Expenditures on healthcare in the UAE 2011-2027

Between 2012 and 2020, the cumulative public and private sector expenditures on healthcare in the United Arab Emirates consistently increased each year, except for 2015 and 2016, when they briefly fell from previous years. This was subsequently followed by the biggest increase in healthcare expenditure during the period, jumping by around 3.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2017. This steady growth in healthcare expenditure is expected to continue in the coming years.

Healthcare workforce and medical tourism

The UAE is making strides in strengthening its healthcare infrastructure. In 2022, Abu Dhabi led the nation with approximately 212 health workers per 10,000 residents, showcasing the emirate's commitment to robust healthcare staffing. Countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council have invested heavily in the healthcare industry to provide higher-quality treatment to residents and to promote more self-sufficiency. In 2023, approximately 1,800 medical tourists from the UAE traveled to South Korea for advanced medical treatments. However, the UAE has worked hard to attract foreign health professionals and even established local branches of famous facilities such as Moorfields Eye Hospital in Dubai.

Developments in UAE’s digital health

The proliferation of smartphones, smartwatches, and strong high-speed internet access has facilitated interest in various digital health products in the UAE. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic increased the need for digital health solutions, giving rise to new platforms for both consumers and healthcare institutions. The usage frequency of digital health products in the UAE differs across the range of services such as phone consultations, online pharmacies, fitness apps, mental well-being products, and other services. This digital shift aligns with the projected increase in average revenue per user in the UAE's digital health market, which is expected to grow by over 17.2 percent between 2024 and 2029.