UAE
About the UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation founded in 1971. It is located on the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Sultanate of Oman and Saudi Arabia.
The country is formed of 7 emirates which range from extravagant skyscrapers and futuristic cities to traditional towns, beaches, and expanses of desert.
Almost 88% of the population is made up of foreign nationals.
How the Medical system works in the UAE
The UAE has an excellent public and private healthcare system that meets international standards. The quality of care is very good and the staff highly qualified. The medical infrastructure is extensive, ultra-modern, and equipped with the latest technology.
However, this quality comes at a price: a consultation with a general practitioner, for example, costs between €50 and €100. To see a specialist, you should expect to pay between €100 and €240 on average. Costs vary, however, depending on the facility and the city.
Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have their own health insurance regulations, which are mandatory. There are two health systems in Dubai: the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC). In Abu Dhabi, healthcare is regulated by the Department of Health (DOH). In the other emirates the health system is managed by The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), and you are free to take out the insurance of your choice.
The hospital system in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is modern and meets international standards. It also has an international medical corps. Public facilities are equivalent to those in the private sector, and emergency rooms are only available in the public sector. There will be no problem of overcrowding or long waiting times. However, for certain specialties, expatriates who can afford it will return to their country of origin for hospital care or to a country where the specialty is recognized.
Visiting a doctor in the UAE
You will have no trouble finding a qualified English-speaking doctor in the United Arab Emirates. The country has 180 doctors per 100,000 inhabitants. In addition, many practitioners are themselves expatriates from all over the world.
The consultation with a general practitioner will be fully covered by your local health insurance.
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is a free zone in the center of Dubai. It consists of more than 4,225 health professionals covering more than 150 specialties, hospitals, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, laboratories, medical imaging centers, and more, making access to healthcare much easier.
Being admitted to hospital in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates has many world-class public and private hospitals and clinics. These facilities are accessible to all and provide excellent care.
Public hospitals are just as reliable as those in the private sector, but the wait can be a little longer. Private hospitals are very popular with expatriates as they have international staff who speak very good English.
Buying medication in the UAE
Pharmacies are very easy to find wherever you are.
You should be aware, however, that some medications are considered illegal if they contain codeine, narcotics, or psychotropic drugs. You will therefore need a prescription from a local doctor to obtain certain medications such as sleeping pills, antidepressants, or some sedatives. You can find the list of controlled drugs on the Ministry of Health website.
Also, remember to keep the receipts for your pharmacy purchases to send to your health insurance company.
Moreover, if you are traveling to the UAE with medications that contain certain prohibited substances, remember to take the medical prescription with you.
Health risks in the UAE
There are no particular health risks in the United Arab Emirates. You simply have to be careful in high temperatures which can cause sunstroke and dehydration. In fact, summer temperatures can easily reach 50°C!
Be sure to stay hydrated and avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day.
Drinking tap water is not recommended.
Emergency services and useful numbers
In case of accident or other medical emergency, go to the nearest hospital. If you are unable to travel, call the medical emergency service on 998 and ask for an ambulance (you will need to speak English or Arabic).
Here are some other useful local numbers in case of emergency:
- Ambulance: 998
- Police: 999
- Fire service: 997
- US Embassy in Abu Dhabi: +971 2 414 2200
- US Embassy in Dubai: +971 4 309 4000