UAE – The perfect place to stay forever young
Being one of the most liberal countries in the Gulf, the UAE is becoming a world renowned cosmopolitan destination, with other cultures and beliefs generally tolerated, being a perfect blend of nationalities from all over the world. The people of the UAE generally enjoy a high standard of living because of oil wealth, growing economy, and now as a medical tourism destination.
Cosmetic surgery is witnessing a boom in the UAE, with men and women flocking to go under the knife for that perfect look. Over the last decade the growth of surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures in United Arab Emirates has been rapid, fueled by an increasingly appearance conscious society. Women still account for most (70%) of the cosmetic procedures, but men are fast catching up, because people want to look like pop stars.
For most people, the United Arab Emirates means just one place: Dubai, the sci-fi-esque city of iconic skyscrapers, palm-shaped islands, city-sized malls, indoor ski slopes and palatial beach resorts. But guess what? Beyond the glitter awaits a diverse mosaic of six more emirates, each with its own character and allure. Dubai — the Las Vegas of the Middle East — is that important and profitable when it comes to cosmetic industry.
Dubai, the emirate known for its celebration of over-the-top glamour and luxury, is racing ahead to dominate the Middle East's plastic surgery market with plans to attract half a million medical tourists in six years, because the cosmetic business is a multi-billion dollar global industry. The Middle East continues to witness growing demand for products and services, which has attracted an increasing number of cosmetic surgeons to open clinics locally.
Dubai Cosmetic Procedures for Global Patients
The concept of beauty remains the same — be it in the Arab world or the West. United Arab Emirates, with the construction of the Dubai Health Care City, attracts clients from western, Arabian Gulf nations, Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, but also from Australia, New Zealand or Western European countries. Women are seeking mostly nose surgery, body contouring, breast enlargement, liposuction and tummy tuck, while an increasing number of men opt for male breast reduction and hair transplantation.
Experts also notice that the non-surgical procedures are also rapidly increasing. The non-invasive procedures such as Botox injections or fillers are quick and no recovery time is needed. The average age range is between 25 and 40 years old, but more and more 18 year-old and 50-60 year-old patients are looking to improve their bodies.
Luxurious Medical Services at Affordable Prices in Abu Dhabi
Researches show that while prices in Dubai may be relatively higher than glamorous getaways’ current destinations in India and Thailand; it also becomes clear that Dubai costs reflect a standard of excellence – a reason why it is steadily becoming a stiff competitor to traditionally cheaper Asian destinations. Price is not necessarily the main factor in choosing Dubai or Abu Dhabi for cosmetic procedures; especially if we are talking about high-spend individuals in luxurious locations. Medical tourists coming here are doing so for the cleanliness, efficiency and the quality. For many destinations it really is just about cost cutting, but that’s not the case in UAE.
Medical Tourism Boosting the Economy in UAE
So along with year-round sunshine, sandy beaches, luxurious spa hotels, world-class restaurants and some of the best shopping on the planet, it seems only logical that visitors looking to return home with a smaller nose to accompany their sun-kissed skin and new Prada sunglasses would pick the UAE as a cosmetic surgery hot spot. Dubai is headed to become the seventh most popular destination city in the world after the likes of Paris, London and Bangkok.
The Dubai Health Authority says there are around 150 licensed plastic surgeons in Dubai alone. To cash in on the boom, Dubai has rolled out three-month renewable visas for medical tourists and their companions and launched a campaign to brand itself as the Middle East's top destination for wellness and plastic surgery. Dubai's glamour factor is driving the trend among the region's well-heeled tourists who want to shop, indulge in spas and relax in opulent hotels.
PlacidWay, a leader in global medical travel and tourism, has studied the UAE’s booming cosmetic industry. With cosmetic procedures becoming considerably more desirable as they become not only socially accepted but almost a norm, many people are flocking to UAE for the perfect combination of holiday and surgery.
"Cosmetic procedures are popular because there is a real need in the market", according to Pramod Goel, CEO and founder of PlacidWay. "There is a growing desire among people to feel and look better and better. This has propelled the beauty industry demand to increase not only locally but internationally – people are increasingly engaging in cosmetic procedures especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi from skincare to breast augmentation to tummy tucks, hair transplants and anti aging treatments."
He has also highlighted the fact that the economic impact of plastic surgery industry is allowing people to experience what UAE has best to offer when it comes to beauty industry.
The emphasis on beauty and grooming has taken a greater hold in the UAE and the Middle East in general, people taking more and more care of their looks and body. The main reasons for which medical tourists choose UAE for cosmetic procedures are: star plastic surgeons, luxurious medical facilities, great location, easily obtainable visas and very good connectivity between countries thanks to Emirates airline. Therefore, patients can perfectly merge a sunny holiday with successful plastic surgeries, where their high expectations are wonderfully met. The pressure to look good and the advances in aesthetic procedures continue to fuel demand for cosmetic procedures.
If you need more information about the best plastic surgery clinics in UAE do not hesitate to contact us!