Healthcare Information Technology
The UAE’s Healthcare information technology market is expected to grow swiftly in coming years driven by ongoing digital transformation, increased investment in smart health infrastructure, and more demand to remote innovation healthcare solutions. Telehealth medicine services are expanding continuously as technology platforms become more integrated. The Ministry of Health is working to enhance options for telemedicine. These include “Virtual Hospitals” where doctors and nurses can provide remote care to patients using artificial intelligence and smart devices and monitoring.
Several UAE laws and regulations restrict the cross-border flow of healthcare data or the use of cloud-based storage and processing services. Understanding how to navigate and comply with health data regulations is an important factor in successfully doing business in the UAE, particularly in the healthcare services, health insurance, medical device, and diagnostics sectors. Case-by-case approvals in each of the seven emirates may be necessary in addition to consent from each individual health data subject. U.S. companies should discuss their health data storage and processing requirements with federal and local health authorities in each of the seven emirates to ensure compliance.
UAE Federal Law Number 2 of 2019, known as the Health Data Law, covers the collection, processing, and circulation of health data and sets out processing, security, and retention requirements. The Health Data Law places a general restriction on the transfer of patient health data outside the UAE but allows for exceptions that were specified in the UAE Health Ministerial Resolution 51 of 2021 and can be granted by the health authorities in each Emirate on a case-by-case basis. The ten types of exceptions that can be granted for cross-border data flows are: pharmacovigilance reporting, patient treatment overseas, the administration of insurance claims, scientific research and clinical trials, wearable healthcare monitoring devices, medical diagnostic testing, cooperation with UAE governmental institutions, telemedicine, for personal use, and other purposes as approved based on coordination with the federal Ministry of Health and Prevention.
Genetics
The UAE is actively developing its genomics capabilities through initiatives like the Emirati Genome Program and investing in genetic research and healthcare infrastructure. The UAE is building one of the world’s largest genomic databases to advance precision medicine and improve healthcare outcomes. The UAE is looking for partners to use its genetic database to create novel gene therapies and innovative healthcare solutions. In 2025, the UAE also developed its genomics agenda by making genetic screening mandatory for all Emiratis in premarital exams. The Emirates Genome Council also approved four nationwide screening programs for newborns, adults, fertility, and cardiovascular diseases. In July, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health partnered with the University of California to establish genetic surgery centers in both Abu Dhabi and California. Separately, it signed a memorandum of understanding with Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC, to launch a gene therapy excellence program.
Education and Clinical Research
To meet its ever-increasing need for qualified medical professionals, the UAE has sought to grow its nascent medical education and training capacity. At the same time, it strives to make the country a regional hub for medical research and events. The UAE is preparing for mainstream clinical trials with the goal of developing personalized medicines that can be sold worldwide. The Emirati Genome Project with 800,000 human samples and the Abu Dhabi Department of Health Electronic Medical Record System with 2.6 million members make it easy to identify potential clinical trial participants.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Health launched the Healthcare Life Science Vision and Strategy in 2023 that seeks to increase economic activity by $32 billion by enhancing the life sciences sector. The strategy calls for the launch of 290 biotech startups in Abu Dhabi, an increase in the number of active clinical trials to over 600, the establishment of at least 24 new life sciences manufacturing sites and the creation of 22,000 new jobs in life sciences. The strategy includes initiatives that address local and global health priorities while advancing scientific breakthroughs by leveraging Abu Dhabi’s strengths in data, AI, and digital transformation.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
Total revenues in the UAE beauty and personal care market reached approximately $2.55 billion in 2024, with 25% coming from eCommerce channels, according to statista.com. The personal care segment has the largest share of $519 million, followed by skin care ($292 million), cosmetics ($175 million), fragrances ($143 million), and beauty tech ($16 million). The 11 million population of the UAE consists of 9% Emirati citizens and 91% of people other nationalities, creating a very diverse market. Consumer purchasing power is high due to per capita income levels of $53,707 per year.
Consumer needs and preferences are affected by many factors, including the diverse cultural backgrounds of the population, but there is an overriding desire to try new brands. UAE nationals often prefer traditional Arabic fragrances, such as oud, musk, sandalwood, and bukhoor, in products like perfumes, soaps, shower gels as opposed to western scents. The combination of high-income levels and interest in premium brands creates a more discerning customer, who demands high quality in terms of packaging and ingredients. There is also a growing interest in sustainable and environmentally friendly products.
The UAE is a highly competitive market so a carefully prepared marketing strategy, including clear product differentiation and analysis of local culture, is important to successfully build a strong brand name. Similar to the rest of the world, social media and influencer marketing both have a strong presence among the UAE market consumers. There is an increasing demand for products personalized according to skin types, personal regime, or preferred scents. Moreover, a strong focus on environmental impact, sustainability, recyclable packaging, and clean and cruelty- free ingredients tends to appeal to UAE consumers. Registration of products in the UAE is handled by distributors. The Dubai and Abu Dhabi municipality registration portals are only accessible by UAE registered companies who have an active license.
Opportunities
There are numerous new hospital construction and renovation programs underway. A growing medical tourism sector is boosting demand for modern facilities with the latest medical equipment, and there is competition between the seven emirates to attract medical tourism.
The Ministry of Health continues to modernize hospitals in the country with the latest technology aimed at preventing and treating the increasing incidence of non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. The Dubai Health Authority will continue to align medical technology to smart city planning and implementation efforts.
Mass General Brigham, including its five Harvard-affiliated teaching hospitals − Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, Mass Eye and Ear, and McLean Hospital − and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a Harvard-affiliated teaching hospital, entered into a strategic long-term collaboration agreement with BEEAH Group in 2021 with the goal of transforming healthcare in the Emirate of Sharjah. Along with its Boston partners, BEEAH developed a plan for an integrated, future-ready healthcare ecosystem under the banner of the Jawaher Boston Medical District. The ecosystem includes the 264-bed Jawaher Boston General Hospital that is planned for completion by 2027 and will house a range of specializations, including lifestyle and preventive medicine, oncology, women’s health, pediatrics, cardiovascular diseases, and neurosciences.
Resources
Trade Shows and Exhibitions
Please contact us for additional information regarding trade shows, U.S. pavilions, and export promotion services that may be available for U.S. companies.
World Health Expo (WHX) (formerly Arab Health)
Date: February 9-12, 2026
Venue: Dubai Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE
Beauty World Middle East
Date: October 27-29, 2025
Venue: Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai, UAE
DUPHAT Dubai Pharmaceutical Trade Show
Date: March 24-26, 2026
Venue: Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai, UAE
World Health Expo Labs
Date: February 10-13, 2026
Venue: Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai, UAE
Abu Dhabi Global Health Week
Date: April 7-9, 2026
Venue: ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, UAE