Abu Dhabi – A Low-Cost Medical Tourism Destination
Medical Tourism in Abu Dhabi is popularly known for its low cost medical tourism and is not loud about its numbers, yet close to 300,000 international patients landed here in 2024.
Most arrived on short flights from Russia, Germany, China, Kuwait, etc. They come for one simple reason - reliable medical tourism in Abu Dhabi, and still costs 30-40 % less than the U.S. for the same surgery.
The local system is run by the Department of Health (DoH). Every theater, lab, and discharge letter is logged on a central digital chart that the Ministry can audit in real time. That sounds technical, but for patients it means two things
- No bill surprises
- No corners cut
Government-Facilitated Process
Abu Dhabi does not push medical tourism through glossy campaigns alone. Since 2019, the “Abu Dhabi Medical Tourism e-Portal” lets you choose a hospital, book a date and receive your visa invitation letter in one sitting. The usual entry permit is issued within 48 h, if your treatment is likely to exceed 30 days the hospital uploads an extension before you even ask.
All facilities that appear on the portal must hold either Joint Commission International (JCI) or DoH’s own “SEHA” 5-star rating. In plain words, the government short-lists the hospitals for you, and you simply pick the slot.
Leading Medical Procedures in the UAE
The UAE has positioned itself as a high-performance medical tourism destination, offering advanced treatments with international standards of care.
Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery
Cosmetic and reconstructive surgery leads the list, especially rhinoplasty, breast reshaping, and post-bariatric body lifts. Emirati surgeons perform more than 14,000 such procedures annually, with nearly 60% of patients traveling from overseas.
Cardiology
Cardiology follows closely, supported by dedicated heart centers capable of performing emergency interventions around the clock, ensuring consistent care regardless of time.
Orthopedics
Orthopedic care is rapidly expanding, including hip resurfacing, ACL repair, and spine decompression. Many procedures now utilize on-site 3D-printed surgical guides, reducing operating time by nearly 25%.
Oncology, IVF & Dental Treatments
Oncology, fertility treatments, and dental implantation complete the top treatment categories. IVF success rates for elective procedures average around 49% per embryo transfer, comparable to leading destinations such as Madrid and Singapore.
Comparative Cost of Medical Treatments: Abu Dhabi vs Other Countries
All prices represent approximate cash packages and include hospital stay, surgeon fees, anaesthesia, and routine medication.
| Medical Treatment | Abu Dhabi | USA | Germany | Spain | India | Thailand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhinoplasty | USD 4,500 – 6,000 | USD 12,000 – 15,000 | USD 7,500 – 9,000 | — | — | — |
| Single Dental Implant (Titanium) | USD 1,200 – 1,400 | USD 4,000 – 5,000 | — | — | USD 600 – 800 | — |
|
Knee Replacement (Unilateral, Ceramic-on-Poly) |
USD 16,000 – 18,000 | USD 45,000 – 55,000 | — | — | — | USD 9,000 – 11,000 |
|
IVF Cycle (Own Eggs, ICSI) |
USD 7,000 – 8,500 | USD 12,000 – 15,000 | — | USD 5,500 – 7,000 | — | — |
Rhinoplasty
Abu Dhabi: USD 4,500 – 6,000
USA: USD 12,000 – 15,000
Germany: USD 7,500 – 9,000
Single Dental Implant (Titanium)
Abu Dhabi: USD 1,200 – 1,400
USA: USD 4,000 – 5,000
India: USD 600 – 800
Knee Replacement Surgery
(Unilateral, Ceramic-on-Poly)
Abu Dhabi: USD 16,000 – 18,000
USA: USD 45,000 – 55,000
Thailand: USD 9,000 – 11,000
IVF Cycle
(Own Eggs, ICSI)
Abu Dhabi: USD 7,000 – 8,500
USA: USD 12,000 – 15,000
Spain: USD 5,500 – 7,000
Major Medical Tourism Hubs in Abu Dhabi
The emirate is compact, with almost all major medical facilities located within a 30-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Abu Dhabi City (Island Sector)
Leading destination for oncology, pediatrics, and high-risk obstetrics, supported by large tertiary-care hospitals and academic centers.
Al Ain
Known for rehabilitation, sports medicine, and long-stay recovery villas, ideal for post-surgical healing and extended physiotherapy programs.
Yas – Saadiyat Corridor
A popular zone for cosmetic surgery and dental centers, where patients often combine treatment with beachfront recovery hotels.
A dedicated Medical Tourism Taxi fleet (white-and-green livery) operates fixed fares to hospitals, eliminating the need for navigation or fare negotiation.
Most Popular Hospitals in Abu Dhabi’s Medical Tourism
These government-listed hospitals offer fixed-price transparency, international patient desks, and end-to-end medical tourism coordination.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Located on Al Maryah Island, this 364-bed hospital with 14 operating rooms is renowned for multi-organ transplants, complex cardiac interventions, and epilepsy surgery. The international desk coordinates appointments, accommodation, and documentation before arrival.
Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC)
A joint venture with Mayo Clinic, SSMC specializes in trauma, orthopedics, and women’s cancer care. Its one-price bundled packages cover imaging, surgery, and physiotherapy—ideal for self-paying patients.
Burjeel Medical City
The largest private medical campus in Abu Dhabi, known for cosmetic and reconstructive surgery and a dedicated sleep-disorder center. Facilities include halal menus, prayer rooms, and multilingual coordinators.
HealthPlus Fertility Centre
A boutique 24-bed fertility unit in Khalifa City with an in-house genetics lab. The center supports embryo transport under UN3373 dry-vapour rules, making it popular with European couples seeking shorter waiting times.
All listed facilities appear on official government portals, provide fixed-price quotations within 24 hours, and offer direct WhatsApp access to assigned nurse coordinators.
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