Dubai-Mubasher: The UAE medical tourism sector are expected to generate revenues exceeding UAE 2.6 billion by 2020, according to an expert from the Dubai Healthcare Authority.
This figure will be reached from an estimated total number of 500,000 medical tourists in 2020, said Fatma Al Sharaf, Senior Manager for Strategy and Partner Development at Dubai Healthcare City.
Speaking at the 5th Al Masah Capital Annual Investor Forum, she added that Dubai treated 135,000 medical tourists, which comprised about 1.1% of the total tourist arrivals in the country. The number is projected to reach 150,000, according to Colliers International.
The DHA expects this statistic to increase to 170,000 medical tourists in 2016, with revenues of about Dh1.1 billion, Al Sharaf added.
"Both the government and private healthcare companies need to work hand in hand in order to realistically serve that many patients and generate the estimated revenues of Dh2.6 billion or $710 million by 2020," said Mr.Shailesh Dash, founder and CEO of Al Masah Capital.
DHA plans to build 18 private hospitals in the next few years, according to the statement
A survey conducted by DHCC showed that 80% of medical tourists come to Dubai for quality of care while 48% highlighted the availability of specialist treatments.
On another note, free zones permit 100% foreign ownership, zero taxes and full repatriation of profits, but also demand a high standard of service from companies located there.
