Arabia Insurance vs Salama Islamic Insurance
UAE Health Insurance Comparison 2026
Arabia Insurance
private4,530 providers
2 plans
Est. 1944
DHA, HAAD regulated
Salama Islamic Insurance
private5,768 providers
2 plans
Est. 1979
DHA, HAAD, MOHAP regulated
Arabia Insurance has 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr with 4,530 providers across 8 cities. Salama Islamic Insurance has 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr with 5,768 providers across 8 cities. Both insurers have their strongest presence in Dubai.
Arabia Insurance vs Salama Islamic Insurance — At a Glance
| Attribute | Arabia Insurance | Salama Islamic Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Type | private | private |
| Founded | 1944 | 1979 |
| Headquarters | Beirut (UAE offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah) | Dubai |
| Regulators | DHA, HAAD | DHA, HAAD, MOHAP |
| Number of Plans | 2 | 2 |
| Premium Range | AED 2,500 – 11,000 | AED 2,500 – 13,000 |
| Total Network Size | 4,530 | 5,768 |
| 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% |
| Claims Phone | 04-265-1500 | 800-72526 |
Coverage columns reflect whether at least one plan from the insurer includes that benefit. Premiums are indicative annual ranges.
Network Comparison by City
| City | Arabia Insurance | vs | Salama Islamic Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 2,500 | vs | 3,113 |
| Abu Dhabi | 880 | vs | 1,211 |
| Sharjah | 662 | vs | 885 |
| Al Ain | 191 | vs | 227 |
| Ajman | 123 | vs | 137 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 105 | vs | 106 |
| Fujairah | 57 | vs | 65 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 12 | vs | 24 |
Provider counts from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. Green highlights the city leader.
Arabia Insurance Plans
Arabia Insurance
Arabia Basic Health
SMEs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi meeting mandatory requirements
AED 2,500 – 4,500/yr
Annual limit: AED 200,000 · shared room · 20% co-pay
4,530 providers
View details →Arabia Insurance
Arabia Enhanced Health
Corporate employees and families
AED 5,500 – 11,000/yr
Annual limit: AED 500,000 · semi-private room · 20% co-pay
4,530 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
5,768 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
5,768 providers
View details →Verdict
Choose Arabia Insurance if you need strong coverage and established reputation. 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.
Arabia Insurance vs Salama Islamic Insurance — FAQ
Which is better, Arabia Insurance or Salama Islamic Insurance?
It depends on your needs. Arabia Insurance has 4,530 providers across 8 cities and offers 2 plans starting from AED 2,500/yr. Salama Islamic Insurance has 5,768 providers across 8 cities with 2 plans from AED 2,500/yr. Choose Arabia Insurance if you need strong coverage and established reputation. Choose Salama Islamic Insurance if you prioritise a larger provider network, more comprehensive coverage options.
Is Arabia Insurance cheaper than Salama Islamic Insurance?
Both Arabia Insurance and Salama Islamic Insurance have entry-level plans starting from AED 2,500/yr. However, pricing varies by age, nationality, visa type, and employer. Compare enhanced and premium tiers for a full picture, and always obtain personalised quotes.
Which has a bigger network in Dubai, Arabia Insurance or Salama Islamic Insurance?
Salama Islamic Insurance has a larger Dubai network with 3,113 providers, compared to Arabia Insurance's 2,500 providers. Network sizes are based on the UAE Open Healthcare Directory data.
Does Arabia Insurance or Salama Islamic Insurance cover dental?
Both insurers offer dental coverage on their enhanced and premium plans. Arabia Insurance's dental sub-limit goes up to AED 3,000/yr, while Salama Islamic Insurance offers up to AED 4,000/yr. Basic plans from both insurers typically exclude dental.
Can I switch from Arabia 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 Arabia 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 Arabia Insurance and Salama Islamic Insurance have dedicated claims and onboarding teams to facilitate the transition.
How do I compare Arabia Insurance and Salama Islamic Insurance plans?
Use the UAE Health Insurance Navigator on this page to compare Arabia Insurance and Salama Islamic Insurance side-by-side. Key factors to compare: (1) Annual premium — Arabia Insurance starts from AED 2,500/yr, Salama Islamic Insurance from AED 2,500/yr, (2) Network size — 4,530 vs 5,768 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 Arabia Insurance and Salama Islamic Insurance or an authorised broker. Provider network data sourced from the UAE Open Healthcare Directory, last verified March 2026.