General Information » Essential Info » Health Care

The quality of medical care in the Emirates is generally regarded as quite high and visitors should have little trouble obtaining appropriate treatment, whether privately or, in case of an emergency, from the government run hospitals. Tourists and non residents are strongly recommended to arrange private medical insurance before travelling, as private medical care can be very expensive.

There are no specific health risks facing visitors, though the climate can be harsh, especially during the summer months. It’s advisable to drink plenty of water (replace lost salts with energy drinks or salty snacks), and cover up when out in the sun. Use the appropriate factor sunscreen – sunburn, heat stroke and heat exhaustion are unpleasant.

Most medicines are readily available at pharmacies and many without prescription – even antibiotics. Certain medications are not available. For example codeine is a banned substance and no products containing codeine are sold.

If you are travelling with prescription medications, it is recommended that you carry a copy of your prescription, or a note from your doctor, with you. This is particularly important for products containing codeine or other potentially addictive substances.

Dial 998 or 999 for ambulance service. If you are injured in a road traffic accident, the police ambulance service will automatically take you to Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, as it is the best government accident and emergency facility in Abu Dhabi. Emergency services are free, though if you need follow-up treatment you will need to pay cash or have medical insurance (see also New Residents, Government Hospitals and Private Hospitals).

Each emirate has at least one pharmacy open 24 hours a day. The location and telephone numbers are printed in the daily newspapers. The pharmacies attached to Al Noor and New Medical Centre are open 24 hours a day, as is the Al Rizi Pharmacy at the Hamdan Centre.