Contracts for new medical facilities in Gulf Cooperation Council to cross $9 billion

DUBAI: Contracts for new medical facilities across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are expected to reach USD 9.53 billion by the end of 2014 - a 25 per cent increase on 2013.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) yesterday said that Dubai plans to attract 500,000 patients for treatment by 2020 as part of its drive to become a centre for medical excellence in the region and bring a new stream of visitor revenue.

To cater for these patients, the DHA said, 18 private and four public hospitals will be built over the next few years.

The UAE has doubled its healthcare budget since 2007 and currently ranks among the top 20 destinations for medical tourism. The country spends 3.3 per cent of its GDP on healthcare, the third highest in the GCC.

According to Alpen Capital Investment Banking, the UAE's medical tourism sector drew revenue of USD 1.69 billion in 2013. Visa rules in the UAE were changed to help encourage medical tourism.

Dubai Tourism and Marketing believes this market could be worth as much as USD 30 million a year.

"The UAE spends an estimated USD 2 billion a year to send patients abroad for treatment," said Andy White, Group Event Director of The Big 5, a building and construction exhibition.

"Gulf countries are spending heavily to ensure they can provide the best treatment inside their country and, in the case of the UAE, encourage medical tourists," he said.