Dubai welcomed 691,478 medical tourists in 2023, surpassing the previous year’s figure of 674,000, a report by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has revealed. The number of international patients seeking treatment in Dubai increased, along with the value of medical spending, reflecting growing global confidence in the emirate’s health offerings.
The DHA’s collaborative efforts with strategic partners have been instrumental in ensuring the integration and high standards of healthcare services, said the report. These efforts align with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the emirate’s economy and enhance its global standing.
In 2023, medical spending exceeded Dh1.34 billion, up from Dh992 million in 2022. Indirect revenues from health tourism reached Dh2.305 billion in 2023, contributing significantly to Dubai’s GDP.
Awad Saghir Al Ketbi, Director General of the DHA, attributed the growth to several factors, including the development of the healthcare system, advanced technology, medical expertise, and competitive pricing. He praised the private medical sector’s efforts in providing attractive initiatives and facilities for patients.
The report highlighted dentistry, dermatology, and gynaecology as the most popular specialties among international patients. Asian countries were the largest source of medical tourists, followed by Arab and GCC countries, and European countries.
As for dentistry, the highest demand was from Arab and GCC countries at 48 per cent, followed by European countries at 20 per cent, and Asian countries at 19 per cent. Patients from Asian countries were the most in demand for gynaecology at 49 per cent, followed by European countries (25%) and Arab and GCC countries (13%).
The report also showed that 58% of the total international health tourists were women, while men constituted 42%. The majority of international patients were from Asia at 33%, followed by Arab countries and GCC countries at 28%, and European countries and the Commonwealth of Independent States at 23%.
Health tourism in Dubai continues to grow, with DHA envisioning the future of healthcare for 2030 through an interactive workshop that concluded last month.