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

Authors: Amer A. Sharif; Iain Blair; Nabila F. Taha; Tom Loney

Addresses: Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates; Education Division, Dubai Healthcare City, P.O. Box 66566, Dubai, United Arab Emirates ' Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates ' Taha Actuaries and Consultants, Churchill Tower, Office # 3410, P.O. Box 9881, Dubai, United Arab Emirates ' Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: healthcare reform; healthcare financing; health policy; medical economics; public health; United Arab Emirates; UAE; developing countries; healthcare systems.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBHR.2013.058859

International Journal of Behavioural and Healthcare Research, 2013 Vol.4 No.3/4, pp.270 - 282

Received: 21 Feb 2013
Accepted: 04 Oct 2013

Published online: 21 Jun 2014 *

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