🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates Healthcare Guide
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have world-class hospitals — Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Mediclinic, and American Hospital Dubai are among the best in the region — with English spoken universally and facilities that rival anything in Europe or North America. The northern emirates — Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah — have less developed healthcare, though the distances are short. The main friction point is cost: a GP visit runs $75 or more in the private system, and even emergency departments charge fees, so knowing that Dubai Health Authority facilities offer lower-cost alternatives to the big-name private hospitals gives you a more affordable option if you need one.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 998
- Healthcare system: mixed
- Average GP visit: $75 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: No
- Language barrier: low
Healthcare overview
The UAE has invested heavily in world-class healthcare, with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Mayo Clinic partnership facilities raising the standard. Dubai has numerous private hospitals (Mediclinic, NMC, Aster) serving its large expat population. Abu Dhabi’s public facilities (Sheikh Khalifa Medical City) are modern and well-staffed. Healthcare is expensive: GP visits at private clinics cost $60–120, and hospital stays are priced at international rates.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is a world-class facility with US-standard specialist care, including complex cardiac and neurological specialties.
Dubai expat healthcare
Dubai’s healthcare is primarily private and geared toward its expat population. Multiple hospital groups offer international patient services.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Prescriptions and pharmacies
UAE pharmacies are well-stocked and modern. Controlled substance regulations are very strict: codeine, tramadol, and many psychotropic medications require prior approval from the UAE Ministry of Health. Bringing unapproved controlled substances into the UAE can result in detention. Apply for approval in advance and carry a doctor’s letter with original packaging.
MOH pre-approval required
Apply to the UAE Ministry of Health for controlled medication approval before travelling. The online portal allows advance submission.
Tips for travellers
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s major hospital groups cover nearly all specialist chronic conditions at international standards. The UAE’s healthcare ambition means facilities and specialist availability continue to expand. Having your treatment history accessible in English or Arabic helps UAE specialists review your case, as both languages are standard in clinical documentation across all major hospitals.
Expanding specialist capacity
The UAE continues to add specialist centres and international partnerships, with new facilities opening regularly in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah.