Much of a country’s economic health can be attributed to the well-being of its people. With healthy citizens, a nation can benefit from better productivity and progress. However, economic growth is a sum of many parts. And there’s another health-related factor that can fuel a nation’s development – medical tourism, which refers to the kind of travel people do that is associated with healthcare.
According to Statista, this global market was valued at $47 billion last year. By 2029, it could hit $111 billion. In the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is setting the benchmark high, with the launch of dedicated portals and more healthcare-centric initiatives.
Dedicated portals
The recent years saw Abu Dhabi and Dubai launch portals where medical tourists can access several helpful services like contacting healthcare providers and booking appointments. Visitors can also book hotels, transportation, and other leisurely activities through these platforms. In 2016, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) launched the Dubai Health Experience (DXH) brand to establish the city as a global leader in health tourism.
Building on Dubai’s reputation for luxury and being a modern city, DHX is all about providing tourists with a seamless experience that prioritizes well-being. DHX’s portal promotes various top-quality treatments in specialized fields. These include dentistry, ophthalmology, orthopedics, fertility, cosmetic surgery, gynecology, and wellness.
Meanwhile, in 2018, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DoH) unveiled the Abu Dhabi Medical Tourism e-Portal. It features a curated network of 40 healthcare facilities that meet the stringent quality standards of the DoH’s JAWDA program. Here, visitors can explore nearly 300 treatment packages offered by over 170 skilled doctors across the UAE capital. These treatments range from comprehensive medical checkups to advanced heart surgeries.
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Easier access
To facilitate easier access, the UAE grants specialized entry permits for foreign patients and their companions. These permits, which can be single or multiple entry, are sponsored by medical establishments. In Abu Dhabi and Northern Emirates, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) processes treatment entry permits.
Meanwhile, in Dubai, it is the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) that manages entry permits for treatment. To further attract medical tourists, the Dubai Healthcare City — a free zone dedicated to bringing together core healthcare services — began accepting medical visa applications in January last year. This new type of visa enables treatment centers to apply on behalf of their patients for visas ranging from three to six months. It also further solidifies Dubai’s status as a medical tourism hub.
According to the DHA, the city welcomed 674,000 medical tourists in 2022. These tourists generated $270 million in revenue. In the broader UAE, wellness tourists have also been proven to bring in substantial revenue. A report from the Global Wellness Economy Monitor stated that the UAE’s wellness tourists spent about $5.4 billion in 2022, a figure that is significantly higher than 2020’s $2.1 billion.
More innovations
The UAE is known for its strategic location, quality infrastructure, and safety. It comes as no surprise that it continues to attract health tourists. However, beyond these reasons, the country’s knack for innovation has also been a huge driving factor. For example, in August last year, HealthStay.io launched the first AI-powered medical tourism solution in the world.
The startup is part of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) Innovation Accelerator program. The sales and booking management solution, in partnership with the DHX, aims to automate all aspects of a medical tourist’s journey. These include selecting medical procedures and booking appointments.
“We would like to thank DXH and DHA, for their unwavering support and shared vision of cementing Dubai’s reputation as a global leader in healthcare tourism. We also extend our gratitude to the MBRIF for giving us the opportunity to be incubated under the MBRIF Innovation Accelerator, enabling us to bring this solution to life,” Ruairi Tubrid, co-founder and COO at HealthStay.io, says.
Meanwhile, Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, acting assistant undersecretary for support services sector and chief innovation officer at the UAE Ministry of Finance, and MBRIF representative, notes the importance of accelerator programs in supporting startups, inducing those that support healthcare.
“We are pleased to support innovative initiatives that contribute to strengthening the UAE’s position as a global center of excellence. It always gives us great pride to see an innovation supported under our Innovation Accelerator program succeed. The launch of HealthStay.io, which offers solutions to enhance the medical tourism experience in our country, highlights the importance of such programs and underscores the invaluable contribution a customized accelerator can have on our innovation ecosystem, creating positive impact on our economy,” she states.
In support of healthcare
The UAE’s rise as a medical tourism hub can be considered a fruit of the country’s long-standing commitment to providing quality healthcare. Among the nation’s notable efforts are the Emirates Health Services Innovation Strategy 2023-2026 and the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031. These strategies aim to improve the overall quality of life for residents.
When compared to other countries in the GCC, the UAE also stands out with the fastest growth rate for health spending. Projections from Alpen Capital show that the UAE’s healthcare expenditures will soar to $30.7 billion by 2027.
Such rapid growth underscores the country’s unwavering commitment to advancing its healthcare sector. And it is no wonder that this progress continues to attract even international patients who are willing to travel to receive quality healthcare.
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