Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 health has been one of the priority sectors of nations worldwide, given the strong correlation between a healthy population and economic productivity. The sector’s development within Ajman is closely linked to the UAE’s broader national health care strategies, aiming to enhance the quality and accessibility of medical care across the country. Overall population growth within the UAE, and specifically in the Northern Emirates, indicates a projected rising demand for health care. This national demographic trend, coupled with increasing life expectancy and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) including diabetes and cardiovascular conditions, is driving the need for expanded and specialised health care services in Ajman. These conditions are also a focus of national health strategies. The UAE government’s focus on preventive health care and on the promotion of well-being through initiatives like the National Wellbeing Strategy 2031 directly influences the development of health care services. This national emphasis on proactive health management is shaping the direction of investment and service delivery in the emirate’s medical sector. Ajman is therefore positioned to cater to the needs of health care professionals both in the UAE and internationally.
Oversight
The health system operates under the guidance of the federal Ministry of Health and Prevention (MHAP). This ministry establishes health strategies and policies at the UAE level that also impact Ajman, encompassing areas like preventive care and public health initiatives. These policies include national programmes like the National Diabetes Strategy and the National Cancer Registry, as well as initiatives focusing on maternal and child health. These national policies shape the framework within which Ajman’s health care services are delivered. While the MHAP provides the national framework, health care service delivery is primarily managed at the emirate level. Ajman has a network of government hospitals and clinics providing a range of medical services to residents. Alongside the public sector, a growing private health care sector exists, offering diverse specialisations and catering to varying patient needs. Academia is also closely linked to the sector. For instance, Ajman University, a prominent educational institution in the emirate, plays a key role in the sector through its College of Medicine. This institution contributes to the training of future health care professionals and fosters research within the medical field. The presence of this educational institution supports the development of a skilled health care workforce. The university’s research initiatives also contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and practices within the emirate. In addition, Thumbay Hospital, part of the Gulf Medical University, is a significant health care provider in the emirate. Together, the network trains around 20 percent of the doctors and 60 percent of the health care professionals in the UAE.
Health Figures
With an average of 29 doctors and 64 nurses and midwives per 10,000 people between 2014-22, the UAE ensures strong medical support for its population. Life expectancy at birth stands at 78.3 years for both men and women, comparable to advanced economies worldwide. Maternal health outcomes also fare well, with a mortality ratio of nine per 100,000 live births. Similarly, infant mortality sits at just five per 1000 live births, positioning the country favourably in global health outcome rankings.
Expenditure
Health care expenditure in the UAE has seen a consistent rise in recent years, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving health care infrastructure and services. This improvement is a major driver of growth in the sector. The UAE spends around 4% of GDP on health care. Some 55.6% of this value is publicly financed, followed by social insurance at 27%, out-of-pocket expenditure at 12.2%, and private insurance at 5.2% – although it is currently unclear how these figures will change following the introduction of mandatory insurance for private sector workers across the UAE effective from January 1, 2025. In terms of the budget allocated by the government, the total allocated in the 2024 budget was Dh5bn ($1.4bn), up from Dh4.25bn ($1.2bn) in 2022. The hope is that, with the introduction of increasing e-health and telemedicine measures, resources can be more optimally allocated moving forward – enabling efficiency and productivity savings in public and private expenditure (see analysis).
Ajman Vision 2030
The emirate’s socio-economic blueprint, Ajman Vision 2030, is a detailed strategy document outlining the development of the emirate between 2024 and 2030 (see Profile chapter). Given that it aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the national vision, We the UAE 2031, it touches on health-related elements in many of its objectives – or directions, as these objectives are labelled in the policy document. Direction 3.4 – promoting good health, safety, security and well-being – is the principal element of the vision that concerns the physical state of the emirate’s population. It recognises that the health and well-being of its community are fundamental to its overall progress. Part of this involves rolling out initiatives that prioritise both physical and mental health, alongside enhanced safety measures, to create a supportive environment for all. This vision entails improving access to high-quality health care services and facilities, including hospitals, health centres and specialist medical facilities. Moreover, Ajman aims to promote healthy and active lifestyles through preventive policies such as comprehensive education and awareness programmes. These efforts are crucial for tackling public health challenges such as obesity and diabetes, and fostering a community that values physical health and overall well-being. A key component of Ajman’s approach is the encouragement of preventive health care practices, empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources to proactively manage their own health. Recognising the importance of mental well-being, Ajman is also prioritising initiatives that raise awareness of mental health issues, reduce associated stigma and provide support systems for those in need. Other health-related directions in Ajman Vision 2030 include the goal of achieving sustainable waste management and reducing pollution – Direction 6.1. Reducing pollution is of particular importance considering that, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), in 2019 around 99% of the world was living in places where air pollution contributed to an estimated 4.2m deaths. The WHO suggests that poor air quality leads to around 1872 premature deaths annually in the UAE alone. Although dwarfed by the global total and partly attributable to natural factors like sandstorms, there is room for improvement in line with Direction 6.1. Another health-related component of the vision is Direction 7.1 – ensuring that the social services system is empowering, efficient and fair. The document calls for services delivered with excellence and efficiency in health care, as well as in areas such as housing, legal and financial assistance, and entrepreneurship support.
Pharmaceuticals
The UAE’s pharmaceuticals market has experienced significant expansion in recent years in parallel with its demographic growth, with the segment expanding from $1.5bn in 2011 to $3.7bn in 2021 – expected to increase to approximately $4.7bn during 2025. In 2021 the UAE operated 23 manufacturing facilities for pharmaceuticals and medical devices, including 14 that produce medicines, seven that manufacture medical devices and two that specialise in disinfectant solutions. Approximately 2500 medicines were produced in the country in 2021, generating $258m from exports to 48 countries. In response to global supply chain disruptions following the Covid-19 pandemic, the UAE is working to enhance production capacity, thereby strengthening national medical security and increasing export revenue in regional and global markets. Federal-level reforms between 2020 and 2021 further support investment and innovation in this sector. These reforms include a fast-track approval system for innovative and rare drugs, the September 2021 removal of the 51% UAE national shareholder ownership requirement for companies, and the alignment of UAE patent laws with international standards. Ajman is strategically positioned to capitalise on this UAE-wide growth, leveraging its competitive business environment and access to skilled labour. Ajman Free Zone (AFZ) plays a pivotal role in attracting investment to the sector, offering a range of incentives and streamlined processes tailored to the needs of pharmaceutical and medical device companies. By 2021 AFZ was home to 228 health companies and related services, reflecting its reputation as a preferred destination for health care businesses. Among the notable companies operating in Ajman is Fine Healthcare, a pharmaceutical firm that manufactures products in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices requirements. Located in AFZ, Fine Healthcare contributes to the emirate’s growing profile as a centre for innovation and production in industries related to health care.
NCDs
The UAE’s overall public health policy places significant importance on preventive health care due to the high prevalence of NCDs linked to lifestyle choices. This is largely due to the growth in NCDs over recent decades in the country – similar to other GCC nations and advanced economies as a result of rising disposable incomes and the dominance of office-based jobs that contribute to sedentary behaviours and poor dietary habits. According to a 2021 report from the WHO, 55% of annual deaths in the UAE are caused by the four major NCDs: cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and chronic respiratory conditions. The report also identified smoking, fast food and physical inactivity as critical issues to be addressed with prevention-focused public policies. Beyond their social impact, NCDs impose a substantial economic burden, costing the nation Dh39.9bn ($10.9bn) annually – with 53% of this linked to productivity losses from premature deaths, disabilities or illnesses. The WHO recommends that the UAE implement four cost-effective policy packages to address NCDs, which could save 32,000 lives and Dh20.4bn ($5.6bn) in economic losses over 15 years. The measures include clinical interventions for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, salt reduction, tobacco control, and diet and physical activity awareness campaigns. These prevention-focused policies are designed to reduce premature mortality, boost workforce productivity and generate significant economic returns. The estimated economic benefits total around Dh20bn ($5.4bn), far exceeding the estimated implementation costs of Dh9bn ($2.5bn).
Medical Tourism
The UAE as a whole places significant emphasis on developing its medical tourism sector. The country positions itself as a regional and global centre in the segment due to its strategic location, affordable treatment costs and the adoption of advanced innovation such as robotics and artificial intelligence. This focus aligns with the national agenda to improve quality of life while fostering economic growth. The health sector’s development is also supported by pharmaceutical and medical supplies industries located in the UAE. Ajman plays a key role in this effort with its comprehensive health care infrastructure, including advanced hospitals and medical universities. The emirate actively promotes investment opportunities in medical tourism, reflecting the vision of its leadership to prioritise health care development. Investment in this sector contributes to enhancing social welfare and generating economic benefits by creating jobs, boosting productivity and reducing long-term care costs. Through these efforts, the UAE strengthens its position as a leading destination for medical tourism.
In May 2023 the Department of Tourism Development and Thumbay Group signed a memorandum of understanding to bolster Ajman’s position as a regional centre for medical tourism. The agreement outlines collaboration on medical events and promotional campaigns, as well as participation in health-related exhibitions to enhance the emirate’s appeal to wellness and therapy seekers. This comes a year after the opening of the Middle East and Africa’s first dedicated five-star health resort in the emirate, ZOYA Health and Wellbeing Resort. These developments leverage Ajman’s growing reputation for high-quality medical services and successful recovery outcomes.
Insurance
Health insurance coverage varies based on employment sector and citizenship status. Public sector workers receive government-provided health insurance, ensuring they and their families have access to necessary medical services at government hospitals and clinics. Meanwhile, private sector workers are required by law to have health insurance provided by their employers, which extends to the dependents of the employee. In March 2024 it was announced that from January 1, 2025, health insurance would be compulsory for all private sector workers across the UAE. The law was already in place in the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai; however, it was extended across the Northern Emirates in 2025. The compulsory insurance plan costs Dh320 ($87.10) annually and covers treatment expenses with co-payments of 20% for inpatient care and 25% for outpatient care, alongside an annual medication co-payment cap of Dh1500 ($408). It includes access to seven hospitals, 47 clinics, 44 pharmacies and telehealth services. Employers must provide this insurance for employees to issue or renew residency permits, with the policy valid for two years and a refundable second-year premium if the visa is cancelled. Meanwhile, citizens are entitled to free health services at government hospitals and clinics.
Facilities
Medical facilities are offered publicly through MHAP-affiliated hospitals and clinics, as well as multiple private operators. Thumbay Group is the dominant operator of private-sector facilities and operates the Gulf Medical University and Thumbay University Hospital, one of the largest private academic hospitals in the region. The hospitals attract medical professionals, patients and researchers from across the region and beyond. To address the increasing need for cancer care in the Northern Emirates, Thumbay University Hospital launched a dedicated centre at Thumbay Medicity in February 2024. The facility offers multidisciplinary and affordable cancer treatments, accommodating a range of insurance plans, including lower-tier coverage. Moreover, the firm formalised a partnership with Advanced Care Oncology to enhance treatment quality, with an initial focus on medical and surgical oncology. Thumbay Group expanded its health care network by opening a new family clinic in Al Jurf, Ajman in November 2024. The clinic provides comprehensive services, including specialist care in obstetrics and gynaecology, dental services and general medicine. Other private operators include Aster DM Healthcare, NMC Health and Lifecare Hospitals, and Saudi German Hospital. MHAP facilities include Khalifa Hospital, Ajman Medical District, and the Al Thakeer and Muweilah health centres.
Ajman Public Health Programme
Given that not all public health policy is centred around medical care, the government introduced the Ajman Public Health Programme (APHP) to bolster public health standards within the emirate – particularly in food businesses but also in hairdressers, barbershops and beauty centres. By mandating compliance with international best practices like food safety laws and public health regulations, the APHP ensures rigorous oversight of such establishments. Supported by the Ajman Municipality and Planning Department, along with TSI Quality Services, this programme highlights the need for training, examinations, management systems, audits and certification. The APHP’s approach seeks to address potential health risks, thereby promoting a healthier community and ensuring consumer safety.
Challenges & Opportunities
The health care sector is shaped by challenges and opportunities. Key challenges include the burden of NCDs, with sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits driving high rates of conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Addressing these issues will require the continuation of comprehensive public health campaigns and better prevention strategies, most likely at the national level, such as the UAE’s National Diabetes Strategy. Environmental factors also pose a public health concern, necessitating initiatives to mitigate pollution and promote sustainability in other facets of urban and economic development. However, significant opportunities exist. The introduction of mandatory health insurance for private sector workers in 2025 is expected to enhance access to health care and boost the private sector’s role within the health space. Ajman’s pharmaceutical and medical devices sectors are also poised for growth, supported by federal reforms and strategic incentives provided by key entities such as AFZ. Medical tourism is another major opportunity, with state-of-the-art facilities and private sector actors attracting international patients. Education and research through the emirate’s institutions strengthen the health care workforce, fostering innovation and ensuring sustainable growth.
Outlook
Ajman’s health care sector is poised for significant transformation, in line with demographic changes, in the coming years. The emirate’s commitment to Ajman Vision 2030 sets the stage for a multifaceted approach to public health – encompassing physical and mental well-being, equitable access to health care services and environmental sustainability. The focus on preventive health care will shape health policies. Public awareness campaigns, alongside WHO-recommended policy measures like salt reduction and tobacco control, have the potential to significantly improve health outcomes and economic productivity.
Ajman’s role in medical tourism is expected to expand further as enhanced collaboration between health care providers and the tourism sector positions the emirate as a preferred destination for international patients seeking advanced care and recovery. The introduction of mandatory health insurance for private sector workers is another pivotal development, likely to drive health resource utilisation and stimulate private sector expansion. Innovation in telemedicine and digital health, aligned with global trends, is also expected to play a significant role in improving accessibility and efficiency. Overall, Ajman’s outlook reflects a balanced integration of public health priorities, socio-economic development and environmental sustainability.
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