Dubai: UAE’s health tourism sector witnessed a significant influx of 691,000 visitors last year, according to a recent report by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). These health tourists collectively contributed AED 1.03 billion directly to the city’s healthcare sector. The report also highlights that the sector generated an additional AED 2.3 billion in indirect revenue.
This surge in health tourism has had a positive impact on Dubai’s economy, particularly in its contribution to the city’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Awad Saghir Al Ketbi, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, emphasized that Dubai’s advanced medical facilities, adherence to international healthcare standards, and the high quality of services offered have been key factors in attracting health tourists. He pointed out that competitive treatment costs and the strong performance of private hospitals have also played a crucial role in this success.
The report provided a demographic breakdown of the health tourists, revealing that 58% of the visitors were women, while 42% were men. Additionally, the origins of these visitors were diverse, with 33% coming from Asian countries, 28% from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and 23% from European nations.
In terms of the types of treatments sought, dental care, dermatology, and gynecology were the most popular among the health tourists. These areas of specialty have seen significant demand, further establishing Dubai as a leading destination for health tourism.
This detailed report underscores the importance of the health tourism sector in Dubai’s economic landscape and highlights the city’s ongoing efforts to maintain its status as a global hub for medical excellence.
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