For second time in a row Dubai has sealed its position as the leading destination in Aran region for medical tourists. According to the Global Medical Tourism Index which was released by International Healthcare Research Centre (IHRC) recently, Dubai has topped the charts as top destination for medical tourism in the region. Worldwide, Dubai sealed sixth position among 46 contesting medical tourism locations. This is highly reflective of its pioneering healthcare services provided to foreign travelers seeking medical treatment and its extreme competitiveness, along with advanced and groundbreaking medical facilities and infrastructure.

Dr Marwan Al Mulla, CEO of Health Regulation Sector at the Dubai Health Authority, said, “The latest recognition once again emphasizes the quality of health care services in Dubai and its attractiveness as a global healthcare centre. This achievement is the result of our response to the directives of our wise leadership to enhance the regulatory framework within our medical system and build a world-class health care infrastructure and capabilities that meet the needs of healthier and happier communities in the country.”

“Dubai positions itself as a destination where medical and wellness tourists from all over the world can avail of safe, reliable, and innovative services that will help improve their health and, consequently, the quality of their life. We have placed all the necessary precautionary measures recommended by local and global health authorities to ensure the safety of our local and international patients”, he added.

No.1 Arab destination

Dubai retained its top spot in the region by scoring high across three main criteria under the index. It ranked fifth in quality and services facilities; seventh in environmental destination; and thirteenth for medical tourism industry. This is seen as result of latest efforts by Dubai Government, through Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to help strengthen the medical tourism sector under economic diversification and policies for development.

An impressively substantial amount of investments have been authorized for building modern hospitals with pioneer facilities in Dubai and also attract doctors across the countries in various disciplines. In first half of 2020 there were 3,397 new licenses issued by DHA for health facilities, hospital and 10 general and specialized clinics. Dubai also has 20 licensed centres for traditional, complementary and alternative medicine (TCAM). These centres offer 8 TCAM services and have 234 employees. Also 20 dedicated medical centres at least are being managed by licensed health professionals in the emirate.

Through remarkable services and facilities offered in Dubai to medical tourists, there was an increase of 4% in medical tourism arrivals in 2019, reaching 350,118 as compared to that in 2018. Majority of these tourists were Asians (34%), followed by Arab and Gulf countries (28%), Europe (17%), Africa (10%) and Americas and others at 10%.

DHA has been putting in efforts to make Dubai a top medical tourism destination at an international stage by reinforcing confidence of global medical community in the emirate. This led to formation of the prestigious Dubai Health Experience (DXH) brand. Under this the authorities are continuously working towards building best industry practices and adapting to international patient care standards.

Mohamed Al Mehri, Director of Health Tourism Departmentsaid, “Many of our DXH Group member health care facilities are providing second medical opinions and teleconsultations. We encourage health tourists to start planning their treatments that have been put on hold because of the current situation.”

“Amid the COVID-19, Dubai continues to offer its remarkable health care services. Thanks to its efforts to safeguard the health of all patients, medical personnel and the members of the wider local community, Dubai remains one of the safest destinations for medical tourists from all over the world,” he added.