In the coming decade, the demand for healthcare professionals in the UAE is expected to grow exponentially. The nation will need over 33,000 nurses and allied health professionals by 2030, according to Colliers Healthcare & Education division’s market intelligence report. The pandemic has notably spurred this demand, as healthcare providers seek to recruit more qualified and experienced individuals, especially in nursing departments.
Projected Needs per Region
The report forecasts a gap of 11,000 nurses and 5,000 allied health professionals in Abu Dhabi, while Dubai will require 6,000 physicians and 11,000 nurses. These needs are fueled by population growth, increased medical tourism, a growing burden of chronic diseases, an ageing population, heightened patient expectations, and rapid advances in treatment innovation and technology.
Transition towards Advanced Medical Technologies
The demand in the healthcare sector is shifting from traditional skill sets towards advanced medical education as the region adopts new medical technologies. Mansoor Ahmed, executive director at Colliers, notes that AI, data analytics, robotic sciences, and genome sequences will require the medical workforce to continually enhance their skill set.
The Current State of Healthcare in the UAE
As per Colliers, the UAE currently has 157 hospitals, with 104 operated by the private sector. The country has just over 18,000 hospital beds, and a total of 26,736 physicians are employed across the country. The density of physicians and nurses per 1,000 population stands at 2.9 and 6.4, respectively, higher than the GCC countries’ average.
Upcoming Demands in Specific Fields
Abu Dhabi will primarily recruit doctors in psychiatry, emergency medicine, radiation oncology, intensive care, and orthopaedic surgery. Among allied professionals, those in psychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, lab technicians, and emergency technicians will be highly sought after.
News Summary:
- The UAE will need over 33,000 additional healthcare professionals by 2030, according to a report from Colliers Healthcare & Education division.
- The surge in demand is fuelled by factors like population growth, the rise in medical tourism, the increased prevalence of chronic diseases, an ageing population, and advances in medical technology.
- The demand is shifting towards advanced medical education as the region embraces new medical technologies.
- The current healthcare infrastructure in the UAE includes 157 hospitals, over 18,000 beds, and a total of 26,736 physicians.
- Specific fields such as psychiatry, emergency medicine, radiation oncology, intensive care, and orthopaedic surgery are projected to see significant growth in demand.
