Dubai’s health tourism sector experienced remarkable growth in 2023, according to a recent report by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The report highlights a surge in international patients seeking medical treatment in Dubai, coupled with substantial spending on a wide range of healthcare services.
This growth underscores the global confidence in Dubai’s healthcare services, recognized for their quality and excellence across various medical specialties. Dubai’s competitive advantage as a leading health tourism destination, both regionally and globally, is further solidified by these findings.
A recent report by DHA has highlighted remarkable growth in the health tourism sector in Dubai in 2023. This upsurge is evident in the increased number of tourists seeking medical treatment in the city and their significant spending on a variety of healthcare services. According… pic.twitter.com/0oeOocEarh
— هيئة الصحة بدبي (@DHA_Dubai) August 19, 2024
The report also sheds light on the DHA’s collaborative efforts with strategic partners to accelerate the growth of health tourism. These initiatives align with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aiming to double the emirate’s economy and establish Dubai as a preferred global hub for business, investment, and tourism.
In 2023, Dubai welcomed over 691,000 health tourists from around the world, generating over AED1.03 billion ($280.42 million) in healthcare spending. These figures surpass the 2022 figures, where Dubai received 674,000 international health tourists, generating AED992 million in spending.
Dubai’s indirect revenue from health tourism reached AED2.3 billion in 2023, playing a significant role in boosting the emirate’s overall GDP and contributing to the growth of vital sectors.
Data from the Dubai Digital Authority reveals that 58 percent of international health tourists were women, while 42 percent were men. A substantial portion of international medical tourists originated from Asia (33 percent), followed by Arab countries within the GCC (28 percent) and European countries along with the Commonwealth of Independent States (23 percent).
Dubai’s success in attracting medical tourists from various regions seeking expertise in key specialties further reinforces its position as a premier destination for specialized healthcare services.
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Here’s a breakdown of the most sought-after medical specialties and their regional demand:
Top 3 in-demand specialties
- Dentistry: 29 percent
- Dermatology: 27 percent
- Gynaecology: 13 percent
Region-wise demand
- Dermatology: Asia (33 percent), Arab and GCC countries (28 percent), Europe (23 percent)
- Dental services: Arab and GCC countries (48 percent), Europe (20 percent), Asia (19 percent)
- Gynaecology services: Asian countries (49 percent), European countries (25 percent), Arab and GCC countries (13 percent)
- Orthopaedic surgery: Arab and GCC countries (30 percent), Asia (29 percent), Europe (24 percent)
- Plastic surgery: Arab and GCC countries (43 percent), Asia (21 percent), Europe (21 percent)
- Ophthalmology services: Asia (28 percent), Arab and GCC countries (27 percent), Africa (21 percent)
- Fertility treatments: Asia (36 percent), Arab and GCC countries (22 percent), Europe (21 percent)
- Recuperation and recovery treatments: Europe (35 percent), Arab and GCC countries (30 percent), Asia (21 percent)
The statistics presented in the report highlight Dubai’s appeal as a hub for specialized healthcare services, attracting patients from across the globe seeking high-quality treatment and care in diverse medical disciplines.
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