Health

The rollout of universal health insurance commenced in October 2014 with the first of three deadlines for employers to ensure their staff are covered by health insurance, and is due to be completed by mid-2016. The universal cover will offer improved treatment options for many expatriate workers, while also enabling the government to make changes to funding mechanisms and priorities. A range of new hospitals and health care facilities are set to come on-line in the coming years, with three new hospitals and 40 new health care centres due to be built as a part of the Dubai Health Strategy 2013-25, announced in May 2013. Another key goal of Dubai Health Strategy is the development of medical tourism, as the emirate aims to leverage its geographical location, its status as an air travel hub, and its reputation as a luxury retail and hospitality destination as part of its offering.

This chapter contains an interview with Raja Al Gurg, Vice-Chairperson, Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA).