Cataract Surgery Cost in the UAE
عملية المياه البيضاء · CPT 66984
A cataract surgery in the UAE typically costs AED 3,000 to AED 20,000, with a typical price of AED 7,438. In Dubai, expect to pay around AED 10,000, while Sharjah averages AED 7,000. This procedure is typically covered by UAE health insurance plans with a co-pay of 10–20%. Prices reflect data from 8 UAE cities as of March 2026, sourced from DOH Mandatory Tariff methodology and market-observed ranges.
AED 3,000 – AED 20,000
Price range across all UAE facilities · Typical: AED 7,438
Cheapest City
Umm Al Quwain
~AED 6,000
Most Expensive
Dubai
~AED 10,000
Duration
15–30 minutes per eye
Recovery
1–2 weeks (most activities), 4–6 weeks (full)
Typically Covered
Cataract surgery is medically necessary and covered by most UAE insurance plans including Daman basic. Pre-authorisation is required. Standard monofoc...
Setting: Day-case (home same day)
Anaesthesia: Local
Price by City
About Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery removes the clouded natural lens of the eye and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world, with a very high success rate. Phacoemulsification is the standard technique.
What to Expect
The eye is numbed with drops. A tiny incision is made, and ultrasound energy breaks up the cloudy lens. The fragments are suctioned out and a new IOL is inserted. The incision self-seals. Each eye is done separately, usually 1–2 weeks apart. Surgery takes 15–30 minutes.
Insurance Cost Estimator
Related Procedures
Cataract Surgery in the UAE — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a cataract surgery cost in the UAE?
A cataract surgery in the UAE costs between AED 3,000 and AED 20,000. The typical price is around AED 7,438. Prices vary by city, facility type (government, private, or premium), and clinical complexity. Dubai is generally the most expensive, while northern emirates like Sharjah and Ajman offer lower rates.
How much does a cataract surgery cost in Dubai?
In Dubai, a cataract surgery typically costs AED 10,000, with a range of AED 5,000 to AED 20,000. Premium hospitals in Dubai Healthcare City and Jumeirah tend to charge at the higher end, while clinics in Deira and Al Barsha may offer more competitive pricing.
How much does a cataract surgery cost in Abu Dhabi?
In Abu Dhabi, a cataract surgery typically costs AED 9,000, ranging from AED 4,500 to AED 18,000. Pricing in Abu Dhabi is influenced by the DOH Mandatory Tariff (Shafafiya), which sets base rates that providers can multiply by 1x to 3x depending on the facility tier.
Does insurance cover a cataract surgery in the UAE?
Cataract surgery is medically necessary and covered by most UAE insurance plans including Daman basic. Pre-authorisation is required. Standard monofocal IOLs are covered; premium multifocal or toric IOLs may incur an out-of-pocket upgrade fee of AED 3,000–8,000.
What should I expect during a cataract surgery?
The eye is numbed with drops. A tiny incision is made, and ultrasound energy breaks up the cloudy lens. The fragments are suctioned out and a new IOL is inserted. The incision self-seals. Each eye is done separately, usually 1–2 weeks apart. Surgery takes 15–30 minutes.
How long does a cataract surgery take?
A cataract surgery typically takes 15–30 minutes per eye. Recovery time is 1–2 weeks (most activities), 4–6 weeks (full).
Disclaimer: Prices shown are indicative ranges based on the DOH Mandatory Tariff (Shafafiya) methodology, DHA DRG parameters, and market-observed data as of March 2026. Actual costs vary by facility, doctor, clinical complexity, and insurance plan. Always obtain a personalised quote from the healthcare provider. This page does not constitute medical or financial advice.