UAE’s Healthcare System Garners High Satisfaction as Residents Forecast Continued Advancements in the Next Decade
The healthcare landscape in the United Arab Emirates has seen remarkable developments in recent years, with residents spending an average of Dh7,600 annually on health-related expenses.
According to a new study released by Brand Finance on Wednesday, an overwhelming majority of UAE residents perceive significant improvements in the country’s healthcare system over the past decade and anticipate further advancements in the years to come.
The comprehensive survey, which gathered insights from 2,000 residents — including 21 percent Emirati citizens and 79 percent expatriates — highlights a strong sense of satisfaction among UAE’s diverse population.
The report found that 81 percent of respondents expressed contentment with the current healthcare system, and nearly 84 percent believe that the quality of healthcare has improved markedly in the past ten years.
A Positive Shift in Public Perception
The study underscores how investments in healthcare have positively impacted public perception. Of the surveyed population, 81 percent of residents reported receiving a “very caring experience” when engaging with healthcare providers, reflecting a high standard of patient care across the country.
These findings mirror the UAE government’s commitment to transforming healthcare into a more accessible, world-class service, bolstered by state-of-the-art medical facilities and cutting-edge technology.
Richard Haigh, managing director of Brand Finance, emphasized the global context of these findings: “In an era where healthcare access and quality are global priorities for government and citizens alike, the UAE’s investments in its healthcare system are yielding impressive results.”
Despite the progress, challenges remain, particularly in terms of costs. The survey revealed that 64 percent of residents still view the cost of healthcare in the UAE as high, even as overall satisfaction rates continue to soar.
High Satisfaction Among Expatriates
The report also showed that the UAE’s healthcare system is favorably regarded when compared to other nations. Only 6 percent of expatriates felt that their home country’s healthcare system was better than that of the UAE.
This favorable comparison is particularly notable given that the UAE is home to a large expatriate population that hails from countries with varying levels of healthcare quality.
For expatriates, especially those from nations with less robust healthcare infrastructures, the UAE’s high standards in medical care offer a significant upgrade.
Many expatriates have come to rely on the country’s network of hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, with services available across all seven emirates.
Lifestyle and Health
The study also examined how easy it is for UAE residents to maintain a healthy lifestyle, with 78 percent of respondents agreeing that it is feasible to live healthily in the country.
Factors such as the abundance of gyms, parks, healthy food options, and wellness programs make it easier for residents to focus on physical health.
Public parks and outdoor spaces in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are frequented by residents of all ages, while wellness trends have become more mainstream in recent years.
The growing availability of organic and nutritious food options in supermarkets and restaurants also encourages healthy living.
Public health campaigns aimed at combating lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes and obesity have further promoted the benefits of regular exercise and a balanced diet.
These initiatives align with the UAE’s broader goals of improving the well-being of its population and reducing preventable health conditions.
Seha and Aster: Leaders in Healthcare
Brand Finance’s report also delved into residents’ perceptions of different healthcare providers in the UAE.
Seha, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, emerged as the top-rated healthcare brand nationally, particularly in Abu Dhabi. Seha outperformed its competitors in key categories such as most admired, most trusted, and highest likelihood of recommendation.
The quality of Seha’s healthcare services — including patient comfort, the professionalism of doctors and nurses, and security — also received high praise from the surveyed population. The company’s efforts to build a strong healthcare network in the capital and beyond have solidified its reputation as a leading provider.
In Dubai, Aster was recognized as the highest-rated healthcare brand, reflecting the company’s deep connection with residents in the emirate.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, part of the Seha network, was acknowledged as the most highly regarded individual hospital across the entire UAE.
Health Insurance Brands: Daman Tops the List
The National Health Insurance Company (Daman) has established itself as the most well-regarded health insurance brand in the UAE, according to the study.
Daman scored highly on metrics such as most admired, most trusted, and best rated for comfort, meaning that customers feel reassured and well-taken care of by the insurer.
As the UAE mandates health insurance for all residents, choosing the right provider is a critical decision for both citizens and expatriates.
Daman’s strong performance in the survey suggests that the company has earned a solid reputation for delivering on its promises, making it a popular choice among residents.
Future Outlook: Continued Progress in Healthcare
Looking to the future, 84 percent of respondents expressed optimism about the continued progress of the UAE’s healthcare system, indicating that the public expects more improvements in the coming decade.
The government’s sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure, medical technology, and patient care standards is likely to drive further advancements.
The UAE Vision 2030 places healthcare at the forefront of national development plans, with a focus on building a world-class system that caters to the needs of the country’s rapidly growing population.
This vision includes expanding access to specialized services, improving the training and development of healthcare professionals, and further integrating innovative technologies into patient care.
However, the report also highlighted that concerns over healthcare costs remain a significant challenge. With the average annual healthcare spend per resident standing at Dh7,600 ($2,100), the issue of affordability continues to be a point of contention.
Nevertheless, the overall outlook remains positive, with the public expressing confidence that the UAE will continue to lead in delivering high-quality healthcare services.
Conclusion
The Brand Finance report provides a comprehensive overview of UAE residents’ perceptions of their healthcare system, showcasing a high level of satisfaction with the services offered across the country.
The findings highlight significant improvements in patient care, healthcare provider trust, and the availability of healthy lifestyle options.
While challenges such as healthcare costs persist, the general consensus is that the UAE’s healthcare system is on a promising trajectory, with residents anticipating further advancements in the years to come.
As the nation continues to prioritize healthcare investments and policies, it remains well-positioned to achieve its goal of becoming a global leader in medical care and wellness.