Al Dhafra Insurance vs Salama Islamic Insurance
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Al Dhafra Insurance
private3,187 providers
2 plans
Est. 1979
DOH regulated
Salama Islamic Insurance
private5,657 providers
2 plans
Est. 1979
DHA, DOH, MOHAP regulated
Al Dhafra Insurance has 2 plans from AED 2,000 a year and 3,187 in-network providers in 8 cities. Salama Islamic Insurance has 2 plans from AED 2,500 a year and 5,657 in-network providers in 8 cities. Al Dhafra Insurance has the most providers in Abu Dhabi while Salama Islamic Insurance has the most in Dubai. Network counts are providers in the UAE Open Healthcare Directory that list each insurer; premiums are indicative.
Al Dhafra Insurance vs Salama Islamic Insurance — At a Glance
| Attribute | Al Dhafra Insurance | Salama Islamic Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 1979 | 1979 |
| Headquarters | Abu Dhabi | Dubai |
| Regulators | DOH | DHA, DOH, MOHAP |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,000 – 9,000 | AED 2,500 – 13,000 |
| Total Network Size | 3,187 | 5,657 |
| Cities Covered | 8 | 8 |
| Dental | Yes | Yes |
| Optical | Yes | Yes |
| Maternity | Yes | Yes |
| Mental Health | No | Yes |
| International | No | No |
| Co-pay Range | 20% | 20% |
| Phone (from the insurer's website) | +971 2 694 9444 | 800 725262 (SALAMA) |
Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.
Network Comparison by City
| City | Al Dhafra Insurance | vs | Salama Islamic Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 1,103 | vs | 3,036 |
| Abu Dhabi | 1,274 | vs | 1,189 |
| Sharjah | 264 | vs | 878 |
| Al Ain | 316 | vs | 224 |
| Ajman | 95 | vs | 135 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 87 | vs | 106 |
| Fujairah | 38 | vs | 65 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 10 | vs | 24 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
Al Dhafra Insurance Plans
Al Dhafra Insurance
Al Dhafra Basic Health
Employees in Abu Dhabi and Western Region
AED 2,000 – 3,800/yr
Annual limit: AED 200,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
3,187 providers
View details →Al Dhafra Insurance
Al Dhafra Enhanced Health
Corporate employees and families in Abu Dhabi
AED 4,500 – 9,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 400,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
3,187 providers
View details →Salama Islamic Insurance Plans
Salama Islamic Insurance
Salama Basic Takaful Health
Employers seeking Sharia-compliant mandatory health coverage across UAE
AED 2,500 – 5,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 250,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
5,657 providers
View details →Salama Islamic Insurance
Salama Enhanced Takaful Health
Corporate employees and families across UAE wanting enhanced Takaful
AED 6,000 – 13,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 750,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
5,657 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Al Dhafra Insurance if you need lower entry-level premiums. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance if you prioritise a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options. Both are established insurers in the UAE market. The best choice depends on your employer's plan options, budget, required coverage, and preferred hospital network in your city.
Al Dhafra Insurance vs Salama Islamic Insurance — FAQ
Which is better, Al Dhafra Insurance or Salama Islamic Insurance?
It depends on your needs. Al Dhafra Insurance has 3,187 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,000/yr. Salama Islamic Insurance has 5,657 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,500/yr. Choose Al Dhafra Insurance if you need lower entry-level premiums. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance if you prioritise a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options.
Is Al Dhafra Insurance cheaper than Salama Islamic Insurance?
Yes, Al Dhafra Insurance's entry-level plan starts from AED 2,000/yr, compared to Salama Islamic Insurance's cheapest plan at AED 2,500/yr. However, plan pricing varies by age, nationality, visa type, and employer. Enhanced and premium tiers may differ. Always obtain a personalised quote from each insurer.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, Al Dhafra Insurance or Salama Islamic Insurance?
Salama Islamic Insurance has a larger Dubai network with 3,036 providers, compared to Al Dhafra Insurance's 1,103 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.
Does Al Dhafra Insurance or Salama Islamic Insurance cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. Al Dhafra Insurance's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 2,500/yr, while Salama Islamic Insurance offers up to AED 4,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Al Dhafra Insurance to Salama Islamic Insurance?
Yes, you can switch insurers during your policy renewal period. In the UAE, health insurance is typically renewed annually. When switching from Al Dhafra Insurance to Salama Islamic Insurance (or vice versa), be aware of: (1) Pre-existing condition waiting periods may restart — check the new insurer's policy, (2) Maternity waiting periods usually reset, (3) Any ongoing treatment authorisations need to be re-submitted. Coordinate with your employer's HR department if on a group plan. Both Al Dhafra Insurance and Salama Islamic Insurance have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Al Dhafra Insurance and Salama Islamic Insurance plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Al Dhafra Insurance and Salama Islamic Insurance side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Al Dhafra Insurance starts from AED 2,000/yr, Salama Islamic Insurance from AED 2,500/yr, (2) Network size — 3,187 vs 5,657 providers, (3) Coverage — dental, optical, maternity, and mental health inclusion, (4) Co-pay percentages, and (5) Provider availability in your city. Scroll down for the full comparison table.
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Disclaimer: Plan details, premiums, and network sizes are indicative, based on publicly available UAE insurance market data. Obtain personalised quotes from Al Dhafra Insurance and Salama Islamic Insurance or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory.