The government subsidizes medical care. Since the 1960s there has been a dramatic improvement in medical care. There is a combination of public (state-run) and private hospitals and outpatient clinics.

Expatriates may apply for a government health card once they receive their residence permit. This allows the expatriate and their dependents to be admitted to state-run hospitals and clinics for a nominal fee.

The hospitals and clinics are generally well equipped.

Prescription medication is not highly regulated, with the exception of pain killers, which are strictly controlled. Most other medications, including antibiotics, are available over-the-counter. It is a good idea to check if prescription medications taken on a regular basis by a family member are available over-the-counter prior to bringing in a supply of your own.

Many expatriates prefer to use the private health care system. Some doctors are solo practitioners and others work in small group practices or clinics. Since private medical care is quite expensive, having health insurance is imperative.

Insurance is recommended if you wish to avail yourself of the private health care system. There are many foreign physicians working in the private medical system.

Health Advisories

• For specific health information and advisories, please see the CDC Web site.
• There are no health risks that cannot be avoided by exercising common sense.
• The sun is very strong. Wear sunscreen at all times.
• Food preparation hygiene standards are good. Milk is not pasteurized and should be boiled before using. Powdered or tinned milk may be used if reconstituted with bottled or otherwise purified water. Avoid locally produced dairy products, as they will have been made with non-pasteurized milk. Locally grown meat and fish are generally safe to eat if they are well-cooked and served hot. Salad and mayonnaise should be eaten with caution. Locally grown vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled before eating.

HospitalsThe following hospitals and medical clinics have very good facilities:

Abu Dhabi

• Al Noor Hospital, Tel.: 2-626-5625
• Al Corniche Hospital, Tel.: 2-724-900
• New Medical Centre, Tel.: 2-332-255
• American Medical Centre, Tel.: 2-771-310
• Abu Dhabi Central Hospital, Tel.: 2-214-666

Dubai

• American Hospital, Tel.: 4-336-7777
• Dubai London Clinic, Tel.: 4-344-6663
• Belhoul International Hospital Centre Tel.: 4-345-4000
• Rashid Hospital, Tel.: 4-337-4000
• Welcare Hospital, Tel.: 4-282-7788
• New Dubai Hospital, Tel.: 4-271-4444
• New Medical Centre Hospital, Tel.: 4-268-9800

Sharjah

• Al-Zarah Hospital, Tel.: 6-561-9999
• Zulekha Hospital, Tel.: 6-565-8886