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Home›Luxury Real Estate›Private Healthcare

Living Here

Private Healthcare in Dubai and the Middle East

Private healthcare in Dubai and across the Gulf now rivals the best in the US and Europe, with American-founded hospitals, international accreditation and specialists trained worldwide. For anyone thinking of living in Dubai or buying a second home in the region, these are the hospitals residents trust.

Updated

At a glance

Private Healthcare at a glance

Health insurance
Mandatory for residents across the UAE and in Saudi Arabia
Accreditation to look for
Joint Commission International (JCI)
Emergency number
998 ambulance in the UAE; 997 in Saudi Arabia; 999 in Qatar
American names
Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins partnerships, American Hospital Dubai

What to expect

What to expect from private healthcare in the Gulf

Gulf governments have invested heavily in medicine, and the private sector has followed. Leading hospitals hold international accreditation, many doctors trained in the US, Britain or Germany, and English is the working language. Waiting times for specialists are short, and rooms in the top hospitals feel closer to a hotel than a ward.

Residents need health insurance: it is mandatory across the UAE and for expatriates in Saudi Arabia. Visitors should carry travel medical cover. Americans with a home in the region often keep international coverage that works in both countries. Many families weigh healthcare alongside international schools and residency options when deciding where to buy.

Turquoise water along Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, with the green glass towers of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
Photo: MAVARIZ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

United Arab Emirates

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi

An extension of the renowned Ohio clinic, offering heart, neurology, transplant and cancer care in a striking tower on Al Maryah Island. A first choice for Americans living in the UAE.

Official site ↗

American Hospital Dubai

Oud Metha, Dubai

Founded in 1996 and the first hospital in the Middle East accredited by the Joint Commission, it remains one of Dubai's most respected private hospitals, with strong oncology and cardiology.

Official site ↗

Mediclinic City Hospital

Dubai Healthcare City

The flagship of Mediclinic's large UAE network, with a comprehensive cancer center and a respected maternity unit.

Official site ↗

King's College Hospital London, Dubai

Dubai Hills

The Dubai outpost of the London teaching hospital, a modern facility close to Dubai Hills Estate and the villa communities.

Official site ↗

Fakeeh University Hospital

Dubai Silicon Oasis

A newer academic hospital with modern facilities, part of a Saudi healthcare group with decades of experience.

Official site ↗

Burjeel Medical City

Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi

One of the UAE's largest private hospitals, known for oncology, transplant and complex surgery.

Official site ↗

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City

Abu Dhabi

A large Abu Dhabi hospital run in partnership with Mayo Clinic, bringing Mayo's model of care to the capital.

Official site ↗

Saudi Arabia

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre

Riyadh and Jeddah

The Kingdom's leading tertiary hospital and one of the highest-ranked academic medical centers in the region, renowned for transplant and cancer care.

Official site ↗

Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group

Riyadh and other cities

Saudi Arabia's largest private hospital group, with modern hospitals across Riyadh and a growing presence in Dubai.

Official site ↗

Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare

Dhahran

A joint venture between Saudi Aramco and Johns Hopkins Medicine serving the Eastern Province.

Official site ↗

Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait

Sidra Medicine

Doha

A striking hospital and research center dedicated to women and children, with American-trained specialists and some of the most advanced pediatric care in the region.

Official site ↗

Al Ahli Hospital

Doha

A well-regarded private general hospital with international accreditation, popular with Doha's expatriate community.

Official site ↗

King Hamad University Hospital

Muharraq, Bahrain

Bahrain's leading academic hospital, with specialist centers for cancer and cardiac care.

Official site ↗

Türkiye and the Eastern

Türkiye and the Eastern Mediterranean

Acıbadem Healthcare Group

Istanbul and across Türkiye

One of the world's largest private hospital groups, a leader in medical travel with English-speaking international patient teams.

Official site ↗

American Hospital Istanbul

Nişantaşı, Istanbul

Founded in 1920, a respected private hospital in one of Istanbul's most elegant districts, now part of the Koç Healthcare group.

Official site ↗

Sheba Medical Center

Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv

A large academic medical center known for research and innovation, frequently ranked among the world's top hospitals.

Official site ↗

Questions residents ask

Is healthcare in Dubai good?

Yes. Dubai's leading private hospitals hold international accreditation and employ specialists trained in the US, UK and Europe. Care is fast and English is spoken throughout.

Do I need health insurance to live in Dubai?

Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for residents across the UAE, including Dubai, usually provided by an employer or bought privately, including for golden visa holders and their families.

Will my US insurance work in the Gulf?

Most US domestic plans offer limited cover abroad. Residents usually buy an international health plan or local cover; check with your insurer before travel.

Living well in the region

Excellent healthcare is one reason families choose to settle in the region. Our guides to Dubai Luxury Real Estate, Abu Dhabi property and Doha cover the neighborhoods closest to these hospitals.

Considering a purchase or a move? Register interest and our team will be in touch personally.

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This page is general information to help you start your research. It is not financial, legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules, prices and thresholds change; confirm every detail with a licensed adviser and the official authority before you act.

Checked October 2026. Prices and dates are approximate and can change. See our standard.

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