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Why the UAE Is Becoming A Premier Destination For Medical Tourism

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.

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.

Cyprus Unveils €2.5 Million Electric Vehicle Initiative to Accelerate Clean Transport


The Cabinet has approved a strategic €2.5 million funding initiative designed to bolster the electric and hybrid vehicle market across Cyprus. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades detailed that the scheme is a cornerstone in the nation’s pursuit of enhanced electric mobility—a critical factor in achieving its ambitious environmental targets.

Strategic Funding for A Greener Future

This robust government-backed plan will offer grants for both new and used electric vehicles, thereby making clean transportation more accessible. By reducing financial barriers for consumers, Cyprus is taking proactive measures to accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies and stimulate market demand for green mobility solutions.

Phased Grant Allocation and Preexisting Funds

Before launching the new scheme, the ministry will reassign 97 vehicle grants and 18 motorcycle grants from previous rounds that had either been cancelled or not linked to orders. Minister Vafeades confirmed that once these preexisting grants are utilized, the new funding will fully activate. A total of 260 new grants remain available at unchanged amounts, ensuring continuity for applicants who ordered vehicles after the previous scheme ended.

Ensuring Continuity Under The Recovery And Resilience Plan

The initiative not only reinforces Cyprus’s commitment to sustainable transport but also seamlessly integrates with the Recovery and Resilience Plan, safeguarding against wasted allocations. With approximately 100 grants from the earlier round still unclaimed, these will be reissued in priority order, ensuring every available opportunity is effectively leveraged.

Further details regarding grant categories, launch dates, and terms are expected to be published on the Road Transport Department’s website, cementing this strategic plan as a pivotal step towards a greener, more sustainable future in Cyprus.


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