Dubai Leads, Industry Innovates

Dubai is making strides as a global hub for medical tourism. In 2022, the city welcomed 674,000 medical tourists who spent Dh992 million, a significant increase from the previous year. The majority of tourists came from Asia, accounting for 39% of visitors.

Dubai’s Director General of DHS, Awadh Al Ketbi, attributes this growth to the city’s ability to offer high-quality care and patient-centered medical facilities, as well as its strategic location, safe environment, outstanding infrastructure, and world-famous facilities.

Looking ahead, the IPBN’s second annual Tourism Conference, scheduled for May 2023, is set to feature a panel discussion on wellness and health tourism. Speakers will include Elaine Godley, Founder of The Perfect Health HUB, Miriam Kerins Hussey, Co-Founder of Soul Space, and Prof. Joana Apolónio from the Algarve Bio Medical Centre. The discussion will focus on the importance of holistic health and wellbeing.

Additionally, the 15th annual Healthcare Revolution conference, scheduled for May 23, 2023, will focus on medical tourism as a solution for rising healthcare costs in America. The conference will showcase case studies of employers who have sent employees abroad for medical procedures and prescription drugs, leading to significant cost savings and improved care outcomes. The conference aims to provide a clear roadmap for self-funded employers looking to implement medical travel for their employees.

These developments demonstrate that the medical tourism industry continues to grow and innovate, offering new solutions for patients, employers, and healthcare providers worldwide.