Dubai will introduce a ‘smart medical visa’ and enhanced services for patients travelling to the emirate for treatment under a new agreement between the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA) and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
The Memorandum of Understanding aims to create an integrated healthcare journey for medical tourists, linking visa, residency and healthcare services from pre-arrival through treatment and follow-up care.
It also seeks to improve coordination within the Dubai Health Experience (DXH) platform, enabling more efficient medical visa applications for patients coming from abroad, alongside strengthened links with health insurance systems.
Officials said the initiative will facilitate visa procedures, support health tourism, and enhance Dubai’s position as a global destination for medical care and wellness. Medical tourism visas in Dubai are currently issued for 90 or 180 days, with options for renewal and companion visas where required.
The agreement was signed by Lt-Gen Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA Dubai, and Dr Alawi Sheikh Ali, Director General of DHA.