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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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Ryanair Will Require Checked Bags To Be Dropped Off 60 Minutes Before Departure

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 29, 2026

Ryanair passengers checking luggage will need to drop off their bags at least 60 minutes before departure from 10 November, giving travellers less time to use the airline’s airport bag-drop service.

Until the change, passengers can hand over checked luggage up to 40 minutes before their scheduled departure. The new deadline will apply at all airports served by Ryanair.

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More Time For Security And Passport Control

Announced in April, the policy is intended to give passengers more time to clear security and passport control, where queues can lengthen during busy travel periods. Ryanair says about 20% of its passengers check in a bag.

“This small change will give the 20% of Ryanair passengers who check in a bag more time to clear airport security and passport control queues and get to their departure gate before boarding begins,” said Dara Brady, the airline’s chief marketing officer.

Brady urged passengers using airport bag drop to arrive in good time and complete both check-in and baggage drop before the revised 60-minute cutoff.

Higher Fares And Route Cuts In Focus

The baggage deadline comes as Ryanair’s leadership warns of potential pressure on fares and capacity across Europe. Chief executive Michael O’Leary recently told Euronews that airfares could see their biggest increase in European history over the next 12 months.

O’Leary said airlines could be largely unhedged against higher jet-fuel prices from April 2027, with fare increases passed on to customers potentially reaching 20%. He also forecast that airline failures and takeovers could reduce the number of available seats.

Ryanair has also announced plans to reduce routes to Belgium, citing the country’s proposed increase in aviation tax from €2 to €7 in January 2027.

Europe’s largest airline operates bases across the continent, including its headquarters in Dublin, as well as locations in Marseille, Berlin, Athens, Milan and Barcelona.