The government of Dubai is looking into developing the Gulf emirate as a hub for healthcare travel and medical tourism in the Middle East.
As part of Dubai’s effort in that direction, it has authorized the Institute for International Research in the Middle East (IIRM) to organize an international conference, entitled Healthcare Travel.
"The conference will deal with medical tourism," Sietske Meerlo, IIRM’s senior marketing manager, told The Media Line. "Cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery would fall under that title," he added.
The cosmetic surgery industry in the United Arab Emirates is booming, according to the IIRM.
"Many cosmetic surgeons fly in from abroad to cater to the huge demand in this market," explained Meerlo.
Beside the local populace, cosmetic surgeons are providing their services to many ex-patriots living in the UAE, such as Americans, Europeans and Australians.
Other clients are also wealthy tourists who come to the UAE – Dubai in particular – for a vacation and undergo cosmetic surgery during that time.