Have you just moved to the United Arab Emirates, or is your move abroad getting closer? After finding a place to live, enrolling your children in school, and handling all the administrative paperwork, one question often comes up: which doctor can you trust there?
Because let’s face it, having a doctor you can rely on provides both greater peace of mind and, above all, less stress.
In this article, we will show you how to find a good doctor near you, whether you live in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and the key information you need to know before making your choice.
Understanding the healthcare system in the United Arab Emirates
The first thing to know is that the United Arab Emirates has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. It is based on mandatory health insurance and public and private infrastructure.
However, upon arrival in the country, you will notice that healthcare is largely privatized and that the majority of appointments take place in private hospitals and clinics.
This is due to the modernity of these facilities and, above all, the speed of access to care, since it is common to get an appointment the same day or the next.
To illustrate this point, consider that of the 1,800 medical facilities in Abu Dhabi, more than 1,300 are private. In Dubai, out of 2,400 facilities, only 100 are public!
Some key points about doctors in the United Arab Emirates
- Most practitioners in the Emirates speak English (and sometimes French);
- According to the latest census, the country has nearly 30,000 doctors, 19,900 of whom work in the private sector, with the majority based in Dubai and Abu Dhabi; the expertise of doctors in the UAE is widely recognized, with many professionals trained internationally;
- In the public sector, it is mandatory to see a general practitioner (available at PHCs, or “Primary Healthcare Centers”) before consulting a specialist (doctors are often addressed as “Dr.” in local facilities). In the private sector, this is not always necessary, though it is strongly recommended.
How to choose a trusted doctor in Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
Where to look
Through official platforms:
Many foreign consulates offer pages with a list of doctors’ contact information in the country.
For example, if you are looking for an English-speaking doctor, the British Embassy in the United Arab Emirates maintains an online directory of general practitioners and specialists in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. You can view it here: English or English-speaking doctors in the UAE.
There are also several online directories, including DoctoMaps, which specializes in listing Emglish-speaking healthcare professionals. These directories allow you to filter practitioners by specialty, including dentists and dental clinics, to help you find the right one for your specific needs.
You can also check out the official Emirati websites. In Dubai, the Dubai Medical Registry lists all doctors and offers handy filters by specialty or language spoken. It’s often possible to contact practitioners directly via the mobile number listed on their profile, which makes scheduling appointments easier, especially for dental services.
For Abu Dhabi, the Seha website (meaning “health” in Arabic) is a reliable resource approved by the authorities.
Through word of mouth:
Recommendations from the expat community are often very valuable. Don’t hesitate to ask your expat friends and family how they found their doctor and if they have any recommendations.
Given that over 85% of the UAE’s population consists of foreign nationals, you will be spoiled for choice!
Through your insurance:
You can also contact your health insurance provider to be connected with a general practitioner near you.
At Global Health, experts in international health insurance for expats, we can help you find a doctor or healthcare center near you through our local network.
Discover today our plans in just a few clics.
How to choose a general practitioner in the United Arab Emirates?
Whether you are in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, you will quickly have a wide selection of doctors to choose from. Here are a few criteria to guide you:
Qualifications: To make the right choice, opt for a qualified doctor with solid expertise and recognized experience. Don’t hesitate to check their background, which is often available online, particularly on the website of the hospital or clinic where they practice. Some doctors are members of recognized professional organizations or hold department head positions at reputable institutions, which attests to their level of competence and their commitment to the quality of the medical care provided.
Compatibility with your insurance: make sure the doctor is part of the network of providers affiliated with your insurance. In general, international private health insurance, which is very popular among expatriates, provides access to a wide network of high-quality hospitals.
Language spoken: as mentioned above, the majority of doctors in the Emirates speak English, as they are often expatriates themselves. It is therefore not uncommon to find professionals who also speak French or Spanish.
Proximity: Dubai and Abu Dhabi are large, sprawling, and densely populated cities (with 3 million and 1.5 million residents, respectively). Having a doctor near your home saves you significant time and energy on a daily basis.
Insurance and medical coverage in the United Arab Emirates
Moving to the United Arab Emirates requires planning for your health coverage. The country has a modern healthcare system and high-quality medical infrastructure, but the cost of care can be high without the right insurance.
For expats, several options are available: individual, family, or employer-sponsored insurance. It is recommended to choose international health insurance that covers at least doctor visits, hospitalizations, and medical emergencies, depending on your needs.
Before you leave, check whether your current insurance covers healthcare abroad and review the reimbursement terms.
Planning your health insurance in advance allows you to settle into Dubai or Abu Dhabi with greater peace of mind, while enjoying quick access to quality medical care.
The cost of medical consultations in the United Arab Emirates
In the public sector:
A consultation with a general practitioner or specialist at a government facility costs between 50 and 150 dirhams (AED), or between 12 and 35 euros.
This amount is generally covered by insurance for eligible individuals, namely residents and nationals with a health card.
In the private sector:
In private hospitals and clinics, rates are much higher, with the following averages:
- Consultation with a general practitioner: 200 to 350 AED (47 to 82 EUR)
- Consultation with a specialist: 400 to 600 AED (94 to 140 EUR)
It is important to note that some fees may include administrative or support charges billed by a specialized agency, particularly when using the services of medical placement agencies.
For a family, medical appointments can quickly become a significant expense when they are not covered by appropriate health insurance.
Useful Resources
Of course, in case of an emergency, go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. Also keep these numbers handy:
- 998: to call an ambulance
- 999: national emergency number
- 997: fire department number
If you are moving to Abu Dhabi, here are some renowned private medical facilities:
- NMC Specialty Hospital
- Burjeel Hospital
- Ahalia Hospital
And Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) in the public sector.
For those moving to Dubai:
- American Hospital Dubai
- International Modern Hospital
- King’s College Hospital
In the public sector, consider Rashid Hospital, known for the reliability of its care.
In summary
Finding a trusted doctor in Dubai or Abu Dhabi may seem complicated at first, but the extensive medical infrastructure and wide range of healthcare professionals quickly make things easier. By taking the time to verify the doctor’s qualifications, their compatibility with your health insurance, and their proximity to where you live, you can access quality care with complete peace of mind.
Thanks to a modern healthcare system and a strong presence of international professionals, expats generally enjoy quick access to appointments and specialists.
With a little planning and the right information, you can settle in the United Arab Emirates with confidence, knowing that your health and that of your family are in good hands.
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