Heading for a holiday? Abu Dhabi’s new travel clinic gives destination-specific health advice

Abu Dhabi: A new specialised clinic has opened at a hospital in Abu Dhabi to serve travellers departing from or arriving in the UAE, offering both pre- and post-travel medical care.

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC) announced the launch of its Travel Health Clinic to support travellers ahead of a busy travel season.

The clinic will provide destination-specific health advice. It is designed to assist individuals travelling to or from the UAE by offering a comprehensive range of medical services that help protect both personal and public health.

SSMC, a flagship hospital in the UAE for complex and critical care and part of the PureHealth group, aims to address the evolving health needs of today’s international travellers through this new facility.

Medical experts have highlighted that proactive travel consultations can significantly reduce travel-related health risks.

“At SSMC, we are committed to advancing healthcare excellence in the region,” said Dr Zahir Babiker, interim division chair of tropical and infectious diseases, and consultant at SSMC.

Operationally supported by a dedicated multidisciplinary team of infectious disease doctors, travel health nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory staff, the clinic provides a comprehensive suite of pre- and post-travel medical services, designed to prevent and manage travel-related health risks.
“The launch of our dedicated Travel Health Clinic reflects our leadership in tropical and travel medicine, providing expert, comprehensive support to ensure individuals are well-prepared, protected, and confident when they travel, giving them peace of mind both during their journey and upon their return,” Dr Babiker said.

Services provided by the clinic include pre-travel consultations and offering evidence-based, destination-specific health advice tailored to individual health profiles and itineraries. The clinic administers essential immunisations for international travel, including yellow fever and meningococcal disease – based on destination-specific risk assessments. 

Preventative measures include protection against infectious diseases such as malaria and non-infectious conditions such as altitude sickness. Post-travel evaluations are also a core offering, involving expert clinical assessment and management of febrile illnesses or specific exposure concerns. In addition, the clinic facilitates certified medical fitness assessments often required by UAE-based foreign embassies.

 The clinic serves the full spectrum of international travellers, and individuals requiring official embassy-mandated medical certifications. To further support safe and well-prepared travel, SSMC is working closely with corporate partners, embassies, and insurance providers.

The clinic is conveniently located within the Outpatient Department of SSMC. To book your travel consultation, a WhatsApp contact number is available, along with the Travel Health Clinic’s website, the SEHA App, or – if in the UAE – by calling 800 7762.