In a landmark move, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) have forged a strategic alliance to establish Abu Dhabi as a premier destination for health tourism. The partnership seeks to cater to the needs of both international and domestic markets, offering a wide range of services in wellness tourism, medical wellness, and medical tourism.

The signing ceremony took place at the Arabian Travel Market, signifying a new era of tourism growth for the emirate. Building upon Abu Dhabi’s comprehensive health tourism strategy, DCT Abu Dhabi will spearhead the collaboration with DoH Abu Dhabi, as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during the event. This MoU outlines the ongoing cooperation between the two entities to ensure exceptional services to patients visiting the emirate.

H.E. Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, the Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, expressed the partnership’s aim, stating, “Our objective in partnering with the Department of Health is to solidify Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading destination for health tourism. With its advanced healthcare infrastructure and a reputation for pioneering medical advancements, Abu Dhabi offers an irresistible value proposition. Combined with its sophisticated tourism offerings and diverse range of experiences that visitors can explore at their own pace, this partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter for the continued growth of Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector.”

H.E. Saleh Al Geziry, the Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi and Hind Al Zaabi, Executive Director of Healthcare Facilities at DoH

Hind Al Zaabi, Executive Director of Healthcare Facilities at DoH, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, remarking, “In accordance with the directives of our wise leadership, our collaboration with DCT Abu Dhabi reinforces Abu Dhabi’s standing as a global leader in healthcare and medical tourism. With our robust infrastructure, state-of-the-art equipment, and skilled healthcare workforce, we strive to provide patients, both from our community and abroad, with the highest quality of care.”

Al Zaabi added, “This partnership will facilitate the creation of specialized medical tourism programs while fostering coordination with our public and private partners across the healthcare ecosystem.”

To showcase the exceptional services available to medical tourists, DoH and representatives from partner hospitals participated in the Experience Abu Dhabi stand at this year’s Arabian Travel Market. The event served as a platform to showcase the advanced healthcare services offered in various fields, such as oncology, cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics, and outstanding facilities available to domestic and international medical tourists and by engaging with international entities with expertise in the field, DoH and DCT Abu Dhabi gained valuable insights into the needs of patients, ensuring the continued delivery of the highest quality healthcare in the emirate and creating a unique experience for patients in Abu Dhabi.

It is noteworthy that Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector boasts leading healthcare providers and renowned professionals, bringing together six of the world’s top healthcare institutions in one place. Furthermore, Abu Dhabi has tailored programs to provide patients with top-tier medical services, guaranteeing excellent care when they arrive in the emirate.

Patients and their companions visiting Abu Dhabi for healthcare purposes also benefit from the emirate’s outstanding infrastructure and amenities. World-class accommodations, breathtaking natural beauty, a vibrant cultural scene, an array of international dining options, numerous leisure attractions, and a year-round events calendar ensure that medical and wellness tourists enjoy unparalleled comfort and entertainment during their stay in Abu Dhabi.

With the formation of this strategic partnership, Abu Dhabi solidifies its commitment to becoming a global leader in health tourism, offering cutting-edge medical services combined with a rich cultural and recreational experience as the emirate continues to elevate its status as a world-class destination.

Written by: Stephen Morton

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