Dubai’s medical tourism soars with revenues exceeding $628 million

Dubai’s medical tourism industry is experiencing significant growth, with indirect revenues exceeding $628 million last year. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further solidify the city’s position as a top destination for healthcare and quality of life, reported nukta.

The partnership, signed by Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of DET, and Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, director general of DHA, aims to enhance the competitiveness, efficiency, and transparency of the healthcare sector while adhering to international standards.

In 2023, Dubai saw a significant surge in medical tourism, attracting 691,478 international patients who spent over AED 1.034 billion ($282 million) on healthcare services. This growth surpasses 2022 figures and underscores Dubai’s role as a major global hub for medical tourism, contributing significantly to its GDP by driving growth in key sectors such as aviation, hospitality, and telecommunications.

As part of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), this initiative aims to make Dubai a leading destination for business and leisure by attracting investments in healthcare, hosting major global medical events, and establishing Dubai as the preferred choice for those seeking high-quality medical services and a superior quality of life.

Al Ketbi highlighted Dubai’s strategic location, advanced infrastructure, and favourable environment for healthcare investments, which have attracted numerous international hospitals and specialized centres. The effort aims to make Dubai a top choice for healthcare excellence and overall well-being.