Aleksandar Josipovic, a leading brand strategist and consultant in the UAE, who has consulted for the likes of global and locally-acclaimed brands, shares his insight on the medical tourism industry in the UAE. According to Duphat, over the last decade, the healthcare industry has emerged as one of the key industrial sectors for economic growth in the UAE, and has been ranked sixth globally for its top medical facilities. The medical tourism industry in the UAE generated AED 12.1 billion (USD 3.29 billion) in 2018, witnessing a 5.5% annual growth rate.
“When we talk about Dubai to any of our family, friends, relatives, or even business partners, Dubai is known for its high-rise buildings, architecture, luxury shopping, EXPO 2020, and lately managing the COVID 19 pandemic.
With a recent increase in the number of habitats, Dubai still attracts a couple of million tourists yearly.
We are all witnesses to the same during Expo 2020.
And surprising to some people, this kind of environment and beauty of Dubai boosts the travel experience for millions of international patients that arrive in Dubai for world-class care.
The Medical Tourism Index and International Healthcare Research Centre (IHRC) ranked Dubai the top medical destination in the Arab/ GCC region and 6th in the world in the last year, which was the highest position as the leading Arab destination for medical tourists.
The biggest reaso why there is such a significant increase in the popularity and growth of medical tourism globally, is simple. The high cost of healthcare. Especially in countries such as the US and UK. Well known in this region for medical tourism – Turkey has the experience and positive reputation for dealing with foreign customers.
With the current price increase, healthcare costs are getting higher – Dubai is again the focus. And this time for medical tourism.
And why not?
According to recent medical studies, COVID-19 has caused people to focus more on their health than ever before. One of the main reasons why medical tourism is becoming popular is the cost of medical services offered by medical tourism destinations.
But sometimes, the cheapest is the most expensive.
Apart from the affordability, high-quality medical services, and shorter waiting times, medical tourism offers modern consumers travel opportunities. Dubai is offering and promoting that world-class hospitality, as well as premium clinics and hospitals.
Not to mention more frequent visitors by international doctors across several specialties.
Dubai at the moment welcomes medical tourists mainly from Asia and neighboring Arab and Gulf countries and some trips from European and African nations.
That not only Dubai, but Abu Dhabi also plays a significant role in medical tourism. In the past year, we have a couple of evidence to support this.
1. The Department of Culture and Tourism: Abu Dhabi (DCT) recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Medical Tourism Association (MTA).
This non-profit organization aids healthcare providers, and governments create successful medical tourist programs. (Source http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302712457)
Both entities will partner to promote Abu Dhabi as a medical tourist destination in markets such as Russia, China, and the GCC, focusing on specialty areas like cardiology, oncology, and executive screenings.
The aim is to become the region’s leading medical tourist destination.
2. DHA (The Dubai Health Authority ) introduced the Dubai Health Experience (DXH) – with a simple goal, to strengthen Dubai’s position in the medical tourism sector.
This online portal, launched in April 2018 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, focuses on a wide range of tourism facilities in Dubai. From booking appointments with healthcare professionals, hotels, transportation, visa information, and other recreational activities.
3. And the other hand, we can see that even world-famous celebrities are visiting clinics in Dubai for beauty treatment.
Like the case with Lucia Clinic, Dr. Radmila Lukian, located in Jumeirah 1.
Lucia Clinic is putting Dubai on the map and making beauty treatment ( aesthetic and plastic surgery) super popular for a wider audience. Lucia Clinic regularly hosts clients such as Huda Kattan, Naomi Campbell, Eva Longoria, Lindsay Lohan, Joan Smalls, World, Olympic, and Wimbledon sports champions.
4. World famous companies leading innovators of medical aesthetic lasers & radiofrequency devices for surgical, medical, and beauty providers, like Alma Lasers International, organize the international Academy for all medical doctors. Doctors/ Specialists worldwide will be in Dubai this coming November 2023, where the host has selected Dubai for this exclusive medical event.
5. Dubai and UAE have been the safest global nations during the COVID. Simply because of the government’s actions to contain the pandemic.
All of these actions and factors made Dubai a super popular destination when it comes to all these factors. Dubai today/ tomorrow is becoming super popular for everybody interested in medical tourism.
And I am not talking only about anti-aging medicine, like injectables or plastic surgery, but holistic wellness, detox programs for the body and mind, dental treatment, fertility treatment, and any high-quality medical services”.
