Forbes Middle East closed the second edition of its Medical Tourism and Wellness Summit in Dubai with a clear message that the UAE is accelerating its role as a global hub for advanced healthcare and wellbeing.
The two day event at Jumeirah Beach Hotel gathered more than 100 speakers and a wide mix of regional and international experts to examine the future of medical tourism and wellness innovation.
Senior officials including Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, joined the opening session. He underscored the sector’s growing contribution to the national economy, noting that tourism now accounts for 13 percent of GDP and supports more than 900,000 jobs. He added that the UAE welcomed nearly 30 million visitors in 2024, with hotel occupancy in the first nine months of 2025 surpassing 79 percent, indicators that reflect strong global confidence in the country’s tourism environment.
Bin Touq said the next phase of medical tourism will rely on integrated systems powered by AI, advanced diagnostics, and telehealth, creating seamless and trusted experiences for visitors. He affirmed the UAE’s commitment to partnerships and innovation to meet evolving traveller expectations.
Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor in Chief of Forbes Middle East, highlighted the UAE’s people centered vision and its progress in building a comprehensive wellbeing ecosystem supported by world class infrastructure. She said the summit underscored the value of cross sector collaboration in shaping the future of health and wellness.
Sherif Beshara, Group CEO of Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group and American Hospital Dubai, noted Dubai’s drive to become a leading global destination for medical tourism through long term ambition and strategic action.
Across more than 20 panel discussions, the summit explored advancements in mental, nutritional, and physical wellbeing aligned with national strategies, including the UAE National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
