Healthcare professionals are on demand as the Healthcare industry remains one of the most growing industries in the UAE. In Dubai alone, healthcare recruitment has been witnessing one of the fastest growth rates for the past 5 years. Government spending on healthcare is also on the rise. As of 2024, the UAE government dedicated AED 5.6 billion (US $1.4 billion) to healthcare. Reports show that government spending will reach AED 9.1 billion (US $2.5 billion) in 2025 and AED 13.2 billion (US $3.6 billion) by 2030. The increased government investment is due to various reasons, including demand for medical tourism, growing UAE population, mandatory insurance requirements etc.
The healthcare expansion within the UAE, driven by advanced health technology and medical equipment, is creating job opportunities. According to the Ministry of Health & Prevention, the UAE hired over 4600 healthcare specialists in 2022. Furthermore, Colliers Healthcare & Education division’s latest market report forecasts a gap of 11,000 nurses and 5,000 allied health specialists in Abu Dhabi by 2030. Dubai will need 6,000 physicians and 11,000 nurses during the same period. In this article, we discuss the aspects leading the surge in demand for healthcare professionals in the UAE.
1. Medical Tourism
As UAE emerges as a global touristic hub, demand for medical tourism is on the rise as well. Travel and healthcare costs in the UAE are more affordable for individuals from MENA, Southeast Asia, and Africa compared to those from Europe and North America.
2. UAE’s Growing Population
The population of the UAE is on the rise. Dubai Municipality expects the population to grow to over 5 million people in Dubai alone. The population surge requires an expansion of healthcare professionals and services to accommodate this growth.
3. Rising Lifestyle Diseases & Awareness
The rising prevalence of lifestyle diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, has significantly increased the demand for healthcare professionals in the UAE. As these conditions become more common due to factors like sedentary lifestyles and dietary habits, there is a growing need for specialized care.
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Additionally, increased public awareness of preventative healthcare has led to higher demand for regular health checks, screenings, and early diagnosis services. People are more proactive about managing their health, which further drives the need for qualified healthcare providers, including nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals.
Future Outlook
The UAE’s healthcare sector is set for continued growth, fueled by rising government investment, population growth, and demand for medical tourism and preventative care. Additionally, the increase in lifestyle diseases and greater awareness of regular health checks are boosting the need for specialized healthcare services. As the population expands and healthcare infrastructure improves, the demand for qualified healthcare experts will grow rapidly. To meet these needs and address the expected shortage of nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals, the UAE must actively recruit talent, ensuring its position as a global healthcare leader by 2030.
