Health & Education

Leveraging its tremendous economic growth and high per capita income, Dubai has developed a robust health care system that provides a high level of medical services to its citizens. The Dubai Health Authority, responsible for the regulatory and strategic oversight of health services in the emirate outside the health care free zone, is further strengthening the sector through strategic partnerships to develop health care-related education facilities. However, while UAE health care expenditures are significant, at around $1450 per capita in 2010, they still lag behind global averages for OECD countries. Indeed, although the UAE accounted for 20% of the total GCC health care expenditures in 2009, this represented only around 3% of GDP. More positively, free zones are attracting investments and have seen tremendous growth of private clinics and specialised service centres. This strategy has also opened up a strong potential for medical tourism. This chapter includes interviews with Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, Chairperson, Dubai Healthcare City Authority; and Abdulla Al Karam, Chairman and Director-General, Knowledge and Human Development Authority.