Foreign residents in the UAE overwhelmingly prefer local healthcare to that of their home countries

New data from Brand Finance shows just 6% of UAE foreign residents think their home country's healthcare system is better than the UAE

• 81% of residents consider the UAE’s healthcare system to be high quality
• 84% of UAE residents believe the country’s healthcare has improved over the past decade
• SEHA is the most highly regarded healthcare provider in the UAE
  

Just 6% of foreign residents of the UAE think their home country's healthcare system surpasses that of the UAE. New Brand Finance research, which surveyed 2,000 UAE residents - 21% citizens and 79% non-citizens - shows overwhelming satisfaction with the UAE's healthcare system. According to the findings, 81% of all residents consider the healthcare system to be high quality, and 81% reported receiving a 'very caring experience' from it.

Additionally, 84% believe the quality of healthcare in the UAE has improved over the past decade, with the same percentage expecting continued advancements in the next ten years. This positive public perception underscores the impact of substantial investments in the UAE's healthcare sector.

Richard Haigh, Managing Director, Brand Finance commented:

“In an era where healthcare access and quality are global priorities for government and citizens alike, the UAE's investments in its healthcare system are yielding impressive results. Our research reveals that 81% of residents consider the UAE’s healthcare system to be high quality, a testament to the nation's commitment. However, challenges remain. With an average annual healthcare spend of AED7,600 (USD2,100) per person, 64% of residents still perceive UAE healthcare as expensive. Looking ahead, environmental concerns also loom large, with 68% worried about rising temperatures' health impacts and 63% concerned about poor air quality. As the UAE continues to refine its healthcare landscape, addressing affordability and environmental health issues will be crucial to maintaining its trajectory of progress.”

The study also explored UAE residents' perceptions of different healthcare providers, revealing that SEHA is the top-rated brand both nationally and in Abu Dhabi. SEHA leads in key metrics, including most admired, most trusted, highest likelihood of recommendation, and best rated for security, comfort, and the quality of doctors and nurses. In Dubai, Aster emerged as the highest-rated brand, while Sheikh Khalifa (SEHA) was recognised as the most highly regarded individual hospital across the nation. National Health Insurance Company (Daman) is the best perceived health insurance brand nationally, leading for metrics such as most admired, most trusted, highest likelihood of recommendation, and best rated for comfort/being put at ease.