The practice of medical tourism has been around for decades, especially among citizens of underdeveloped and developing countries. They travel to developed countries around the world for treatment. If medical tourism can be afforded, it is imperative for citizens living in countries whose healthcare services are inadequate.
Some of the most popular medical treatments in developing countries are weight loss treatments, fertility treatments, cardiovascular treatments, cosmetic treatments, orthopedic treatments, and cancer treatments. These treatments can’t be adequately provided in the home country because there needs to be more quality medical infrastructure, and the treatments are expensive. According to the International Healthcare Research Centre (IHRC), Dubai has been steadily growing as a medical tourism destination among international travellers over the past three years. It is essential to consider how the UAE has changed from being a market for outbound referrals to one of the top locations drawing medical tourists. In the last decade, the UAE has begun to spend on healthcare, research, and medical education, which has made it easier for medical professionals to reside there.
With its spectacular skyline, spectacular buildings, sophisticated malls, mouth-watering cuisine, luxurious hotels, stunning beaches, and dazzling nightlife, Dubai has become the latest trend in medical tourism. Over the years, the country has invested in healthcare infrastructure to provide top-notch medical care to its residents. This has helped it quickly surpass countries like France and Brazil, which have a more expensive system. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) oversees the healthcare system in Dubai, which is designed to help tourists and improve the city’s economy. As the medical tourism market continues to grow in Dubai, it has attracted patients worldwide, and it is now the number one medical destination in the Arab region.
Dubai to host the world’s largest gathering of plastic surgery societies
In May 2023, Dubai will host an annual world congress in conjunction with the Annual World Congress of the International Confederation of Plastic Surgical Societies (ICOPLAST). The global surgery event will be held in Dubai for the first time. This event will be co-hosted by the Emirates Plastic Surgery Society (EPSS) and the Arab Association of Surgical & Medical Aesthetics (AASMA). The extensive schedule of the congress’ includes workshops and lectures on critical and essential topics in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
According to Dr. Jamal Jomah, “the event caters to the immense demand from both start-ups and established national and international businesses in the sector for professional networking platforms and opportunities to interact with the public. The event will discuss the high-calibre research being done by renowned plastic surgeons and leaders in plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine.” Topics to be discussed include facial aesthetic surgery, breast surgery updates, body contouring procedures, and advances in regenerative medicine. Dr. Zuhair AlFardan, President of the prestigious EPSS, says, “This event will attract more than 150 exhibitors from all over the world, who will showcase the latest technologies and advances in the field of aesthetic and plastic surgery.”
Despite the global effects of COVID-19, the event will highlight current trends in the global cosmetic surgery market, which is expected to increase from $46.02B in 2021 to $58.78B in 2028. In recent years, there has been a considerable demand for cosmetic operations in the UAE. A significant increase in the number of patients from abroad and within the region, along with to the growth of the local pool of qualified industry professionals with international credentials, has made the aesthetics industry one of the most significant contributors to the expansion of medical tourism in the United Arab Emirates; one of the top five treatments medical tourists choose to have in the emirate is cosmetic surgery.
Reports have mentioned that the Presidents of EPSS and AASMA are pleased to partner with other plastic surgery societies to create a platform for learning and advancing best practices. They said that Dubai is a great place to hold the Congress because it is hospitable and has excellent event infrastructure; ICOPLAST is a program managed by DXB LIVE (a part of DWTC), which helps to run the Congress.
What encourages medical travel?
For some, it’s the lack of medical care in their home country, the high cost of medical care, and the long waiting times. For others, it is simply privacy or the reason they can afford anything in the world. Consider the examples of the US and India – a patient from the US travels abroad to take advantage of the cost of services that are either not covered by insurance or are prohibitively expensive in the US. On the other hand, there are wealthy Indians who fly out of India for privacy reasons. The fact that these two locations draw a sizable number of foreign patients implies that some people seek treatment overseas even when a nation has a top-notch healthcare system.
Moreover, the flow of medical tourists has changed due to the epidemic, and the UAE has a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of that. The continuous arrival of medical tourists will conserve foreign currency and motivate the UAE’s healthcare organizations to invest more in new service offerings, technology, and innovation. It will increase the number of foreign patients entering the country, significantly boosting the local economy.
What Makes Dubai a Preferred Medical Tourism Destination?
1] Outstanding facilities and infrastructure:
Dubai is a sophisticated country that has succeeded in luring tourists from around the world with its magnificent real estate, from the Burj Khalifa skyscraper to the magnificent beaches, opulent hotels, booming food and beverage industry, and many more. International visitors are drawn to the emirate because of its first-rate infrastructure and noteworthy tourism sites. It is one of the factors contributing to Dubai’s significant growth in the medical tourism sector, for the emirate has grown to be one of the most sought-after locations for medical tourism because of its beautiful surroundings and convenient location.
2] Access to healthcare services promptly:
Dubai has established a productive healthcare system that allows travellers from other countries to obtain medical treatment quickly and easily. It is one of the main draws of Dubai as a destination for medical tourists who cannot stand the long wait times in their home countries. The medical procedure, which typically takes months in other countries because of a lack of trained doctors and nurses, is shortened to a day or two in Dubai.
3] Inexpensive Medical Care:
The fact that Dubai offers high-quality healthcare at reasonable prices is a crucial factor in its existing condition as one of the most popular medical tourism destinations. Healthcare facilities in Dubai are required to maintain fair rates due to the price restrictions and policies established by the Dubai Health Authority. Compared to countries like the United States of America and the United Kingdom, medical care can be obtained for a lower and more acceptable price in the UAE, which makes it the ideal destination for tourists who do not have insurance coverage for procedures like orthopaedic surgery, dental work, or skin care.
4] No Communication Barrier:
The United Arab Emirates is home to nearly 200 nationalities. With 80% of the population being immigrants, Dubai is probably one of the world’s most multicultural and diverse cities. Many medical experts who are fluent in the language of their home country are present due to the country’s diverse population, which aids in removing the language barrier for foreign visitors seeking medical care. In Dubai, English is the most used language for communication, and as most residents are multilingual, there are no communication issues. Moreover, international patients might use translators and interpreters to help them throughout their medical tourism if communication is challenging.
5] Trained Medical Personnel:
Dubai’s healthcare system employs highly skilled medical professionals who receive their education at some of the best colleges in the world. They are well knowledgeable in their professions, which enhances the healthcare infrastructure. Only experienced medical professionals are granted licenses to practice medicine in Dubai, thanks to the supervision of the Dubai Health Authority. The medical professionals perform their numerous tasks with professionalism and outstanding efficiency. Additionally, they are accessible around the clock to give patients prompt, efficient medical care.
6] Introduction of the Medical Tourism Portal:
Unquestionably, one of the elements influencing the growth of medical tourism in Dubai is government initiatives. To offer visitors the most effective medical tourism services, the government developed the Dubai Health Experience (DXH) platform in 2016. International travellers can access various services through the site, including information on licensed healthcare providers, the ability to schedule medical appointments, access medical insurance, reserve lodging, learn about visa requirements, and schedule transportation.
