Healthcare in Dubai
Dubai's healthcare system is world-class, but it's private-dominated and insurance-dependent. Residents and visitors should understand the insurance requirements and how to navigate the system before they need it.
Health Insurance Is Mandatory in Dubai
Dubai law requires all residents to have health insurance. Employers must provide Basic Health Insurance for employees and their spouses and up to three children. If you are self-employed, on a freelance visa, or a Golden Visa holder, you must arrange your own insurance. Visa applications will not be processed without proof of insurance.
Health Insurance Overview
Basic (DHA-mandated)
AED 650–1,000/year
- Emergency treatment
- Outpatient at DHA clinics
- AED 150,000 annual limit
- No dental/optical
- Network: government hospitals + select clinics
Minimum required by law for employees earning under AED 4,000/month.
Mid-Range
AED 3,000–8,000/year
- Wider hospital network
- Outpatient + specialist visits
- Basic dental
- AED 250,000–1M annual limit
- Some optical cover
Typical employer plan for mid-level employees. Check your network carefully.
Comprehensive / Executive
AED 15,000–50,000+/year
- Top-tier hospitals (Cleveland Clinic, AHD)
- Full dental and optical
- Maternity cover
- Worldwide emergency cover
- No annual limit or very high limit
Senior management packages. Can also be self-purchased through brokers like AXA, Daman, Bupa.
Major Hospitals
Mediclinic City Hospital
Healthcare City, Dubai
One of the largest private hospitals in the UAE. JCI accredited. Part of the Mediclinic network — the most widespread in Dubai.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi (1.5hr from Dubai)
The Middle East branch of the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic. For complex or serious cases, many Dubai residents travel to CCAD.
American Hospital Dubai
Oud Metha, Dubai
JCI accredited. The first JCI-accredited hospital in the UAE. Affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine.
NMC Royal Hospital
Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi (multiple Dubai branches)
NMC is one of the largest private healthcare groups in the UAE with clinics across Dubai. Known for fertility treatment.
Rashid Hospital
Umm Hurair, Dubai
Dubai's main government trauma centre. Lower cost than private hospitals — requires Emirates ID or valid insurance. Excellent emergency care.
Latifa Hospital
Al Jaddaf, Dubai
The largest women and children's hospital in the UAE. Excellent maternity care at government rates. Preferred by many expat families.
Pharmacies in Dubai
Dubai has hundreds of pharmacies, many open 24 hours. Pharmacists can often advise on and dispense common medications without a prescription, making them a convenient first stop for minor ailments.
Aster Pharmacy
Largest pharmacy chain in UAE — over 150 locations. 24/7 delivery via app.
Life Pharmacy
Second largest chain. Well-stocked, good home delivery. App available.
Al Manara Pharmacy
Independent pharmacies across older neighborhoods. Good for hard-to-find medications.
Prescription Medications
Many medications available over the counter in other countries require a prescription in the UAE. Bring a supply of any regular medication when moving, along with a letter from your doctor. Controlled substances (some painkillers, sleeping pills) require prior approval from the Ministry of Health — carry documentation and do not exceed a 3-month supply. Check the MOHAP website before traveling.
Emergency Numbers
999
Police
998
Ambulance
997
Fire
996
Coast Guard
800 342
Dubai Health Authority
991
DEWA Emergency
901
Non-emergency Police
800 4438
Tourist Police
Vaccinations & Travel Health
No vaccinations are required to enter the UAE. However, the following are recommended for residents and long-term visitors:
| Vaccine | Recommendation | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Strongly recommended; booster doses available | DHA clinics, pharmacies, hospitals |
| Influenza | Annual — especially before winter | Pharmacies (no prescription), clinics |
| Hepatitis A & B | Recommended for long-term residents | GP clinics, travel health centers |
| Typhoid | Recommended if traveling to South Asia frequently | Travel clinics |
| MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella) | Standard childhood vaccine — ensure up to date | Any GP or DHA clinic |
| Tetanus / Diphtheria / Pertussis | Booster every 10 years recommended | Any GP clinic |
Mental Health Resources
Mental health awareness is growing in the UAE, though stigma still exists in some communities. There are several professional resources available in Dubai:
Priory Wellbeing Centre
Private clinic
The UAE's first mental health hospital. Comprehensive services including therapy, psychiatry, addiction treatment, and residential programs.
Lighthouse Arabia
Private psychology center
A full-service psychology and wellness center in Dubai with over 30 mental health professionals. Therapy for adults, children, couples, and families.
Dubai Emotion Free
Counselling service
Community-focused mental health support. Sliding scale fees available for those who cannot afford full rates.
Aman Dubai (DHA)
Government clinic
The Dubai Health Authority's specialist mental health facility offering outpatient psychiatry, substance abuse treatment, and community mental health services.
Helplines
- DHA Mental Health Line: 800 4673 (free, confidential, 24/7)
- Emirates Autism Center helpline: 04 362 2111
- Substance abuse hotline (DHA): 800 5546
- Child protection: 800 CHILD (24453)
Dental Care
Dental care in Dubai is private and can be expensive. Basic insurance plans rarely include dental; check your policy. Top clinics include Dr. Michael's Dental Clinic, Dr. Joy Dental Clinic, and Drs. Nicolas & Asp.
| Procedure | Typical Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Cleaning / Scaling | AED 300–600 |
| Filling | AED 500–1,500 |
| Root Canal | AED 1,500–3,000 |
| Crown | AED 2,000–4,000 |
| Braces | AED 8,000–20,000 |
| Invisalign | AED 12,000–25,000 |
| Teeth Whitening | AED 1,000–3,000 |
Maternity Care
Dubai offers excellent maternity facilities from government hospitals to premium private hospitals. Birth must be registered within 30 days at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). If your insurance includes a maternity rider, it must typically be added before pregnancy — check your policy carefully.
| Hospital | Type | Estimated Birth Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Latifa Women's Hospital | Government (DHA) | AED 5,000–10,000 |
| Saudi German Hospital | Private | AED 15,000–30,000 |
| Mediclinic | Private | AED 25,000–50,000 |
| American Hospital Dubai | Private | AED 30,000–60,000 |
Medication Import Rules
Controlled Substances Require MOHAP Approval
If you are bringing controlled medications into the UAE, you must obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). Submit your application via mohap.gov.ae before travel. Bring your doctor's letter, original prescription, and carry a maximum 3-month supply.
Commonly Prohibited / Controlled
- Codeine-based cough syrups and painkillers
- Tramadol and some strong opioid painkillers
- Some sleeping pills and benzodiazepines
- ADHD medications (Adderall, Ritalin) — require pre-approval
- High-dose melatonin
Before You Travel
- Check medication status: mohap.gov.ae/en/services/check-medicine-status
- Apply for controlled substance entry permit at least 2 weeks before travel
- Carry original prescription and doctor's letter at all times
- Do not exceed a 3-month supply without additional approval