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Why the UAE Is Becoming A Premier Destination For Medical Tourism

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 11, 2025

With a commitment to enhancing its healthcare offerings, the UAE has positioned itself as a leader in medical tourism, catering to a growing global demand. As countries focus on improving the health of their populations, the UAE stands out for its strategic investments in both healthcare infrastructure and its appeal to medical tourists.

According to Statista, the global medical tourism market was valued at $47 billion in 2024, with projections indicating it could exceed $111 billion by 2029. The UAE is setting the bar high, with innovative initiatives such as specialized portals for health tourists and streamlined entry processes for medical visitors.

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Tailored Portals And Seamless Experiences

Abu Dhabi and Dubai have launched dedicated online platforms that streamline the process for medical tourists. These portals offer a range of services, including healthcare provider contact information, appointment bookings, hotel reservations, and local transportation. Dubai Health Authority (DHA) introduced the Dubai Health Experience (DXH) brand in 2016, aimed at making the city a global leader in health tourism. The platform offers a curated selection of top-tier treatments in fields such as dentistry, fertility, ophthalmology, and cosmetic surgery.

Meanwhile, in 2018, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health (DoH) rolled out its own e-portal, showcasing a network of over 40 healthcare facilities that meet the stringent quality standards of the DoH’s JAWDA program. Visitors can explore nearly 300 treatment packages across specialties ranging from routine check-ups to complex surgeries.

Simplified Access With Specialized Permits

To further attract international patients, the UAE offers specialized entry permits for medical tourists and their companions. These permits, which can be single or multiple entries, are sponsored by medical institutions and processed by relevant authorities in the country. Dubai Healthcare City also introduced a new medical visa in January 2024, allowing treatment centers to apply for permits on behalf of patients for stays of up to six months. This move bolsters Dubai’s reputation as a medical tourism hotspot.

The city welcomed 674,000 medical tourists in 2022, generating $270 million in revenue. Wellness tourism is also booming in the UAE, with visitors spending $5.4 billion in 2022—almost double the amount spent in 2020.

Innovation At The Forefront

The UAE’s innovative spirit continues to propel its rise as a medical tourism hub. In 2024, HealthStay.io, the world’s first AI-powered medical tourism solution, launched in partnership with Dubai Health Experience. This startup, part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund’s Accelerator Program, uses artificial intelligence to automate the medical tourism journey, including selecting treatments and booking appointments.

“The launch of HealthStay.io is a direct result of the support from DXH and DHA, helping us transform Dubai into a global healthcare tourism leader,” said Ruairi Tubrid, co-founder of HealthStay.io. Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, MBRIF representative, emphasized the importance of accelerator programs in supporting innovative solutions that elevate the UAE’s standing as a center of excellence in healthcare.

Government Commitment To Healthcare Excellence

The UAE’s rapid growth in medical tourism is rooted in its consistent focus on healthcare improvement. Key strategies such as the Emirates Health Services Innovation Strategy 2023-2026 and the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 aim to enhance residents’ quality of life and elevate the nation’s healthcare offerings.

Compared to its Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) counterparts, the UAE leads in healthcare expenditure growth. Projections from Alpen Capital estimate that healthcare spending will reach $30.7 billion by 2027, reflecting the nation’s ongoing dedication to strengthening its healthcare infrastructure. As a result, the UAE continues to attract international patients seeking top-tier medical services.

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Global Monitor Shipments Surge As Gaming Displays Redefine Industry Standards

Industry Recovery And Renewed Momentum

Global desktop monitor shipments reached 133.4 million units in 2025, according to a report from Omdia, marking a 4.3% year-on-year increase as the market continued recovering from post-pandemic disruptions. The latest figures also reflect changing consumer demand, with monitors increasingly positioned as high-value devices across both gaming and professional environments traditionally dominated by laptops.

The Ascendancy Of Gaming Monitors

Gaming monitors remained the main driver of market growth during 2025, with global shipments rising to 41 million units, representing annual growth of 50.2%. According to Omdia, the segment now accounts for 31.1% of the total desktop monitor market following eleven consecutive quarters of expansion. Hidetoshi Himuro said gaming monitors are expected to continue evolving alongside advances in CPUs, GPUs, and increasingly demanding gaming content. Himuro also noted that the launch of next-generation graphics hardware, including NVIDIA RTX50 Series, is expected to support further demand for high-refresh-rate displays.

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Technological Innovations And Market Projections

Industry projections indicate gaming monitor shipments could increase further to 43 million units in 2026 as manufacturers continue improving performance and cost efficiency. Demand is increasingly centred around displays offering refresh rates above 120Hz, while OLED-equipped monitors are gaining market share due to advances in display quality and response times. Companies, including Samsung and LG, continue expanding OLED offerings through technologies such as QD-OLED and WOLED.

Addressing Industry Challenges

Despite strong growth, premium OLED monitors remain relatively expensive because of high manufacturing costs, limiting accessibility for more price-sensitive consumers. The industry also continues addressing concerns related to OLED burn-in, even as display technologies improve through ongoing technical refinements. At the same time, semiconductor supply constraints and geopolitical tensions continue creating uncertainty around production timelines and pricing across the broader hardware sector.

Market Implications And The Future Of Display Technologies

Analysts additionally point to growing demand for dual-mode gaming monitors, which allow users to switch between high-resolution and high-refresh-rate settings depending on usage needs. Benjamin Tan said the continued expansion of esports is driving demand for performance-focused hardware, particularly monitors offering refresh rates between 240Hz and 360Hz alongside response times of 1ms or lower.

As manufacturers continue investing in premium display technologies, including Quantum Dot OLED, future market growth is expected to depend on both technological innovation and improving affordability for consumers. Lower pricing for high-specification 27-inch models is also expected to support broader adoption across the gaming monitor segment.