Medical, Pharmacies And Dental Centers In Abu Dhabi | ExpatWoman.com
 

Medical, Pharmacies And Dental Centers In Abu Dhabi

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.

Posted on

24 July 2013

Last updated on 8 January 2018
Medical, Pharmacies And Dental Centers In Abu Dhabi

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.

For general practitioner service most expats we know choose Dr McCulloch’s practice located next to Al Noor hospital.
 

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.

Dentists in Abu Dhabi

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.