Title: Patients from the United Arab Emirates seeking healthcare services overseas during 2009 – 2016: characteristics and motivational factors

Abstract:

The study examines the characteristics and motivational factors of patients from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who sought healthcare services overseas between 2009 and 2016. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research analyzes demographic data, treatment types, and patient-reported reasons for seeking care abroad. Findings indicate that a significant proportion of patients pursued specialized treatments not readily available in the UAE, including advanced surgical procedures, oncology care, and fertility treatments. Motivational factors influencing these decisions include perceived quality of care, shorter waiting times, access to advanced technology, and recommendations from healthcare professionals. The study highlights the implications for healthcare policy, patient education, and the development of domestic healthcare services to better meet patient needs and reduce the necessity for cross-border medical travel.

Biography:

Wafa Alnakhi is a public health researcher affiliated with the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, USA. Her research focuses on healthcare utilization patterns, patient behavior, and health system efficiency, with particular expertise in medical tourism and cross-border healthcare. Wafa has published extensively on factors influencing patient decision-making and strategies for optimizing healthcare delivery in both domestic and international contexts. She is committed to generating evidence that informs policy decisions and improves healthcare accessibility and quality for populations in the United Arab Emirates and beyond.