DUBAI — The Dubai Health Authority (DHA), represented by the Health Tourism Department, recently participated in a webinar organized by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in Dubai for travel agents and tour operators from West Africa.

The virtual event was held to explore the promising opportunities in the African market, which benefits from Dubai’s advanced health tourism programs. Following the lifting of travel bans to the emirate, many African tourists are looking forward to traveling to Dubai for wellness or medical reasons.

They are keen to resume their travel plans to seek treatment or consultation in various specializations such as orthopedic, dental aesthetics and ophthalmology.

The webinar, which sought to increase the awareness of African travel agencies about the various health tourism offerings of Dubai, was attended by Mohamed Al Mheiri, director of the Health Tourism Department of DHA, a representative from Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubai Health Experience (DXH) group members, which include the American Hospital, NMC Healthcare, and the Armada Healthcare Group, also took part in the forum.

Al Mheiri reaffirmed that Dubai’s successful reopening to tourists indicated the emirate’s determination to resume its efforts to gain a strong leadership in the global health tourism industry. He urged health tourists to come to Dubai, saying it is a safe destination where they can seek health and wellness services.

Al Mheiri said: “We will continue to provide health visitors with the best healthcare solutions that meet their expectations. These include the free second medical opinion service available on DXH.ae, an online portal dedicated to health tourists who need an expert’s view of their condition.

“They can be assured that their case gets reviewed and their diagnosis verified. The website can also suggest appropriate and personalized treatment plans, as well as alternative methods provided by medical professionals in Dubai.”

He reiterated that the UAE has implemented strong COVID-19-related preventive measures, which are being strictly observed by government and private healthcare institutions, to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors.

On its part, DTCM affirmed that the seminar formed part of the continuing efforts to reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading global tourism destination. Through the event, they presented before its partners from African travel agencies about Dubai’s world-class health tourism programs.

The virtual event successfully captured its target audience in Africa, a key market for them. The emirate recognizes the huge potentials of emerging markets in Africa, as such, it is working diligently to explore newer markets within the continent.

The virtual session also saw the attendees discussing Dubai’s efforts to enforce health and safety measures and provide holistic health tourism packages. — SG