The UAE healthcare ecosystem was valued at ~US$ 34B in FY2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of ~8%, reaching US$ 50B by FY2029 

Healthcare delivery constitutes the largest portion of the healthcare ecosystem, accounting for ~50%, while health insurance represents around 20% 

Private sector healthcare spending is expected to grow at a 9.5% CAGR, outpacing government spending (4.4%)  

Government healthcare spending stands at 3.4% of GDP, lower than the global average of 6.5%, with high insurance premiums (as % of GDP/capita) making the UAE one of the most expensive regions for health services.  

High treatment costs in the UAE for key procedures like heart bypass, knee replacement, and mental health therapy are significantly higher than in countries such as Poland, Malaysia, and India. This cost disparity is driving many UAE patients to seek medical care abroad, where similar treatments are available at much lower prices 

UAE has 2.0 hospital beds per 1,000 people and 2.9 doctors per 1,000 people, both below the averages of developed economies. 

Roughly 47% of hospital beds are privately owned, and Abu Dhabi and Dubai together account for over 70% of the nation’s healthcare facilities. 

Despite government efforts, the UAE imports ~40% of its medical devices, though reliance on imports is decreasing. 

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death, responsible for ~80% of deaths in the UAE 

Prevalence rates of conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease grew at a CAGR of 9.9% and 8.1% respectively, between 2017-2021. 

The UAE is ranked among the top medical tourism destinations, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi attracting a large number of international patients, driven by high treatment quality and advanced medical infrastructure. 

Life expectancy in the UAE rose to 78 years in 2021, up by 5 years since 2010. The elderly population (60+ years) is projected to increase to 20% by 2050 from around 3% in 2020. 

Approximately 90% of the UAE's population are expatriates, leading to a mix of nationalities that introduces unique health challenges. 

There are 665 identified genetic conditions within the population, with 50% of these classified as rare and affecting fewer than 1 in 100,000 individuals. 

The UAE ranks 6th globally for genetic and partially genetic birth defects, highlighting the need for specialized healthcare solutions for diverse genetic profiles 

Regional geopolitical tensions risk supply chain disruptions and shortages in essential medical devices and supplies. 

Additionally, the UAE’s proximity to areas with endemic diseases heightens the threat of infectious disease outbreaks, adding further strain on healthcare infrastructure 

The report highlights how technological innovations like AI, telemedicine, digital therapeutics, and genomics are crucial for addressing above mentioned key challenges in UAE healthcare ecosystem.