How Does Tourist Healthcare Work in UAE?
Last verified: 2025-01 · Middle East
1The Quick Answer
Healthcare quality is excellent but expensive. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Many hospitals have English-speaking staff.
2What You Need to Know
The UAE has world-class private hospitals and clinics, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. English is widely spoken at medical facilities given the large expat population. However, costs are very high — an emergency room visit can cost AED 500–2,000+ and hospitalization runs AED 2,000–5,000+ per day. Travel insurance is essential. The Dubai Health Authority and Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) operate government hospitals where tourists can also receive treatment. Pharmacies are widely available and many medications available only on prescription elsewhere can be bought over the counter.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Carry comprehensive travel insurance — costs are very high without it
- 2Dubai hospital for tourists: American Hospital Dubai (+971 4 336 7777)
- 3Pharmacies are on almost every street in cities and open late
- 4Prescription medications brought into the UAE must be accompanied by a doctor's letter
- 5The Dubai Health Authority app (DHCC) can help find nearby clinics
Important Warning
Many medications that are legal elsewhere are controlled or banned in the UAE. Check the UAE Ministry of Health list before bringing any prescription medication.
How does this compare?
Tourist Healthcare rules in nearby and similar countries:
Private hospitals in Cairo are good, but healthcare in rural and desert areas is very limited — travel insurance with evacuation cover is essential.
Travel insurance is essential in Morocco as public hospitals are overcrowded and private clinic fees must be paid upfront.
Healthcare quality is excellent at private hospitals, but costs are very high — travel insurance is essential.
More About UAE
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. 10–15% at restaurants is standard. Round up for taxis.
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Dubai has an excellent metro and buses. Buy a Nol Card for all public transport in Dubai. Abu Dhabi has buses but no metro yet.
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The UAE has strict laws around alcohol, public behavior, drugs, and dress. What is legal in your home country may be a criminal offense here.
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Police: 999. Ambulance: 998. Fire: 997. Tourist Police (Dubai): 800-4438.
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Dress modestly in public. Shoulders and knees should be covered in malls, markets, and public areas. Swimwear is only for beaches and pools.
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Alcohol is only legal at licensed hotels, restaurants, and bars. Drinking in public is illegal. Legal age is 21. Ramadan has extra restrictions.
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