If you need to see a doctor during your stay in Dubai, there are two main options: private or government.

Government Hospitals include Latifa Hospital (Oud Metha Road), Rashid Hospital (near the Creek), and Dubai Hospital (Al Baraha, Deira).

The government run hospitals are very good and cheaper than the private sector however, patients maybe faced with longer waiting times and the amount of patients in a room will be more than the private sector.  It is worth noting that even if you have private health insurance you may not be covered for things like child birth and child vaccinations both of which can be taken care of at government hospitals and clinics for a considerably cheaper cost. To visit the government hospitals you will need a Dubai Government Health Card.  To obtain a government health card you will require the following documents:

Documents Required

Passport copy
Covering letter from sponsor
Visa application copy
2 passport size photographs
Completed application form

Fees for a Health Card

Citizens (card valid for 4 years)
0-9 Years – AED 25
10-17 Years – AED 50
18 Years and Above – AED 100
Non Citizens(card valid for 1 year)
0-9 Years – AED 100
10-17 Years – AED 200
17 Years and Above – AED 300
plus AED 200/- for medical examination

Dial 999 for emergency service if you need an ambulance.

Most pharmacies are open from around 09:00 to 22:00, Saturday to Thursday; however make note that some of them close for lunch between 13:00 and 16:00. Also, the majority of pharmacies are open on Fridays, from 16:00 to 22:00.

To find a 24 hour pharmacy you can check www.dha.gov.ae  for a listing.

Visit our directories for a listing of the many hospitals and clinics in Dubai.