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Medical tourism in Dubai in 2025: treatment, prices, clinics, documents


Anton Moskalev
@Anton_Moskalev
Dubai has long been not only a magnet for investors, expats, and luxury vacationers, but also one of the centers of medical tourism. According to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), in 2023, the emirate welcomed more than 674,000 medical tourists, and this number continues to grow.

Medical tourism in the UAE is developing at supersonic speed because it is one of the sectors on which the UAE government is constantly focused. By 2030, Dubai plans to become one of the top five global centers for medical tourism.

Most doctors and medical practitioners have been trained in the US and Europe and are fluent in many international languages. Hospitals in the Emirates have also begun to receive international accreditation, making them one of the most advanced countries in the medical sector.

Patients from Europe, the CIS, Asia, and Africa travel to Dubai not only for high-tech operations, but also for quality diagnostics, infertility treatment, plastic surgery, rehabilitation, and dentistry. At the same time, the level of service here is often comparable to the best clinics in Germany, South Korea, and the US — but with shorter waiting times and clear logistics.

In this article, I will tell you what exactly attracts medical tourists to Dubai in 2025, which areas are in highest demand, how much treatment costs, what documents are required, and how to organize everything with minimal effort.

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Top 5 medical tourism destinations in Dubai

Among all the medical tourism destinations in Dubai, there are those that are most often visited by foreign patients. These are areas where clinics are really strong, doctors are highly experienced, and equipment is on par with the best international centers:
  • Plastic surgery — people come here for both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. The surgeons are internationally licensed, and the results can be discussed in advance during an online consultation.
  • IVF and reproductive medicine — one of the most developed areas. High success rates, attentive care, and no unnecessary bureaucracy.
  • Cardiology and vascular surgery — a complete examination can be completed in a couple of days, including MRI, ECG, tests, and consultations. If intervention is necessary, everything will be done in one place, under supervision.
  • Oncology — separate centers operate according to Western protocols, including targeted chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. A second opinion is available.
  • Dentistry and implantology — from simple cleaning to complete reconstruction. Many people come for cosmetic procedures, but they also take care of things they have been putting off for years.
For each of these areas, there are clinics that work with foreigners, help with transfers, accommodation, paperwork, and do everything so that the patient can focus solely on their treatment.

How much will treatment cost in Dubai in 2025?

The cost of treatment in Dubai in 2025 will depend largely on the clinic, the specific procedure, and the level of service, but in general, Dubai is in the mid-price range between Europe and Turkey. It is not as cheap as in Asia, but not as expensive as in Switzerland or the US. For example:
  • A full check-up with tests, MRI, and specialist consultations — from 2,500 to 5,000 AED
  • Implantation of one tooth — on average from 4,000 AED, including installation and crown
  • IVF procedure — from 18,000 to 30,000 AED depending on the program and clinic
  • Laparoscopic surgery (e.g., gynecological) — from AED 20,000
  • Plastic surgery (e.g., rhinoplasty) — from AED 25,000, including hospitalization and postoperative care
Compared to other countries, treatment in Dubai is more expensive than in Turkey, roughly on par with good clinics in Israel, but cheaper than in Germany or Austria — and without queues and with much more flexible service. Many patients say that the level of equipment and approach here feels "Western," but with Eastern attention to detail and quick organization.

What documents does a medical tourist in UAE need?

You don't need a long list of documents to come to Dubai for treatment, but it's better to get some things ready in advance — this will make it easier to communicate with the clinic and speed up the process. Most patients come on a regular tourist visa, which is enough for short-term treatment or examination. If the treatment is serious or long-term, some clinics can arrange a medical visa, which requires confirmation of admission and a letter from your doctor.
It is also advisable to bring the following with you:
  • medical records, previous test results, images, examination reports — it is best to have all of this translated into English in advance;
  • a list of medications you are taking and treatment recommendations if you are already undergoing therapy;
  • a passport with sufficient validity (at least 6 months);
  • the clinic's contact details and agreed appointment schedule — this will be useful when passing through immigration, especially if the trip is organized through a medical operator.
Usually, the clinics themselves will tell you what to prepare, and many will help with visa applications and booking accommodation.

How to choose a clinic and doctor in UAE in 2025?

Choosing a clinic and doctor is the most important step, especially if you are traveling to Dubai not just for a consultation, but for surgery or serious treatment. It is best to start with trusted platforms: Dubai Health Experience (DXH) is the official portal of the Dubai Health Authority, which lists accredited clinics and doctor profiles. You can also check reviews on WhatClinic, RealSelf (for aesthetic medicine), and international partners that specialize in medical tourism.
When choosing, pay attention to several things. First, the clinic's accreditation — reputable centers have international certificates such as JCI or ISO. Second, the doctor's profile: where they studied, in which country they practiced, and whether they are members of relevant associations. And, of course, experience — in good clinics, you can request the doctor's CV in advance or talk to a coordinator who will explain everything. Having a Russian-speaking assistant is a bonus, but the most important thing is a clear treatment plan and trust in the specialist.

All-inclusive programs — how they work?

Many clinics in Dubai offer an "all-inclusive" format, especially for foreign patients who travel from far away for treatment and want everything to be organized on a turnkey basis. It usually works like this: you send your medical documents in advance, the doctor reviews them remotely and confirms that they can take on your treatment. The clinic then sends you a ready-made program that includes flights, airport transfers, accommodation (usually in a hotel near the clinic or in an aparthotel), meals, and a medical coordinator who accompanies you at all stages. If you do not speak English, an interpreter will be provided in advance to accompany you to appointments and during procedures. This approach is particularly convenient if you are traveling for surgery, IVF, or a full examination and do not want to spend time looking for a hotel, logistics, and everyday issues.

Government initiatives and support programs

In Dubai, medical tourism is not just a private initiative of clinics, but an officially supported state policy. In 2016, with the participation of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the Dubai Health Experience (DXH) program was launched. It is a unified digital ecosystem that includes accredited clinics, certified doctors, hotels, tour operators, and insurance partners. Through the website dxh.ae, you can select a clinic by specialty, read reviews, view doctors' licenses, and even submit a request for treatment. The DHA is also developing its own digital platforms to simplify appointment booking, medical record storage, second opinions, and visit coordination — all of which work through official apps such as the Dubai Health App and RAK Health. The goal of these initiatives is to make the entire process as simple, transparent, and agent-free as possible for medical tourists.

Pros and cons of medical tourism in Dubai

Medical tourism in Dubai has its strengths, but there are also some nuances that are important to know in advance. The obvious advantages include a high level of medicine, modern equipment, doctors with international experience, no language barrier, and excellent organization. Everything happens quickly: diagnosis, admission, paperwork, and the procedure itself — without bureaucracy or delays. Another advantage is that Dubai is not just about "getting better," but about comfort at every stage, from transfer to rehabilitation.

Now for the cons. This destination is not cheap, especially when compared to Turkey or India. Not all clinics are equally good, and marketing in Dubai works very well, so without preparation, it is easy to overpay or choose the wrong option. There are also logistical nuances: visas, flights, and adapting to the climate. Therefore, it is important to check everything in advance, gather information, and, if possible, consult with someone who has already been through this process.

Frequently asked questions about medicine in Dubai:

Best Hospitals in Dubai
Al Garhoud Hospital
Al-Gharhoud Private Hospital, accredited by JCI in 2013, is renowned in the region for its cutting-edge services and specialized departments with a capacity of 72 private beds, luxurious delivery rooms, and state-of-the-art physical therapy equipment. The hospital provides a variety of medical services, including a cardiology department, a dentistry department, a radiology and imaging department, an obstetrics and gynecology department, and a dermatology and skin care department.

Address: Garhoud, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +971 4 454 5119
Day surgery centers and clinics in Dubai
Acacia Medical Centre
Acacia Medical Center in Dubai is a multi-specialty outpatient clinic founded by a group of doctors committed to providing world-class medical services, including plastic and cosmetic surgery, reconstructive surgery, body contouring, liposuction, hand aesthetics, and burn treatment. It strives to make the patient's stay as comfortable as possible.

Address: Acacia Medical Center, Shafar Building 7, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +971 4 344 5515
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