Medical tourism in the UAE: surgeries and treatment abroad

Medicine in the United Arab Emirates is considered one of the most advanced in the world. Today, innovative treatment methods are available not only to residents of the country: medical tourism in the UAE is gaining momentum. Foreigners are attracted not only by advanced medical developments but also by the opportunity to combine treatment in the United Arab Emirates with relaxation.

Why medicine is developed in the UAE

The main reason for rapid development is constant investment and support for startups in the healthcare sector by the government. Over the past decade, the UAE government has actively invested over $2 billion in improving the sector and developing technologies. Investments have been directed towards developing innovative services based on artificial intelligence (AI). This has contributed to accelerated growth and development in other sectors of the economy: programming, finance, IT technologies.

The UAE actively invites and attracts qualified doctors and personnel from different countries, which enhances the level of expertise and experience in the medical field. The construction and development of world-class medical centers and hospitals, including "medical cities" specializing in providing high-quality healthcare services, have also had an impact.

Medical Services in the United Arab Emirates

According to information from official sources, there are 45 hospitals operating in the public sector of the UAE, employing over 8,000 doctors and 20,000 nurses. The private sector is represented by 98 hospitals, employing 14,000 doctors and 33,500 nurses. For a population of 9 million people, these are high figures.

The following types of medical services are most developed and in demand in the UAE:

• Cosmetic surgery and cosmetology. The UAE ranks among the top countries where people prefer to undergo plastic surgeries, liposuction, and rejuvenation injections.
• Ophthalmology. The country's medical centers offer high-tech vision correction surgeries.
• Dentistry: tooth implantation, orthodontics, and aesthetic dentistry.
• Cardiology. Emirati hospitals are equipped with advanced equipment for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular diseases.
• Diagnosis and screening to detect diseases at an early stage.
• Reproductive medicine. The UAE provides services in the field of artificial insemination, especially focusing on in vitro fertilization (IVF).
• Neurosurgery. Treatment of diseases and injuries of the central nervous system.

The healthcare system in the UAE is similar to that in Russia - all institutions are controlled by the Ministry of Health. Each emirate has its own local healthcare authorities.

For example, Abu Dhabi residents receive medical care for free under the Thiqa program. Such an opportunity is not available for foreign citizens. Only emergency medical care is free, while all subsequent treatment is paid.

A foreigner can purchase insurance to access all services. The cost of a policy for coverage of $100,000, or 367,000 dirhams, will be approximately 1,000 rubles.

Cost of Treatment in the United Arab Emirates

The cost varies depending on the type of service, the level of the institution, the chosen doctor, and the city. For example, treatment in Dubai may be 50–100 dirhams more expensive than in other cities in the UAE, but salaries here are higher.

Approximate prices for the most demanded services are as follows:

• Doctor's consultation.

General practitioner: from 300 to 600 AED (80–160 USD).

Specialist: from 500 to 1500 AED (135–410 USD).

• Tests and examinations.

Complete blood count: from 100 to 300 AED (27–80 USD).

Ultrasound: from 400 to 1000 AED (110–270 USD).

CT or MRI: from 1500 to 5,000 AED (410–1360 USD).

• Dentistry.

Filling: from 500 to 1500 AED (135–410 USD).

Tooth extraction: from 700 to 2000 AED (190–545 USD).

• Surgeries and surgical interventions.

Simple surgery (appendicitis, etc.): from 10,000 to 30,000 AED (2720–8170 USD).

Complex surgery (e.g., organ transplantation): from 50,000 AED and above (over 13,600 USD).

• Childbirth.

Natural childbirth: from 7000 to 15,000 AED (1900–4080 USD).

Cesarean section: from 15,000 to 25,000 AED (4080–6800 USD).

Healthcare is a rapidly growing sector in the UAE. Along with this, medical tourism in the United Arab Emirates is also developing actively. If you want to try your hand at business and achieve stable earnings abroad, contact the specialists at The Level Consulting for support. Business in the field of medicine is particularly demanding in terms of legislation, so we will help you with licenses and documents. Contact us, and we will answer all your questions.