The current health expenditure in the United Arab Emirates has shown notable fluctuations over the past decade. Between 2013 and 2016, the expenditure as a percentage of GDP experienced a decline, only to see a sharp increase starting in 2017. Particularly pronounced was the surge in 2020, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a year-on-year increase of 31.94%. This trajectory continued with steady growth through 2023, standing at 6.13% of GDP. The average annual growth rate from 2019 to 2023 was robust at 8.13%.
Looking forward, the forecast suggests a more moderate growth rate, with the percentage of GDP allocated to health expenditure expected to reach 6.87% by 2028. The anticipated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the next five years is 1.83%, indicating a slower but steady increase.
Future trends to watch for:
- Efforts to manage healthcare costs while improving infrastructure.
- Potential impacts of new health policies or reforms implemented by the UAE government.
- Technological advancements in healthcare and their effect on expenditure.
- Response to any emerging public health crises and subsequent expenditure adjustments.
