UAE Health Information

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has one of the finest health care systems in the Middle East. According to a survey conducted by 'Holiday Which', a leading UK consumer magazine, the UAE was one of only two countries with no reported cases of holiday illnesses. This is a fine testimony to success of government immunization programs, the provision of adequate clean water and international standards of cleanliness in hotels and restaurants. In addition, there are world-class hospitals and clinics in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other major cities of the UAE. UAE public hospitals deal with emergencies free of charge and generally have good medical facilities. But private hospitals can be very expensive in the UAE, so a medical insurance is must.

Some of Essential Health Tips

Vaccinations: No special immunizations are required for visitors to the UAE, however a certificate is required for cholera and yellow fever if arriving from an affected area. Immunization against polio and Hepatitis A is sometimes advised. Avoid mosquito, sandfly and tick bites as it may cause diseases like Cutaneous Leishmaniasis and tick-borne typhus.

Food and Water: Tap water is desalinated and safe for drinking, but drinking bottled mineral water is good for visitors. Milk is generally unpasteurised and should be boiled. Eat well-cooked meat and fish, while salads should be washed well before serving.
Sunburn: The sun can be fierce throughout the year so take precautions against heat exhaustion and sunstroke. Use sunglasses, hats and creams.
Health Insurance: Private hospitals in the UAE are quite expensive, so it would be wise to take out medical insurance to cover all eventualities.
Pharmacies: There are well-stocked pharmacies in major cities of the UAE where most medicines are readily available. Each emirate has at least one pharmacy open 24 hours a day.
Emergency Health Service: Ambulance service can be called at 998 or 999. There is a 24-hour municipality emergency number for Dubai- 04 2232323 and Abu Dhabi-02 777 929, telling you the locations of open chemists.