Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) has unveiled Phase 3 of its master development, a landmark AED 8 billion investment that will establish Dubai as the global capital of medical tourism. The 3 million square foot expansion will house 50 specialty hospitals, 1,000 clinics, 5 medical universities, and create 20,000 new healthcare jobs by 2028.
This guide covers the new facilities, specialty areas, medical tourism visa, and opportunities for healthcare professionals and investors based on official DHCC announcements.
Dubai Healthcare City Phase 3 — The Numbers
AED 8B investment, 3M sq ft development, 50 hospitals, 1,000 clinics, 20,000 jobs. Medical tourism target: 2 million patients annually by 2030.
Specialty Centers of Excellence
Phase 3 will establish Dubai as a leader in specialized medical care:
Cardiac Center
500-bed cardiovascular hospital. Robotic heart surgery, transplant program. Partnership with Cleveland Clinic.
Neuroscience Institute
Advanced brain surgery, stroke center, Parkinson's research. Affiliation with Johns Hopkins.
Cancer Center
Comprehensive oncology with proton therapy. Precision medicine and genomics. MD Anderson partnership.
Orthopedic Center
Sports medicine, joint replacement, spine surgery. FIFA-certified rehabilitation facility.
Medical Tourism Visa
A new visa category specifically for medical tourists has been announced:
- Duration: 90 days, extendable to 180 days with medical documentation
- Eligibility: Patients with confirmed appointments at DHCC facilities
- Companions: Up to 2 family members can accompany the patient
- Processing: 48-hour fast-track approval
- Cost: AED 500 for patient, AED 250 per companion
- Benefits: Airport meet & assist, hospital transfers, accommodation discounts
Why Choose Dubai for Medical Treatment
- JCI-accredited hospitals (highest international standard)
- 30-70% cost savings vs US/UK for same procedures
- Zero wait times for most procedures
- Multilingual staff (50+ languages)
- World-class hospitality and recovery facilities
- Easy visa access from 180+ countries
Investment & Business Opportunities
DHCC is offering incentives for healthcare businesses:
- 100% Foreign Ownership: No local sponsor required
- 0% Corporate Tax: 50-year tax holiday in DHCC Free Zone
- Fast-Track Licensing: Medical licenses issued within 14 days
- Subsidized Space: 40% rent discount for first 3 years
- Equipment Import: 0% customs duty on medical equipment
- Golden Visa: 10-year visa for healthcare investors (AED 2M+)
"Dubai Healthcare City Phase 3 will position Dubai as the undisputed leader in medical tourism. We expect to attract 2 million medical tourists annually by 2030, contributing AED 25 billion to the economy. The combination of world-class facilities, competitive pricing, and exceptional hospitality makes Dubai the destination of choice for patients worldwide."
— HE Jamal Abdulsalam, CEO of Dubai Healthcare City Authority, February 2026Career Opportunities for Healthcare Professionals
Phase 3 will create 20,000 new positions across all specialties:
- Doctors: 3,000 positions — specialists and consultants prioritized
- Nurses: 8,000 positions — international certifications recognized
- Allied Health: 5,000 positions — technicians, therapists, pharmacists
- Administrative: 4,000 positions — management and support roles
- Salary Range: Competitive packages, tax-free, housing allowance included
- Golden Visa: Fast-track for medical professionals with 5+ years experience
Invest or Work in Dubai Healthcare
With 20,000 new jobs and AED 8 billion in development, DHCC Phase 3 offers significant opportunities. Check your Golden Visa eligibility or compare Free Zones for healthcare business setup.
