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UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed the adoption of a unified national health insurance system on May 19, 2026, that guarantees Emiratis comprehensive medical care anywhere in the country regardless of their emirate of origin, the state news agency WAM reported. The initiative integrates previously separate emirate-level schemes to remove geographic barriers and improve access to specialised treatment and centres of excellence while advancing a preventive and sustainable national healthcare model, according to the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
Minister of Health and Prevention Ahmed Al Sayegh described the directive as reflecting a national vision that places human health and quality of life at the heart of the UAE’s development priorities. Al Sayegh said the new system signifies a strategic step towards a more efficient, agile and forward-looking national healthcare model. He added that the UAE continues to advance its healthcare systems on the foundations of prevention, sustainability and innovation, ensuring the delivery of comprehensive health services to citizens in accordance with the highest international standards.
Prior to the presidential directive, health insurance for Emiratis was typically restricted to their home emirate, with Abu Dhabi operating the Thiqa programme through Daman and Dubai running the Anaya scheme. The federal government would not ordinarily cover treatment outside these designated areas unless special circumstances applied. The unified model supports the UAE’s broader goals of strengthening health sector resilience, achieving seamless integration across services and delivering improved long-term outcomes for citizens at every stage of life, Al Sayegh stated.
Senior healthcare industry figures welcomed the announcement as a significant evolution in service delivery. Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, founder, chairman and chief executive of Burjeel Holdings, told The National that one of the most important aspects is that it removes geographical barriers between emirate-level healthcare systems. Vayalil said citizens will increasingly be able to access the right care, at the right place, at the right time, regardless of where they live or where their insurance originates, adding that the initiative creates the foundation for a more preventive, proactive and outcome-driven system.
Dr Georges-Pascal Haber, chief executive of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said the announcement reflects the UAE leadership’s commitment to putting people first and ensuring every citizen has access to exceptional health care. Haber noted that over the past decade the UAE has built one of the world’s most advanced healthcare ecosystems. David Hadley, chief executive of NMC Health, described the decision as a very important one that will help build an even more advanced health sector in the UAE.
Prof. Humaid Al-Shamsi, chief executive of the Burjeel Cancer Institute, highlighted the particular benefits for cancer patients, whose care often requires advanced diagnostics, molecular testing, radiotherapy, surgery, systemic therapy, precision oncology, bone marrow transplantation, clinical trials, rehabilitation and long-term follow-up. He said the new system will allow Emirati cancer patients to access the most appropriate cancer centre anywhere in the UAE based on their clinical needs rather than their location or insurance origin. Al-Shamsi added that it will help reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment, support smoother referrals between hospitals and give patients and families greater confidence that they can reach the best available care within the country.
Emiratis affected by previous restrictions expressed relief at the change. Hind Al Abdoli from Fujairah told The National it will give so many people the opportunity to receive treatment across the Emirates, especially those whose insurance is limited to the emirate, and that this decision will make a huge difference in our lives. Manal from Al Ain said her son has Type 1 diabetes and the family lives in Dubai, leading to struggles managing his ketone levels and frequent rushes to Al Ain for treatment that were exhausting and stressful, especially during emergencies, but that now they can receive treatment closer to home.
The directive builds on the UAE’s substantial healthcare investments, with World Health Organization data placing current health expenditure at 5.31 per cent of GDP in 2021 and federal budgets in recent years dedicating roughly 8.4 per cent of spending to the sector. Industry assessments note that the country maintains one of the GCC’s most advanced systems, including the highest number of Joint Commission International-accredited organisations in the region. The unified insurance framework is expected to enhance equity and operational efficiency for the national citizen population.
