Health systems in the United Arab Emirates: progression, challenges and future directions

An optimal functioning health system delivers quality, timely and efficient services to all individuals in a convenient and accessible location. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a rapidly developing country composed of a multinational population with emerging public health issues and needs that are influencing the growth and direction of the health system. The seven emirates that form the UAE vary in population size and structure, land mass, financial strength and have both federal and local agencies responsible for the regulation of their health systems. As such, the provision and distribution of healthcare services vary between each emirate depending on the strategy and financing mechanism of the local authority. This paper will discuss the evolution, challenges and future directions of health systems in the UAE.