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Why the UAE Is Becoming A Premier Destination For Medical Tourism

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

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 Innovation Leaders Gather For RIF’s Annual The Bash 2026

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

More than 200 leaders from Cyprus’ research, innovation and entrepreneurship community came together on Tuesday for The Bash 2026, the annual flagship networking event of the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF).

Held under the theme “Let’s Cheers to Innovation Together!”, the gathering brought into one room the startups, scaleups, investors, academics, business support organisations, public sector representatives and policymakers helping shape Cyprus’ next phase of innovation-led growth.

Building Momentum Through Collaboration

The event opened with remarks from RIF board chairman and Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology Demetris Skourides, RIF director general Theodoros Loukaidis and Konstantinos Kleovoulou, who represented the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy.

Across their speeches, one message was consistent: Cyprus’ innovation story is increasingly being defined by collaboration.

“Cyprus’ innovation ecosystem is growing, maturing and continuously delivering new success stories,” Skourides said. “This is not happening by chance. It is the result of the collective effort and collaboration of everyone who is part of this community.”

He added that RIF remains focused on helping create the conditions needed for the ecosystem to expand further. “As the Research and Innovation Foundation, and personally in my capacity as Chief Scientist, we remain committed to securing the necessary resources and creating the right conditions to further strengthen and support our ecosystem,” he said.

Skourides said The Bash has become a platform where connections turn into commercial and institutional value. “The Bash demonstrates that when the community comes together, new ideas emerge, new partnerships are formed, and the next success stories for Cyprus begin,” he noted.

A More Mature Startup Landscape

Loukaidis pointed to Cyprus’ improved standing in the global startup arena, citing the country’s 39th-place ranking in the StartupBlink Startup Ecosystem Index.

“Today, Cyprus has a much stronger and more mature innovation ecosystem, ranked 39th globally in the StartupBlink Startup Ecosystem Index,” he said. “This achievement is the result of a collective effort involving startups and innovative businesses, investors, incubators and accelerators, knowledge transfer offices, our universities, public sector stakeholders, and the Research and Innovation Foundation, which continuously evolves to better support the ecosystem.”

He said the country is now laying the groundwork for further progress. “Together, we are building the foundations for even greater success,” Loukaidis added.

“Thank you all for being here tonight at The Bash, which has grown into a flagship event, creating opportunities for meaningful networking, new ideas and lasting collaborations,” he said.

Government Signals Continued Support

Representing the deputy minister, Kleovoulou reiterated the government’s commitment to sustaining the sector’s momentum.

“Cyprus today has a dynamic research and innovation ecosystem that continues to grow and create new opportunities,” he said. “The Government remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen collaboration and further enhance Cyprus’ research and innovation ecosystem.”

Beyond the networking agenda, the event served as a snapshot of how far Cyprus has come in building a more connected innovation economy. It also highlighted a broader policy truth: in small markets, scale often depends less on size than on coordination among government, universities, research organisations, investors and businesses.

RIF said the strong turnout and energetic atmosphere confirmed The Bash’s role as the annual meeting point for the island’s innovation community, helping generate synergies, partnerships and initiatives with long-term impact.

The event was organised under RIF’s Innovation Factory initiative and formed part of the activities of the Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus.

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