The following was originally published in the October 2019 special print edition of Medical Tourism Magazine, which was initially available at the 12th annual World Medical Tourism & Global Healthcare Congress in Abu Dhabi.
We are proud to welcome our guests and experts, who join us from far and wide, in our beloved city Abu Dhabi at the 2019 World Medical Tourism and Global Healthcare Congress – especially in such an incredible time of healthcare transformation and unprecedented diversity.
It has been more than a decade since Abu Dhabi embarked on its long-term diversification project, and since then, the city has witnessed remarkable developmental and economic achievements. It has made monumental leaps in tourism, transport, health, education, women’s empowerment, real estate, renewable energy, technology, and banking, just to name a few. Thanks to its ambitious vision, Abu Dhabi has become one of the leading destinations across many sectors, competing on a wider scale with global markets.
By hosting this event in Abu Dhabi, we want to share our success story with the world, facilitate knowledge-sharing, and provide an opportunity for key local and global healthcare providers & suppliers to explore new avenues for collaboration in the medical tourism sector.
The healthcare sector is a big contributor to the nation’s developmental progression and one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UAE. Owing to the government’s visionary leadership, and the nation’s business-conducive environment, the healthcare sector is able to thrive and set a model for others to follow. In Abu Dhabi, we pride ourselves on being second to none when it comes to patient experience and regional quality care.
The Department of Health—Abu Dhabi (DoH) has continued to make huge strides forward in offering access to world-class healthcare services, setting the bar high for quality and transforming the sector through digitalization. Combining local expertise and international standards, the Abu Dhabi healthcare sector continues to bring unprecedented value to local and international patients.
Abu Dhabi is well-positioned to be the region’s leading medical tourism destination, through its solid infrastructure and attractive business climate, hospitality, and tourism offerings, in addition to the advanced regulatory framework set in motion. It prompted the capital to offer international patients more than just treatment.
DoH has developed a long-term strategy to transform the sector by focusing on six main pillars: access, quality, technology, financial efficiency, public health and governance. These pillars are the overriding priority for driving the sector forward.
Through the adoption of the latest technology in healthcare and the continuous development of our existing policies, Abu Dhabi is forging ahead toward becoming a cutting-edge, financially sustainable sector while maintaining its stature as a trusted, high-quality healthcare system.
As we strive to create a true culture of prevention through adopting the primary care model, promoting healthy lifestyle and regular screenings among locals and residents as part of our vision to achieve a healthier Abu Dhabi, the healthcare system is shifting towards a preventive model.
The city has so much to offer not only to patients, but also to the healthcare investors who seek competitive markets with endless investment opportunities.
Looking into the future, we are confident that, with the leadership’s forward-looking vision, the sector’s readiness, and the unwavering dedication of our local talent, we will continue to reach new heights full steam ahead.
-H.E. Sheikh Abdulla Bin Mohamed Al Hamed
