UAE healthcare comparison
Healthcare in Dubai vs Sharjah.
According to the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, Dubai has 5,506 licensed healthcare providers while Sharjah has 1,832. Healthcare in Dubai is regulated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), while Sharjah is regulated by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). GP consultations cost AED 150-300 in Dubai compared to AED 100-200 in Sharjah. Both cities require employer-provided health insurance for residents. Below is a detailed side-by-side comparison of provider counts, average ratings, costs, and top-rated facilities. Data sourced from official government registers, verified March 2026.
Side-by-side comparison
| Metric | Dubai | Sharjah |
|---|---|---|
| Total Providers | 5,506 | 1,832 |
| Average Rating | 4.6(3571 rated) | 4.5(879 rated) |
| Hospitals | 100 | 12 |
| Clinics | 2337 | 724 |
| Dental Clinics | 435 | 149 |
| Pharmacies | 1680 | 520 |
| GP Consultation | AED 150-300 | AED 100-200 |
| Specialist Consultation | AED 300-800 | AED 200-600 |
| Emergency Visit | AED 300-1,000 | AED 200-800 |
| Regulator | Dubai Health Authority (DHA) | Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) |
Top-rated providers
Dubai
Sharjah
Insurance coverage
Dubai
Dubai mandates employer-provided health insurance under the DHA Essential Benefits Plan (since 2014). Major insurers: Daman, AXA, Cigna, MetLife, Bupa, Oman Insurance, Orient Insurance, Allianz.
Sharjah
Sharjah follows MOHAP guidelines. Widely accepted plans include Daman, AXA, Cigna, MetLife, Orient Insurance, Oman Insurance. Many employers offer group health plans.
More city comparisons
Dubai vs Sharjah Healthcare FAQ
How does the cost of healthcare in Dubai compare to Sharjah?
GP consultations in Dubai typically cost AED 150-300, while in Sharjah they cost AED 100-200. Specialist consultations in Dubai range from AED 300-800 vs AED 200-600 in Sharjah. Emergency visits are AED 300-1,000 in Dubai and AED 200-800 in Sharjah. Government facilities in both cities tend to be more affordable. Always confirm fees directly with the provider.
Which city has better quality healthcare, Dubai or Sharjah?
Based on Google ratings from verified patient reviews, Dubai providers have an average rating of 4.6 (across 3571 rated providers) while Sharjah averages 4.5 (across 879 rated providers). Both cities have internationally accredited hospitals. Quality depends on the specific provider, specialty, and your needs rather than the city alone.
Is it easier to access healthcare in Dubai or Sharjah?
Dubai has 5506 listed healthcare providers compared to 1832 in Sharjah. Dubai has 100 hospitals and 2337 clinics, while Sharjah has 12 hospitals and 724 clinics. Dubai healthcare is regulated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), while Sharjah is regulated by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). In both cities, GP walk-in times are typically 15-45 minutes and specialist appointments can be booked within 1-7 days.
How does insurance coverage differ between Dubai and Sharjah?
Dubai mandates employer-provided health insurance under the DHA Essential Benefits Plan (since 2014). Major insurers: Daman, AXA, Cigna, MetLife, Bupa, Oman Insurance, Orient Insurance, Allianz. In Sharjah: Sharjah follows MOHAP guidelines. Widely accepted plans include Daman, AXA, Cigna, MetLife, Orient Insurance, Oman Insurance. Many employers offer group health plans. Check the individual provider listings on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory to confirm which insurance plans are accepted at specific facilities.
Disclaimer: Provider counts and ratings are based on data from official UAE healthcare licensing data, last verified March 2026. Consultation fees are indicative ranges and may vary by provider, insurance status, and visit complexity. This comparison is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.