A recent survey by CMC Hospital Dubai has found that the UAE has become the preferred healthcare destination for GCC residents, outpacing the US, Germany, the UK, and India.
The survey included 1,680 GCC residents from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, representing a diverse mix of local citizens, Arab expatriates, and Asian expatriates.
According to the findings, 29% of GCC residents have chosen the UAE as the country with the best reputation for delivering high-quality healthcare, highlighting the UAE’s growing stature in medical infrastructure and expertise.
GCC residents value quality healthcare and are willing to travel abroad to access it
The survey also revealed that 84% of GCC residents are open to travelling for medical care, with 21% of Saudi residents, 35% of Qataris, and 25% of Kuwaitis willing to travel to another Middle Eastern country for treatment.
Additionally, the survey showed that 71% of GCC residents are prepared to pay out of pocket for medical treatment abroad if not covered by insurance, reflecting the region’s strong demand for premium healthcare services.
The survey also pinpointed the leading health concerns in the GCC, with gastroenterology, obesity, diabetes, and back and neck problems being the most common.
Obesity emerged as the most significant concern in Saudi Arabia, while the other three health issues were most prevalent in Kuwait.