Abu Dhabi - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care at post is great, several women have given birth here. - Jun 2022
The air pollution can be bad, but there are decent medical and dental option available. - Feb 2020
The air quality can get really bad, especially during the hotter months (AQI between 150-220 are very frequent then). It’s mostly due to the sand/dust in the air and then some typical city air pollution. But during those days, we just stay inside. We have not been affected by the air quality (yet). I’m not in the health field and can’t compare medical services and quality to US standards, but it seems that medical care is pretty good here. We have had several women have their babies here, who have all been very happy with the care. For those who have kids with special needs, there are speech and occupational therapy options here, but most places seem to be almost booked out and they won’t be super flexible with scheduling. We love our speech therapist Jessica Fuller, who works independently. - Jun 2019
Medical care is OK, apparently better in Dubai which is only 1 1/2 hours by car. People get all kinds of treatment locally. - Sep 2017
Medical care quality can be quite good, or real crap. There are so many nationalities practicing here that I've run into the gamut: Doctors have told me that underwire bras cut off circulation and the change in temperature causes colds, while some have been great with good asthma advice and fantastic dental care. Get recommendations and ask questions. Some of these people are nutters and some really know their stuff. - Jun 2015
Medical care is iffy at best. After 8 years in the region, if I had any serious medical issue, I would get out as soon as possible. Most doctors might be okay, but the system depends on overworked and underpaid nurses and technicians. You hear horror stories about misdiagnosed illnesses, surgical complications, and other problems that come from cutting corners and sloppy practices. In theory, the arrival of international players like Cleveland Clinic should improve things, but until then... - May 2013
There are hospitals with links for example to Imperial College and some well respected clinics. The major concern is ensuring that your employer provides an insurance policy that is accepted at the better hospitals and GP practices. - Jul 2012
Local medical care is spotty at best, with some good specialists and generally pretty poor nursing, generalists, and facilities. There are lots of places offering laser, cosmetic procedures, etc., but I can only imagine the quality of some results. Dentistry can be as or more expensive than the U.S., without much reliability. - Aug 2011
Medical care is hit or miss. There are a lot of bad doctors interspersed with some good ones. The technology is there but not everybody knows how to use it. Dentists are after your money. Don't use Gulf Diagnostic Hospital in Abu Dhabi - they have no standards of care; patients are routinely misdiagnosed and mis-medicated, and the hospital treats their employees terribly. If you get sick, go to Sheikh Khalifa Medical Center (SKMC). SKMC is in a tie-up with Johns Hopkins University and the Cleveland Clinic but it remains to be seen if this will improve medical services in Abu Dhabi. Select your dentist carefully and preferably by reference. - Jul 2011
Diagnostic medical care is good, but if you need serious medical attention (like major surgery), for your own peace of mind, it's best to go to Europe,North America, or South Africa. - Nov 2010
There are many western-trained doctors available with several clinics to choose from. - Jan 2010
Most things are available, if just a little difficult to find. - Aug 2009
