordability and Packages: Competitive pricing for medical procedures compared to Western countries, along with comprehensive medical tourism packages that include treatment, accommodation, and transportation, make the UAE an attractive option.

UAE Medical Tourism Market: Product development

• In 2024, the 2024 federal budget allocates 8% (Dh5.2 billion or $1.4 billion) for healthcare, an increase of Dh800 million ($220 million) from five years ago.

• In June 2024, The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) introduced ‘Dubai in One Day’, a novel medical tourism package tailored for global patients. Launched at Arab Health 2023, the initiative enables international visitors to schedule medical procedures swiftly while accessing comprehensive tourism amenities. This innovation highlights Dubai’s capability to offer expedited medical services comparable to renowned global destinations. With a focus on efficiency and convenience, the initiative aims to strengthen Dubai’s tourism sector by integrating medical services with tourism, showcasing the city as a hub for quick, high-quality medical care and leisure activities.

• In April 2024, Burjeel Holdings aims to expand its medical tourism sector threefold by 2030. The UAE-based healthcare provider currently operates 16 hospitals, 23 medical centers, pharmacies, and more. In collaboration with Leejam Sports Company, it plans to establish over 60 medical centers within Leejam clubs across Saudi Arabia, starting with six in Riyadh this quarter. Expansion across the kingdom’s Leejam network is slated over the next 12-18 months, marking a strategic move to enhance healthcare accessibility in the region.

• In September 2022, The Ministry of Economy and Dubai Health Authority (DHA) signed an MoU to enhance medical tourism and solidify the UAE’s position as a top destination for medical and wellness tourism. They will exchange expertise in intellectual property (IP) and patents to boost innovation, aligning with the principles of the 50. The Ministry will provide specialized IP training and workshops to DHA employees, promoting innovation, copyrights culture, and organizing events in IP and innovation fields.

Report Scope

UAE Medical Tourism Market: COVID-19 Analysis

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the UAE Medical Tourism Market, with the industry experiencing both positive and negative effects. Here are some of the key impacts:

• Travel Restrictions and Quarantine Measures: The imposition of travel bans, lockdowns, and quarantine requirements significantly reduced the number of international patients, leading to a decline in medical tourism revenue.

• Economic Downturn: The global economic slowdown resulted in decreased disposable income and financial insecurity for potential medical tourists, reducing their ability to afford medical travel.

• Operational Challenges: Hospitals and clinics faced operational disruptions, staff shortages, and increased operational costs due to the need for PPE, testing, and other pandemic-related expenses.

• Shift in Focus: The healthcare sector’s focus shifted towards managing COVID-19 cases and vaccination efforts, diverting resources and attention away from non-COVID-19 medical tourism services.

• Enhanced Healthcare Infrastructure: The pandemic prompted investments in healthcare infrastructure and technology, improving the overall quality and capacity of medical facilities. This upgrade benefits medical tourists seeking advanced treatment.

• Increased Global Recognition: The UAE’s effective handling of the pandemic and its rapid vaccination campaign enhanced its global reputation as a safe and reliable destination for healthcare services.

• Innovation and Digital Transformation: The adoption of telemedicine and digital health solutions accelerated, making it easier for international patients to consult with UAE healthcare providers remotely, thus increasing the reach of medical tourism.

• Improved Safety Protocols: Enhanced safety and hygiene protocols have been implemented in medical facilities, ensuring a higher standard of care that can attract more medical tourists concerned about safety.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a mixed impact on the UAE Medical Tourism Market, with some challenges and opportunities arising from the pandemic.

List of the prominent players in the UAE Medical Tourism Market:

• Shifa International
• The Medical Tourism Center
• Anavara
• Tours Cure
• Thumbay Medical Tourism
• Ontime Healthcare
• Royal Cure
• Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA)
• Mayo Clinic
• Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
• Mediclinic Ibn Sina
• American Hospital Dubai
• Others

The UAE Medical Tourism Market is segmented as follows:

By Type

• Inbound
• Outbound

By Treatment Type

• Cosmetic
• Dental
• Fertility
• Gynaecological
• Orthopaedic
• Paediatric