According to a report from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dubai's health tourism sector saw impressive growth in 2023. The city welcomed over 691,000 health tourists from around the world, with their combined expenditure on healthcare services surpassing Dhs 1.03 billion. This represents an increase from 2022 when international health tourist arrivals were around 674,000 and spending totalled Dhs 992 million.
Additionally, Dubai's indirect revenues from health tourism reached Dhs 2.3 billion in 2023, significantly contributing to the city's overall Gross Domestic Product and supporting key sectors.
Dubai has successfully attracted a significant number of medical tourists from various regions, reinforcing its status as a leading destination for specialised healthcare services.
Here’s a breakdown of the most sought-after medical specialities and regional demand for these services:
Top 3 In-Demand Specialities:
Dentistry is the most sought-after speciality, with 29% demand.
Dermatology follows, attracting 27% of the demand.
Gynaecology accounts for 13% of the demand.
Regional Demand For Dermatology:
Asia leads with 33% of the dermatology demand.
Arab and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) follow with 28%.
Europe accounts for 23% of the demand.
Regional Demand For Dental Services:
Arab and GCC countries have the highest demand at 48%.
Europe holds 20% of the demand.
Asia contributes 19% to the demand.
Regional Demand For Gynaecology Services:
Asian countries top the list with 49% demand.
European countries have 25% of the demand.
Arab and GCC countries account for 13%.
Regional Demand For Orthopaedic Surgery:
Arab and GCC countries show 30% demand.
Asia follows closely with 29%.
Europe has 24% of the demand.
Regional Demand For Plastic Surgery:
Arab and GCC countries lead with 43% demand.
Asia and Europe each contribute 21%.
Regional Demand For Ophthalmology Services:
Asia has the highest demand at 28%.
Arab and GCC countries follow with 27%.
Africa accounts for 21% of the demand.
Regional Demand For Fertility Treatments:
Asia leads with 36% demand.
Arab and GCC countries contribute 22%.
Europe has 21% of the demand.
Regional Demand For Recuperation and Recovery Treatments:
Europe leads with 35% demand.
Arab and GCC countries follow with 30%.
Asia accounts for 21% of the demand.
The report highlights Dubai's growing reputation as a leading destination for specialised healthcare, attracting patients globally who seek high-quality treatment across various medical fields.
Additionally, the report details the Dubai Health Authority’s collaborative efforts with strategic partners to boost health tourism. These initiatives support the Dubai Economic Agenda D33's objectives to double the emirate's economy and enhance its global status as a top hub for business, investment, and tourism.