Introduction

This Client Alert updates a previous Latham publication with new information to help companies navigate changes to regulatory bodies and understand healthcare policies with which they will need to comply. Though the regulatory landscape has not changed dramatically, notable recent developments, include clearer efforts from the federal government to integrate the Northern Emirates in the healthcare growth trend, the issuance of a new set of policies and manuals in Abu Dhabi, and certain legal and regulatory updates in Dubai.

Background

Healthcare is among the priority sectors identified by the UAE government and, as a result, the UAE healthcare industry has displayed extraordinary growth and significant progress in the past few years. The government's focus on healthcare is aimed not only at diversifying the oil-reliant economy but also at developing unprecedented healthcare infrastructure to ensure that adequate services are provided in the Emirates.