Emergency Numbers & Access
Call 998 for ambulance (free government service). Major private hospitals with 24/7 ER: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Mediclinic, NMC, Aster DM, American Hospital Dubai, Rashid Hospital (government — Dubai's main trauma centre). For non-life-threatening issues, use walk-in clinics or hospital urgent care to avoid ER charges. DHA app and SEHA app allow you to find nearest facilities.
Response time: 5-12 minutes in cities (DHA target: 8 minutes). Response times excellent in Dubai/Abu Dhabi. More remote areas (Al Ain, Fujairah, RAK) may be 15-25 minutes.
Cost: Government hospital ER: AED 150-500 (nationals often free). Private hospital ER: AED 500-5,000+ depending on facility and treatment. Ambulance: free (DHA/DoH service). Private ambulance: AED 500-2,000+. Hospital admission: AED 2,000-10,000+/day at private facilities.
Healthcare System
The UAE has world-class private healthcare infrastructure, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with hospitals accredited by JCI (Joint Commission International). Healthcare operates differently by emirate: Dubai is regulated by Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Abu Dhabi by Department of Health (DoH), and northern emirates by Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP). Health insurance is MANDATORY for all residents — employers must provide it in Dubai (since 2014) and Abu Dhabi (since 2006). UAE nationals receive free care at government facilities. Expatriates (who make up ~90% of the population) rely on employer insurance with varying levels of coverage. Visitors should use private hospitals and clinics. English is the de facto language of healthcare — most doctors are expatriates themselves (from India, Pakistan, Philippines, Western countries). Wait times are generally short at private facilities. The UAE is increasingly a medical tourism destination, especially for cosmetic surgery, dental work, and fertility treatments.
Designed for: Residents with mandatory employer-provided health insurance. Nationals receive free public care. Visitors use private facilities.
GP Access & Costs
Walk into any private clinic or hospital outpatient department. No registration or referral needed. Many clinics in malls, residential areas, and free zones. Appointments available same-day or next-day at most private facilities.
Typical wait: Private clinics: under 30 minutes with appointment. Walk-in: 30-60 minutes. Government clinics: 1-3 hours (residents with insurance only).
Availability: Extremely accessible in Dubai and Abu Dhabi — clinics everywhere including malls, hotel lobbies, and free zones. Many open evenings (until 10pm) and weekends (Friday/Saturday). Chains: Aster Clinic, Medcare, Prime Medical, NMC, Emirates Hospital. Less accessible in northern emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, RAK) but still adequate.
GP Visit
AED 200-500 ($55-135) per private consultation
Private GP
AED 200-500 ($55-135) per consultation. Specialist: AED 400-1,000+ ($110-270+). Dental check-up: AED 200-400.
ER Without Insurance
AED 500-5,000+ ($135-1,360+) for ER visit. Hospital admission: AED 2,000-10,000+/day. Surgery: AED 20,000-100,000+ ($5,400-27,000+). Maternity: AED 20,000-50,000+ (normal delivery). NICU: AED 5,000-15,000+/day.
Medication
Medications moderately priced but require prescription from UAE-licensed doctor — foreign prescriptions not accepted. Generic medications available and encouraged. Some insurance plans have preferred pharmacy networks. Pharmacies at hospitals dispense prescriptions same-visit. Medication prices regulated by Ministry of Health.
Health insurance is strongly recommended
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Most open 9am-10pm daily (some until midnight). 24-hour pharmacies available in major malls (Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall) and some residential areas. Major chains: Aster Pharmacy, BinSina, Boots, Life Pharmacy, Health First. Hospital pharmacies open during hospital hours.
OTC: Basic OTC available (paracetamol, antacids, antihistamines, cough medicine). Many medications that are OTC elsewhere require prescription in UAE — including ibuprofen above 200mg, certain antihistamines, and most hormonal medications. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and English-speaking.
Controlled substances: CRITICAL: UAE has ZERO-TOLERANCE drug policy. Many common medications are BANNED or require prior approval: codeine, tramadol, some antidepressants (e.g., certain SSRIs), benzodiazepines, ADHD medications (Adderall, Ritalin/methylphenidate), sleeping pills (zolpidem), CBD/cannabis products (in ANY form — even CBD oil is illegal). Penalties include imprisonment (minimum 4 years) and deportation. Travellers MUST apply to UAE Ministry of Health for approval BEFORE travel — submit: doctor's letter, prescription, passport copy, and flight details. Application via MoHAP website. Even trace amounts of banned substances in bloodstream can lead to arrest. This includes poppy seed residue from food consumed before arrival.
Practical Tips
- Apply for UAE Ministry of Health medication approval BEFORE travel — carry the approval document and doctor's letter
- Use mall-based clinics for convenience — modern, English-speaking, open late, and air-conditioned
- Download DHA (Dubai Health Authority) or SEHA (Abu Dhabi) app to find nearest facilities and book appointments
- Stay extremely hydrated May-October — heat exhaustion is the most common health issue for visitors
- Private clinics near hotels and tourist areas are accustomed to treating visitors — most accept international insurance
- For dental emergencies, Dr. Michael's, Dr. Joy, and American Dental Clinic are reliable English-speaking options
- Carry your insurance card at all times — hospitals may request a Letter of Guarantee from your insurer before treatment
- If you need an ambulance, call 998 (free government service) — private ambulances cost AED 500-2,000+
Who can get care in United Arab Emirates?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in United Arab Emirates treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
The public system does not cover visitors, so care is paid privately or through insurance.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Walk into any private clinic or hospital outpatient department. No registration or referral needed. Many clinics in malls, residential areas, and free zones. Appointments available same-day or next-day at most private facilities. Typical cost: AED 200-500 ($55-135) per private consultation. Specialist: AED 400-1,000+ ($110-270+). Government clinic (insured residents): AED 0-50 copay. Typical wait: Private clinics: under 30 minutes with appointment. Walk-in: 30-60 minutes. Government clinics: 1-3 hours (residents with insurance only).
Insurance needed for entry or visa
It depends on nationality and visa route — several routes require proof of medical cover.
Documents worth having ready
- Comprehensive travel insurance (essential for visitors — private hospital costs are high)
- Passport with valid visa
- Medical fitness test results (for residence visa applicants)
- UAE Ministry of Health medication import approval for controlled substances — apply BEFORE travel
- Doctor's letter listing all medications with generic names (in English)
- Insurance card/policy number for quick access at clinics
Local contacts in United Arab Emirates
Emergency services
998 (ambulance) / 999 (police) / 997 (civil defence/fire)
Call 998 for ambulance (free government service). Major private hospitals with 24/7 ER: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Mediclinic, NMC, Aster DM, American Hospital Dubai, Rashid Hospital (government — Dubai's main trauma centre). For non-life-threatening issues, use walk-in clinics or hospital urgent care to avoid ER charges. DHA app and SEHA app allow you to find nearest facilities.
Pharmacies
Most open 9am-10pm daily (some until midnight). 24-hour pharmacies available in major malls (Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall) and some residential areas. Major chains: Aster Pharmacy, BinSina, Boots, Life Pharmacy, Health First. Hospital pharmacies open during hospital hours.
Basic OTC available (paracetamol, antacids, antihistamines, cough medicine). Many medications that are OTC elsewhere require prescription in UAE — including ibuprofen above 200mg, certain antihistamines, and most hormonal medications. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and English-speaking.
What are the emergency numbers in the UAE?
Ambulance: 998, Police: 999, Fire: 997. In Abu Dhabi, you can also call 911. Dubai has a dedicated tourist helpline. Ambulance response times in cities are generally fast (10–15 minutes).
Is healthcare free in the UAE for visitors?
No. There is no free public healthcare for tourists. Emergency treatment will be provided but you will receive a bill. Health insurance is mandatory for residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Visitors should have comprehensive travel insurance.
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Sources: Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH), UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), WHO UAE, CDC Travelers Health UAE 2025
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare
Further Reading
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