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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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EU Goods Trade With Canada Grows In 2025 As Imports Rise Faster Than Exports

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 14, 2026

European Union goods exports to Canada increased by 1.2% in 2025 to €48.8 billion, while imports grew by 18% to €33 billion, narrowing the bloc’s trade surplus to €15.8 billion, according to Eurostat.

Despite the faster growth in imports, the EU continued to export substantially more goods to Canada than it imported. The figures point to expanding bilateral trade, with imports gaining ground more quickly than exports.

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Trade Expands Under CETA

EU exports to Canada rose from €48.2 billion in 2024, while imports increased from €28 billion. Overall, bilateral goods trade reached €81.8 billion in 2025.

The growth follows the provisional entry into force of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in September 2017. Between 2015 and 2017, EU-Canada goods trade grew by an average of 4.7% annually. From 2018 to 2025, its total value increased from €54.2 billion to €81.8 billion, equivalent to average annual growth of 6.1%.

Machinery And Pharmaceuticals Lead EU Exports

Industrial and high-value manufactured goods dominated EU exports to Canada in 2025. Machinery and mechanical appliances topped the list at €9.4 billion, accounting for 19.3% of total exports.

Pharmaceutical products ranked second at €5.5 billion, or 11.2%, closely followed by vehicles, cars, motorcycles and parts at €5.4 billion, representing 11.1%. Electrical machinery and equipment contributed €3.3 billion, or 6.7%, while optical, photographic and medical instruments accounted for €2 billion, equivalent to 4.1%.

Raw Materials And Industrial Goods Drive Canadian Imports

Canada’s exports to the EU were led by raw materials and industrial inputs. Ores, slag and ash formed the largest category, valued at €4 billion and accounting for 12.2% of EU imports from Canada.

Machinery and mechanical appliances followed at €3.8 billion, representing 11.4%. Mineral fuels, oils and distillation products reached €3.1 billion, or 9.4%, while aircraft, spacecraft and parts totalled €2.9 billion, accounting for 8.9%. Pharmaceutical products completed the top five at €1.9 billion, or 5.9%.

A Growing Trade Relationship

Eurostat’s figures show that EU-Canada goods trade continues to expand, although the balance is shifting as imports grow faster than exports. The EU remains a net exporter, while Canada supplies a mix of raw materials, energy-related products and manufactured goods.

The narrowing surplus highlights a more dynamic bilateral trade relationship, with both sides increasing their role in the exchange of industrial products and strategically important goods.