

Dubai Healthcare City is among the leading regional destinations for health, wellness, and medical tourism. Here, you are going to experience an ultimate combination of world-class health care, wellness, and urban comfort. Located at the peaceful banks of the Dubai Creek, this creative building is more than just a place for clinics. It is a holistic setting bringing together hospitals, specialist clinics, wellness centres, and lifestyle services. Established in 2002, it is a pioneering project, the world's largest healthcare free zone.
If you are planning a medical visit, a retreat for relaxation, or just walking around this impressive area during your Dubai trip, then this complete guide will support you to get your visit planned, to grasp how the region works, and to enjoy its one-of-a-kind offerings to the fullest.
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is a healthcare free zone in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Located in the Bur Dubai area near Dubai Creek, it was established in 2002 to develop a world-class medical and wellness hub. DHCC provides hospitals, speciality clinics, diagnostic labs, pharmacies, research centres, and medical education institutions. It serves UAE residents, international patients, healthcare professionals, and investors, supporting medical tourism while offering advanced treatments, rehabilitation services, and wellness facilities under strict regulatory standards.
It has two phrases: Phase 1 (Oud Metha): This is the established "clinical" heart of DHCC. It houses the major hospitals like Mediclinic City Hospital and Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital. Phase 2 (Al Jaddaf): This is the newer, 19-million sq. ft "wellness" expansion along the Dubai Creek. It is becoming a residential and wellness resort hub.
Day-Trip Tip: If you’re combining your stay at Dubai Healthcare City with leisure, schedule your medical activities or wellness treatments in the morning and spend the afternoon at a mall, or take a relaxing evening walk by the creek.
1. Consult or Treat at Leading Hospitals & Clinics
Dubai Healthcare City has a large network of providers for a variety of services ranging from specialist treatments and cosmetic/reconstructive procedures to dental care and preventive check-ups. With global accreditation and multilingual staff, it is designed not only for international visitors but also for residents.
2. Wellness & Recovery Stay
Treating and recovering guests will benefit from the wellness wing in Phase 2 that offers spa amenities, preventive health programmes, and beautiful surroundings. The peaceful location by the creek with quiet nights makes it a conducive place for healing.
3. Explore the District & Refuel
The complex surrounding the hospital is the next stop after the wellness session: it has cafés with creek views, and landscaped paths are perfect for you to take a stroll while admiring the medical-lifestyle retail outlets and pharmacies.
4. Evening Promenade by Dubai Creek
For the best experience, head to Phase 2 in Al Jaddaf for an evening stroll. This area offers direct waterfront views of the Dubai Creek Harbour skyline and the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, providing a more scenic and modern promenade than the older Phase 1 area. This is one of the must-add activities to your Dubai tour packages.
5. Combine Healthcare with Leisure Activities
If your schedule permits, make your health visit a short-stay travel experience by visiting the clinic and then going to Wafi Mall or Dubai Mall or taking cultural walks in Bur Dubai instead.
Tips: Use the metro if you’d like to avoid traffic; if arriving later in the evening after a treatment, taxis are reliable and convenient for hospital transfers.
Morning:
Afternoon:
Evening:
No matter whether you're in Dubai for medical treatment or wellness, or just to see how modern cities combine health and lifestyle, Dubai Healthcare City is very attractive. It goes beyond the idea of a mere clinic complex; it is a health, recovery and leisure spot that has already become a tourist attraction.
Dubai Healthcare City is not just an area for medical purposes; it is actually a combination of health, wellness, and urban design. This combination shows Dubai’s dream of providing excellent life and recovery alternatives. It doesn’t matter if you are going to Dubai for a medical treatment, detoxifying your body through wellness, or just to see the modern medical facilities as part of your vacation; Dubai Healthcare City has everything, from infrastructure to amenities to atmosphere, that you need. It is a place that is close to all the city’s major parts but still peaceful and wellness-oriented; thus, it is a destination that provides value, comfort, and purpose. If you want a meaningful and relaxing experience that is out of the ordinary and not just sightseeing, then make sure to include it in your Dubai itinerary.
A: No. While it’s recognised for specialised treatment and clinics, Dubai Healthcare City also provides wellness services, recovery stays and lifestyle amenities.
A: Yes. Many hospitals and clinics in Dubai Healthcare City serve international patients, offering concierge service, visa support and multilingual staff.
A: Afternoon to early evening is ideal for walks, dining and exploring surrounding cafes—especially after any appointment.
A: Planning 1–3 days (or more, depending on treatment) is recommended. Even for a casual visit, 2–4 hours will allow exploration.
A: Yes. Several hotels and serviced apartments are located close by or within the wider Al Jaddaf / Oud Metha area, making overnight stays convenient.
A: Yes. There is on-site parking at hospitals and clinics, and they are accessible via metro, taxi or bus—making it convenient for both residents and visitors.