We've got all the information you need to know about receivine medical, pharmaceutical or dental care while living in the Capital of the UAE.
24 July 2013
| Last updated on 8 January 2018
Private medical care is varied. All expats arriving should insist on private medical insurance as part of their package. Some insurers are better than others. Each visit to the doctor/dentist will cost you +/- AED 150, a lab test will be maybe another AED 150, X-ray, CAT scan, and it soon adds up.
In recent years the Gulf Diagnostic Centre has become very popular, located on 30th street between 13th and 15th. They cover all aspects of family medicine, and have many specialists.
For 24-hour emergency treatment the New Medical Centre offers a good if not overly efficient General Practitioner service. The tendency being to give you every drug under the sun to combat all ailments plus the side effects of the drugs prescribed. Despite this it still tends to be a very good option in an emergency, particularly at 2 o’clock in the morning when your kids have spiked a major temperature.
There are emergency services in Abu Dhabi, Ambulance Fire Police (Dial 999 for Police or 998 for ambulance), as you would expect in any city. Since my arrival several years ago these services have improved drastically. Calling an ambulance however may not always be your quickest, safest option in an emergency. It can be difficult to identify your location due to communication breakdown and unclear street and building labeling. Sometimes it is better to drive to the emergency department yourself, if that is an option. Staff training is not always as developed as you might expect, it can be a little random.
Even if you do not anticipate using the local medical facilities, it is worth getting government health cards for each member of your family. In an emergency you will probably be taken to Central Hospital or Khalifa Hospital (02 610200) and although of course you won't be turned away, it's easier to have the ‘i's’ dotted. Following emergency treatment it is not uncommon to be transferred to a hospital of your choice.
The Al Noor Hospital located on Khalifa St. has an efficient Accident and Emergency department. There are also a number of highly qualified specialists working in this establishment who have provided good care ranging from orthopedics to oncology and general surgery to several of our friends over the years.
The Corniche Hospital (02 672 4900) is the main government maternity hospital in Abu Dhabi and is located at the end of the Corniche next to the Sheraton Hotel. Most expats are relatively happy with the level of care. Queuing has been known to be a nightmare for the pre-natal check-ups but for deliveries they have the best facilities in town. You need to register with the Corniche Hospital within your first trimester, don’t forget to take your marriage certificate with you!
Another option is to go private through the Al Noor Hospital, if you have decent enough medical insurance. There is also is a popular female obstetrician (French) found in the Gulf Diagnostic Centre, Dr. Sejourne.
Sometimes people have opted to travel to Dubai’s American Hospital to deliver. Post-natal care is not a recognized part of the system here yet, so it may be of benefit to get a helpful Mum, Mum-in-Law or friend lined up to help initially after the birth. The average post-natal stay in hospital is around 48hrs unless there are complications.
Baby clinics do not exist here it is more common for Mums to locate a pediatrician for monitoring the growth and well-being of their baby. They are often recommended by the obstetrician who delivers your child. Some Mums use the Baby Clinic at Central Hospital for inoculations in the Preventative Medicine clinic. Other Mums already established here are generally a good resource for finding out about baby services. Abu Dhabi Mums (www.abudhabimums.ae) has over 300 members who can offer advice and help on childbirth.
Pharmacies in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi are abundant. While most are generally open from 8:30 to 22:30, some are open 24 hours a day. For a list of pharmacies on duty, see the Abu Dhabi Police website or call the Abu Dhabi Municipality 24 hour hotline (+971-2-6777929).
Major Hospitals and Clinics
Abu Dhabi Healthcare Providers
Hospital | Telephone | Sector |
Al Mafraq Hospital | +971-2-5823100 | Government |
Corniche Hospital | +971-2-6724900 | Government |
National Hospital | +971-2-6711000 | Government |
Sheikh Khalifa Medical Centre | +971-2-6102000 | Government |
Delma Island Hospital (Delma) | +971-2-8781888 | Government |
Ghayathi Hospital (Ghayathi) | +971-2-8741666 | Government |
Madinat Zayed Hospital (Madinat Zayed) | +971-2-8846888 | Government |
Al Ahlia Hospital | +971-2-6262666 | Private |
Al Noor Hospital | +971-2-6265265 | Private |
Al Manara International Hospital | +971-2-6218888 | Private |
Al Salama Hospital | +971-2-6711220 | Private |
Dar Al Shifa Hospital | +971-2-4435555 | Private |
Centre Medical Franco-Emirien | +971-2-6265722 | Private |
Gulf Diagnostic Centre | +971-2-6658090 | Private |
Al Raha Hospital | +971-2-6330440 | Private |
LifeLine Hospital | +971-2-6335522 | Private |
Al Ain Healthcare Providers
Hospital | Telephone | Sector |
Al Ain (Al Jimi) Hospital | +971-3-7635888 | Government |
Al Tawam Hospital | +971-3-7677444 | Government |
Emirates International Hospital | +971-3-7637777 | Private |
Oasis Hospital | +971-3-7221251 | Private |
Specialized Medical Care Hospital | +971-3-7552291 | Private |
Al Noor Hospital | +971-3-7667666 | Private |
Dentists
Again there are several to choose from, and once you have established yourself, it may be better to chat with friends and colleagues to find out who they prefer. Dentists like hairdressers are often a personal preference. Experiences of others can be most helpful.
Orthodontists are also popular here especially with the local community, so once again there are loads to choose from and once again I would recommend speaking with friends and colleagues for recommendations.
In general, there is good efficient medical and dental care here, with quick and highly efficient diagnostic tools put into regular use. Here you can walk into a clinic with an ailment, have it diagnosed and treated within a couple of hours, having paid a hefty bill on leaving, but knowing you have been put right.