Healthcare services and standards in the UAE are generally excellent. The UAE ranked 22nd in the World Index of Healthcare Innovation. There are about 25,000 doctors and almost 50,000 nurses in the country’s nearly 150 government and private hospitals. The cost of medical services is relatively high, in line with the quality of care.

The UAE ranks 24th overall in quality of care. The country attracted over 350,000 medical tourists in 2019. There are 181 doctors per 100,000 residents. The top areas for medical tourism include orthopaedics, sports medicine, dermatology, dentistry and fertility treatment.

The emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi have achieved universal health coverage. Dubai has mandatory health insurance for its residents.

The UAE was among the first countries to grant full approval to sell a Covid-19 vaccine. In March 2021, the UAE ranked second in the world after Israel in terms of cumulative Covid-19 vaccine doses administered per 100 per people.

The country leads the world with the highest number of medical institutions accredited by Joint Commission International, a not-for-profit organisation that certifies healthcare providers and programmes for quality of care and patient safety.