Is Dubai emerging as value medical tourism hub for rare-disease care, gene therapy?

Dubai is positioning itself as a leading destination for medical tourism, particularly for patients seeking specialized treatment for rare and complex diseases. The head of a top hospital group in the emirate, Dr. Shanila Laiju, revealed that the city has treated over 280 international patients with two rare genetic disorders — Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). These patients have traveled from more than 30 countries, including the Middle East, Europe, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Dr. Laiju explained that the shift towards medical value tourism is changing the traditional model of patients seeking treatment in a particular destination. Instead, the choice of destination is now determined by the availability of specific therapies, clinical teams, and treatment pathways. For rare-disease patients, the destination may be Dubai if a particular treatment is not accessible in their home country.

Medcare Hospitals Group, the healthcare group led by Dr. Laiju, has been at the forefront of this trend. They recently became the first hospital outside the US to administer a newly licensed intrathecal gene therapy to an adult patient with SMA. Additionally, they treated a six-year-old Turkish patient with DMD gene therapy, as the treatment was not available in Turkey.

These cases highlight how medical tourism in Dubai is no longer solely about finding a cheaper procedure, but rather about accessing treatments that may not be available at home.

The UAE's regulatory environment has played a crucial role in positioning the country as a destination for cutting-edge healthcare. The proactive approach of the authorities in approving breakthrough gene therapies has provided patients with access to some of the world's most advanced therapies at an early stage. This, coupled with the UAE's international medical workforce and adoption of advanced technologies, is strengthening the country's position in specialized medical care.

While the cost factor is a consideration, the duration of treatment in Dubai can extend beyond the typical short hospital visit. Patients may spend one to two months in the UAE, depending on the case and treatment pathway. Medcare's international-patient service includes a range of support, such as medical second opinions, virtual consultations, treatment plans, and assistance with visas, travel, and accommodation, along with multilingual support and a dedicated point of contact.

The treatment itself often involves a multidisciplinary team of doctors, ensuring comprehensive care for patients.