Dubai plans smart medical visa to streamline treatment journeys for overseas patients
Health tourism initiatives receive major support through strategic collaboration
DUBAI – Dubai is set to introduce a smart medical visa as part of a new initiative designed to make healthcare travel smoother and more efficient for patients visiting the emirate for treatment and recovery.
The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA Dubai) and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding aimed at creating an integrated healthcare journey for medical tourists. The agreement seeks to strengthen coordination between residency, visa and healthcare services, ensuring a more seamless experience from pre-arrival arrangements through treatment and follow-up care.
The MoU was signed by Lt-Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, and Dr Alawi Sheikh Ali, Director General of DHA. The initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader vision of delivering proactive, efficient and digitally connected government services while reinforcing its standing as a global destination for health tourism and quality living.
Smart medical visas
A key focus of the partnership is the development of smart medical visas supported by enhanced digital integration between government and healthcare entities. The agreement will also facilitate medical visa procedures, support health tourism initiatives and strengthen links with the health insurance ecosystem.
Under the new framework, members of Dubai Health Experience (DXH) will be able to submit medical visa applications more efficiently for patients travelling from outside the UAE. The move is expected to simplify administrative processes and improve access to healthcare services for international visitors.
DXH was launched by DHA in April 2016 as a strategic brand initiative designed to position healthcare as part of Dubai’s wider lifestyle offering. The platform connects health travellers with a network of internationally accredited hospitals and clinics while promoting the emirate as a destination for medical treatment, recovery and wellness.
Medical tourism
Dubai already offers medical tourism visas with validity periods of 90 or 180 days, available through single-entry and multiple-entry options. These visas can be renewed when extended treatment is required.
Patients seeking treatment must be sponsored by a licensed healthcare facility in the UAE, which manages the visa process and ensures care is delivered through an accredited provider. Companion visas are also available for individuals supporting patients during treatment and recovery.
Lt-Gen Al Marri said the partnership aims to develop a more flexible and seamless ecosystem connecting residency and healthcare services. Dr Alawi noted that the agreement supports Dubai’s efforts to strengthen its position as a global healthcare and wellness destination through a people-centred and integrated service model.