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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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Esports Must Put Children’s Rights Ahead Of Competitive Ambitions, Report Says

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 27, 2026

Competitive gaming can help children build skills, find community and pursue achievement. However, as esports grows, young players face health, psychological and online safety risks, often without consistent safeguards, according to a new report from Save the Children.

The report, Protecting Child Rights in Esports, estimates that up to 300 million children worldwide participate in esports. It calls on the industry to prioritise the rights set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child over competitive ambitions.

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Potential risks include disrupted sleep, musculoskeletal pain, anxiety, depression, sexism and online harassment. Intensive training can also leave less time for education, family and friends.

“Esports offers exciting opportunities for children, but participation should never come at the expense of their rights, wellbeing or development,” said Theo Toresson, a psychologist and gaming expert at Save the Children.

Children must be treated “as children first and competitors second”, he added, calling for their involvement in decisions that affect them.

Training Standards Remain Uneven

The report highlights the lack of widely established standards for training hours and methods. Extended periods of sitting, insufficient breaks and schedules that interfere with sleep, exercise and schoolwork can affect young players’ health and development.

Poor posture and long sessions may also cause neck, shoulder and wrist pain, while late-night gaming can undermine sleep, concentration and mood.

Although some organisations provide guidance on breaks, nutrition, sleep and hydration, a representative of a national esports federation told the report that this advice often draws on separate studies rather than a centralised set of guidelines.

The report also notes positive findings: many professional esports players report satisfactory levels of physical activity, and higher-ranking players often place greater emphasis on fitness.

Online Harassment Adds To Mental Health Risks

Gaming communities and livestreaming platforms can help young players build connections and public profiles, but they may also expose them to cyberbullying, discrimination and privacy violations.

An analysis cited in the report examined chatrooms across 302 gameplay segments involving the 20 most popular Twitch streamers. It found sexist language in 62% of streams, racist language in 37%, ableist language in 84% and violent language in 97%.

Some esports federations and teams require staff to receive mental health first-aid training, but the practice remains uncommon. Young competitors may also face public scrutiny through livestreams, interviews and social media before they have the support to manage it.

Safeguards Must Extend Beyond Gameplay

The report raises further concerns about unequal participation linked to gender, race, LGBTQIA+ identity and disability. It also highlights children’s limited involvement in decisions affecting them and the risk of economic exploitation by teams, agents or parents, particularly where contracts lack transparency.

Inadequate supervision at live events presents additional risks.

Save the Children argues that protecting young competitors requires more than advice on posture and screen breaks. Clear standards, responsible oversight and age-appropriate safeguards are needed to ensure esports supports children’s development rather than putting it at risk.

As competitive gaming expands, the industry faces growing pressure to make children’s rights and wellbeing part of its operating standards.