A new study on the healthcare industry in the UAE shows that an overwhelming majority of expats believe that the UAE’s healthcare system is of a higher quality than back home. Eighty-four per cent believe that the Emirates’ healthcare has improved over the past decade.
A Brand Finance report, which surveyed 2,000 UAE residents (21 per cent citizens and 79 per cent non-citizens), shows overwhelming satisfaction with the Emirates’ healthcare system. Only 6 per cent of foreign residents thought their home country’s healthcare system was better than the UAE’s, while 81 per cent of respondents consider the healthcare system to be high quality.
The positive public perception underscores the impact of substantial investments in the healthcare sector as 84 percent believe UAE healthcare quality will continue to advance over the next 10 years.
The study also mentions that with an average annual healthcare spend of AED7,600 ($2,100) per person, 64 per cent of residents perceive UAE healthcare as expensive. Nearly two-third of those surveyed said they had environmental and air quality concerns in the Emirates.
Richard Haigh, Managing Director, Brand Finance commented: “In an era where healthcare access and quality are global priorities for government and citizens alike, the UAE’s investments in its healthcare system are yielding impressive results. Our research reveals that 81 per cent of residents consider the UAE’s healthcare system to be high quality, a testament to the nation’s commitment.
“Environmental concerns also loom large, with 68 per cent worried about rising temperatures’ health impacts and 63 per cent concerned about poor air quality. As the UAE continues to refine its healthcare landscape, addressing affordability and environmental health issues will be crucial to maintaining its trajectory of progress.”
UAE health insights
The study also explored UAE residents’ perceptions of different healthcare providers, revealing that SEHA is the top-rated brand both nationally and in Abu Dhabi. SEHA leads in key metrics, including most admired, most trusted, highest likelihood of recommendation, and best rated for security, comfort, and the quality of doctors and nurses.
In Dubai, Aster emerged as the highest-rated brand, while Sheikh Khalifa (SEHA) was recognised as the most highly regarded individual hospital nationwide.
National Health Insurance Company (Daman) is the best-perceived health insurance brand nationally, leading for metrics such as most admired, most trusted, highest likelihood of recommendation, and best rated for comfort/being put at ease.
Brand Finance’s research showed the UAE now has 2.8 doctors per 1,000 people, an increase from 2.6 doctors per 1,000 people in 2022. That number is moving rapidly towards Western European rates, such as the UK (3.2 doctors per 1,000), France (3.3/1,000), and Germany (4.5/1,000).
The UAE relies heavily on expatriate workers, with around 80 per cent of doctors and 90 per cent of nurses being expatriates, mostly in the private sector. With an aging expatriate population, demand for doctors is expected to remain high, in line with the growing need for healthcare.
The value of the healthcare spending in the Emirates was $26.8 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to reach $33.8 billion in 2027, a CAGR of 4.8 per cent.
It also said the federal government allocated AED4.95 billion ($1.35 billion) to healthcare, accounting for approximately 8.6 per cent of its total budget, and that investment is expected to grow and keep pace with the country’s sustained economic growth.
The government aims to diminish the UAE’s dependency on imported medicines and prevent drug shortages by fostering a life-sciences industry. The tax-exempt Dubai Science Park has successfully attracted global pharmaceutical giants like Amgen, Pfizer, and Bayer.
Follow us on
