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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.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Retail Sector Sees Robust Growth In April 2026

Strong Growth Across Value And Volume Metrics

The Cyprus retail landscape demonstrated impressive momentum in April 2026, as reported by the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat). Both value and volume indices registered notable annual increases. The Turnover Value Index of Retail Trade (excluding motor vehicles) advanced by 5.8% year-on-year, reaching 141.0 units, while the Turnover Volume Index grew by 2.9% to 122.1 units. This dual expansion underscores a healthy retail activity, both in monetary terms and real units sold.

Sector Specific Performances

Growth remained broadly positive during the first four months of the year. Between January and April 2026, the value index increased by 6.4% compared with the same period of 2025, while the volume index rose by 5.5%. Automotive fuel recorded the largest increase in value, rising 16.5% year-on-year, although sales volumes declined by 3.6%. Other household equipment, including furniture, electrical appliances, lighting products, carpets and construction materials, posted gains of 10.3% in value and 11.7% in volume.

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Cultural and recreational goods also performed strongly, with value and volume increasing by 9.9% and 11.2% respectively. Information and communication equipment recorded one of the largest volume increases, rising 17.7%, alongside a 6.4% increase in value.

Divergent Trends And Category Insights

Non-specialised stores, including supermarkets, reported a 5.9% increase in value and a 2.4% rise in volume for food, beverages and tobacco. By comparison, specialised food, beverage and tobacco stores recorded a 2% increase in value while sales volumes declined by 3.3%. Pharmaceuticals, orthopaedic goods and cosmetics posted more moderate gains, with value increasing by 2.4% and volume by 1.8%.

Not all categories recorded growth. Clothing and footwear sales declined by 1.9% in value despite a 3.8% increase in volume. Categories including flowers, plants, jewellery, watches, optical goods and second-hand products reported a 0.2% decline in value and an 8.2% decrease in volume. Non-store retail sales also fell, declining by 5.1% in value and 3.4% in volume.

Aggregated Results And Future Outlook

Excluding automotive fuel, retail trade increased by 4.8% in value and 3.5% in volume. Food products recorded a 5.5% increase in value and a 1.8% rise in volume, while non-food goods grew by 3.9% in value and 5.4% in volume. Over the January-April period, information and communication equipment recorded the strongest cumulative volume growth at 21.2%. Other household equipment followed with an 11.5% increase in volume and a 10.8% rise in value. Cultural and recreational goods and supermarket sales also recorded gains, while clothing and footwear posted a 1.7% decline in value. Specialised food, beverage and tobacco stores reported a 1.1% decrease in volume during the four months.