UAE to build universal healthcare system
The system, which will be underpinned by a national health insurance scheme, aims to provide international-standard healthcare provision to all citizens
The government of the United Arab Emirates has announced plans to establish a comprehensive national healthcare system which guarantees access to medical services for all citizens.
The plans were made at the direction of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and will be underpinned by a national health insurance scheme.
The end goal of the project is to develop an advanced health sector that meets international standards, with a focus on preventative care, a high level of digitisation, sustainability, and innovation.
“The new system represents a strategic step towards a more efficient, agile, and forward-looking national healthcare model,” said Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, the UAE’s Minister of Health and Prevention.
The UAE has developed extremely advanced healthcare facilities in the past two decades, with many top-tier hospitals holding Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. Mandy Langfield explored the sector as part of the February 2026 issue of International Hospitals & Healthcare.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor for Voyageur Group, joining in 2021. He writes for both ITIJ and AirMed&Rescue, covering a range of topics including international travel and health insurance, medical assistance provision and air medical transportation. He also serves as Title Editor of the Assistance & Repatriation Reviews. Oliver holds an MA in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University, as well as a BA in English with Creative Writing from Falmouth University.
February 2025
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Offering readers a deep dive into the issues facing providers and payers of healthcare services around the world. Cost containment, international patient department development, the role of AI in healthcare delivery and more.
