Health
From The Report: Dubai 2014
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As the emirate leverages its diverse leisure activities and central location, medical tourism looks set to grow beyond the $1.69bn in revenue earned in 2012. A number of health and pharmaceutical groups are eyeing Dubai as a regional centre, owing to its well-developed transport and communication links and ongoing advances in technology and research. Insurance is not currently required by law; however, legislation is in the works to introduce an employer-based health insurance mandate. When it is implemented, the law is expected to bring with it a shift in the quantity and type of medical services demanded in the emirate.

This chapter contains an interview with Essa Al Haj Al Maidoor, Director-General, Dubai Health Authority.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Standards of care: A rapidly growing sector awaits big system changes on the horizon
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Developments to modernise Dubai’s health sector over the last decade have seen its infrastructure indicators speed ahead of the regional average in most major categories. The government accounts for 74% of all health care spending in the UAE, according to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics from 2011, but private health care providers in the emirates, and in Dubai especially, are an important and growing part of the sector. While all UAE citizens are entitled to free health care,…

Interview

Solid foundations: OBG talks to Essa Al Haj Al Maidoor, Director-General, Dubai Health Authority
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Interview:Essa Al Haj Al Maidoor How is Dubai’s regulatory framework supporting the development and positioning of its health sector? ESSA AL HAJ AL MAIDOOR: The goal is not for Dubai’s health sector to replace other well-reputed, global capitals such as the US and the UK, but rather to build its own, unique model. To do so, it is being designed with the cooperation of leading partners from across the globe. Thanks to better communication, the world has become a much smaller community.…

Analysis

Attracting patients: Eyeing a stronger role in the medical tourism segment
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As it seeks to become a centre for medical tourism, Dubai is entering into a mature and competitive market, but also one with positive growth trends and increasing demand. According to consulting firm McKinsey & Co, medical tourism was estimated to be a $100bn global industry in 2012, and many countries throughout the world have registered double-digit growth in the sector in recent years. Revenues from medical tourism in the UAE hit $1.69bn in 2012, up 6.5% from 2011. Even though the UAE and…

Analysis

High-tech hospitals: Leading the way in cutting-edge technology in the region
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As the domestic health care sector continues to grow, Dubai has become a home to some of the sector’s most cutting edge innovations and the regional centre for many companies that are developing and delivering these technologies. Not only does the emirate boast a range of private hospitals and clinics, but the government has made information and communications technology (ICT) innovations in health care an essential part of its Smart Government initiative to modernise everyday life in the emirate. US…

Analysis

Spurring development: New regulations and incentives are changing the pharmaceuticals landscape
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With an increasing population where lifestyle-related illnesses are ever more common, pharmaceuticals companies should see steadily rising demand for their products in Dubai and throughout the GCC. Successful entry into the market is no easy task, and although demand is indeed growing in the region, the Middle East still only accounts for between 1% and 1.5% of pharmaceuticals sales worldwide, making some companies wary of risking too much too soon. For those businesses that do choose to invest in…

Analysis

A positive impact: Private medical providers to benefit from an expected rise in demand
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Already an indispensible part of the health care sector in the emirate, private medical care is ready to enter into a new and even more mature phase. Among the factors driving its growth are a new health insurance law that is being rolled out over the next several years, which will bring millions of new domestic customers to the private market. Further, preparations and investments for the Expo 2020, should help solidify the emirate as a medical tourism destination and increase Dubai’s reputation…

Analysis

A new mandate: Health insurance law takes effect in 2014
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In the closing weeks of 2013 the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) announced the details of a long-anticipated new health insurance mandate. Based on an employer-provided benefit model, the new regulation stipulates that by October 2014 companies that have more than 1000 employees will be required to provide health insurance to their staff. The implementation of the law will continue in two more phases, ending in 2016, when even small enterprises will fall under the mandate. While it is still too early…