Business | Tourism
UAE medical tourism poised for boom
Country expected to receive 11.2m visitors in the sector by 2010 as infrastructure develops.
- Staff Report
- Published: 00:11 May 6, 2008
- According to the latest figures from the International Spa Association, medical spas globally enjoyed an annual growth of 69 per cent.
- Image Credit: Gulf News Archive
Dubai: The UAE is expected to receive 11.2 million medical tourists by 2010, which is likely to generate Dh7 billion, according to reports.
A report issued recently by the information centre of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) predicted that the country's medical tourism will grow by 15 per cent annually, in line with the increase of tourists' demand on this segment of the tourism industry.
"The UAE government is spending over Dh7.34 billion ($2 billion) every year on medical treatments outside the country for UAE nationals," Elaine O'Connell, senior show manager of Wellness & Spas, said in a statement.
"To take advantage of the increased influx of medical tourists, the UAE is developing healthcare sectors, building new communities, hotels and resorts to mark itself as a preferred destination for medical tourism, by establishing medical institutions such as the Dubai Healthcare City, The Khalifa Healthcare City in Abu Dhabi, and developing many environmental resorts."
"With significant development of healthcare infrastructure and facilities in the country, nationals don't have to seek treatment outside the country, thus saving on time, money and travel costs, and also benefiting from the best treatment from specialists in various medical fields in hospitals and specialist clinics in the healthcare cluster."
According to the latest figures from the International Spa Association (ISPA), medical spas globally enjoyed an annual growth of 69 per cent and were ranked among the fastest growing segment of the industry.
The most popular treatments are photo-facials, laser hair removal, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and also anti-cellulite treatments along with natural weight loss measures such as body wraps.
Eckhard Pruy, CEO of Epoc Messe Frankfurt, organisers of both these exhibitions, said, "As the UAE becomes a leading destination for medical tourism in the Gulf, Wellness and Spas Middle East exhibition will be the ideal platform for manufacturers and suppliers of products, equipment and services wishing to tap into this growing sector of the tourism business."
Wellness and Spas Middle East, which runs alongside Beautyworld Middle East, is the region's biggest international trade fair for the professional spa and wellness industry. Together they will host 970 exhibitors representing 1,650 brands from 50 countries.
There will also be 31 country pavilions participating. It opens its doors this year from May 18-20, 2008 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, with an expected visitor attendance of 15,000 from 100 countries.
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