United Arab Emirates (AE)

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven emirates — Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah — that has transformed from a pearl-diving and fishing economy into one of the world's most modern and cosmopolitan nations within a single generation.

Capital: Abu Dhabi

Region: Middle East

Language: Arabic

Currency: AED (د.إ)

Cost of living: Expensive (index 78)

Emergency: 999

Healthcare in United Arab Emirates

The UAE operates a mixed public-private healthcare system. Dubai and Abu Dhabi mandate that all employers provide health insurance for their employees — this has been law since 2006 in Abu Dhabi and 2016 in Dubai. The quality of private healthcare in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is world-class. Public (government) hospitals are available but generally preferred by lower-income workers; most expat professionals use private clinics and hospitals. Healthcare is expensive without insurance — always ensure your coverage is active from Day 1 of employment.

UAE ranked 27th globally (World Index of Healthcare Innovation 2023). Dubai Healthcare City is a dedicated medical free zone with top international hospitals.

Public healthcare: DHA / DOH Government Hospitals

Dubai Health Authority / Department of Health Abu Dhabi

Eligibility:All UAE residents. UAE nationals receive heavily subsidised care. Expatriates pay reduced rates but must still pay — not free for expats.

Monthly cost:Covered by mandatory employer health insurance (cost varies by plan — employer typically pays for basic plan)

What's included:

Emergency treatment
General outpatient consultations
Basic inpatient care
Maternal and child health services
Vaccinations and preventive care

Not included (or co-pay required):

Most specialist outpatient treatment without referral
Cosmetic procedures
Alternative medicine (usually)
Dental beyond basic emergency care

Co-payments:Government hospitals charge AED 20–100 for consultations for expat residents, depending on the service. Emergency fees are higher. Most expatriates prefer private clinics for comfort and speed.

How to enrol:No formal enrollment required. Present Emirates ID and insurance card at public hospitals. Ensure your insurance card covers public hospital co-pays.

Waiting period:Emergency: immediate. Outpatient: same-day to 2 weeks depending on facility.

Private healthcare: Private Hospitals and Clinics

Who can use it:All insured residents and self-pay patients

When it makes sense:For all expatriate professionals — private care offers same-day appointments, English-speaking doctors, and Western-standard facilities. Mandatory employer health insurance covers most private care at in-network co-pay rates. The basic Daman Essential plan covers AED 150,000/year in emergency and outpatient.

Monthly cost:Employer pays: AED 2,000–8,000/year per employee (basic plan). Enhanced dental/vision/maternity plans: AED 5,000–20,000/year. Employee co-pays: AED 20–50 (GP) / AED 50–100 (specialist).

Major providers:

Cleveland Clinic Abu DhabiAmerican Hospital DubaiMediclinic City HospitalNMC Healthcare (multiple locations)Aster HospitalsSaudi German Hospital DubaiMoorfields Eye Hospital Dubai

Accessing care

GP system

Visit any in-network "General Practitioner" or "Family Medicine" clinic. No referral needed for outpatient GP in most insurance plans. Bring insurance card and Emirates ID. Most private clinics have walk-in and same-day appointment slots. Book via Okadoc, Zocdoc UAE, or clinic direct apps.

Specialist referral

Most insurance plans require a GP referral to access in-network specialists at the lower co-pay rate. Some plans allow self-referral to in-network specialists. Wait times for popular specialists: 1–3 weeks at private clinics. Out-of-network specialist: full upfront payment then reimbursement.

Emergency care

Call 998 (ambulance) or go directly to any hospital Emergency. Emergency treatment is provided regardless of insurance status. Dubai government ERs: Rashid Hospital, Al Qusais Hospital, Latifa Hospital (24/7). Private: American Hospital Dubai, Mediclinic City.

Out of hours

Most private hospitals operate 24-hour emergency departments. Telemedicine via Okadoc, Doctor Anywhere, or Vezeeta available 24/7 — particularly useful for minor issues outside office hours. Aster Pharmacy and Life Pharmacy open until midnight or 24/7 at major hospital locations.

Prescriptions

Prescription required for most medications. Pharmacies open until midnight or 24/7. Common generic medications are cheaper than in Western countries. Critical note: some medications legal in other countries are controlled substances in the UAE (tramadol, some codeine preparations, certain opioids) — always carry your prescription and check the UAE prohibited medications list on DHA website before travelling.

Dental

Dental care is not included in basic employer health insurance (Daman Essential). Enhanced plans include basic dental (cleanings, X-rays, extractions). Major dental work (implants, crowns) typically not covered or has sub-limits. Private dental clinics: AED 400–700 for check-up and cleaning.

Mental health

Mental health services available privately. Covered under most comprehensive insurance plans. Growing awareness in UAE — clinics like Camali Clinic (Dubai) and Lighthouse Arabia offer counselling and psychiatry. Helpline: 800 4673 (Tawasol, free, 24/7).

Maternity

Maternity care well-developed in private hospitals. Delivery: AED 8,000–25,000 (private). Maternity insurance rider must be added to your plan — not included in basic Daman Essential. Pre-existing pregnancy typically has a waiting period of 9–12 months on new plans. UAE has no national vaccination programme for expat children — ensure children are fully vaccinated and carry records.

Expat-specific advice

First steps on arrival:

Obtain your health insurance card from HR on Day 1 — do not wait or assume it is automatic
Understand your insurance network: obtain the insurer's in-network clinic list for your area
Download your insurer's app (Daman, AXA, Oman Insurance) to check network, submit claims, and find doctors
Register with an in-network GP clinic near home and near work for easy access
If you have a family, register children with a paediatrician within 2–4 weeks of arrival
Note your insurance company's 24/7 helpline (on your insurance card) for pre-authorisation requests
If you have chronic conditions or take regular medications, confirm coverage immediately and check UAE medicine equivalents

Finding English-speaking doctors:English-speaking doctors are widely available across all private clinics and hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Most staff at international private hospitals are internationally trained. DHA app allows you to filter licensed doctors by language. Hospitals like American Hospital Dubai, Mediclinic, and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi are entirely English-medium.

International insurance:Many expats also carry international health insurance for travel outside the UAE (employer plans typically only cover in-UAE treatment). BUPA Global, Cigna Global, and Allianz Care are popular international plan providers. US citizens visiting the US need specific coverage — UAE employer plans do not cover US healthcare costs.

Emergency card info:The UAE does not use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) — that is an EU/UK scheme. In the UAE, always carry your Emirates ID and insurance card. For emergencies: 998 (ambulance). Always go to the nearest emergency department first — you will be treated regardless of insurance status.

EHIC notes:Not applicable in the UAE. EHIC/GHIC are European cards valid only within Europe. In the UAE, all healthcare requires either valid UAE employer health insurance or out-of-pocket payment.

Pharmacies (صيدلية (Saydaleeyah))

Hours:Most pharmacy chains open 09:00–23:00/midnight daily. 24-hour pharmacies at major hospitals (American Hospital, Mediclinic City, Aster Royal) and some standalone locations. Dubai Municipality has a pharmacy finder on the DHA app. Large chains: Aster Pharmacy, Life Pharmacy, Boots UAE, Eczane.

After-hours / emergency:Out-of-hours: go to any 24-hour hospital pharmacy. No "on-call" pharmacy rotation system like in some European countries. The DHA app shows nearest 24-hour pharmacies.

Prescription rules:Prescription required for antibiotics, controlled substances, and most prescription-only medicines. Some OTC medications are available without prescription. Important: many medications that are OTC in Western countries are controlled in the UAE (tramadol, strong codeine, some sleeping aids). Check DHA prohibited/controlled medicines list before bringing medication from abroad.

Available over-the-counter:

Pain relief: paracetamol (Panadol), ibuprofen (Brufen), aspirin
Cold and flu: Vicks, Neocitran, decongestants
Allergy relief: antihistamines (Clarityn, Zyrtec) — available OTC
Digestive health: antacids, rehydration sachets (ORS), laxatives
Sun protection and skin care: wide range due to high UV levels
Vitamins and supplements: Vitamin D, omega-3, multivitamins widely available
First aid: antiseptics, bandages, wound dressings

Typical costs

GP visit (with insurance)	AED 20–50 co-pay (in-network)
GP visit (private pay)	AED 150–350 (private, direct pay)
Specialist visit	AED 50–100 co-pay (in-network) / AED 350–600 (out-of-pocket)
Emergency visit	AED 500–2,000+ depending on treatment
MRI scan	AED 1,200–2,500 (private, without insurance)
Prescription average	AED 30–100 for common medications. Branded drugs can be significantly higher.
Dental check-up	AED 400–700 (private, without dental cover)
Baby delivery	AED 8,000–25,000 (private hospital, depending on complications and plan)

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