The rising cost and lengthening wait times within the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) are now a significant driver of emigration, particularly among high-net-worth individuals choosing to relocate to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This shift, according to Sir Malcolm Grant, former chairman of NHS England, represents a fundamental change in migration patterns, where healthcare is no longer a secondary consideration, but a primary factor. The trend is highlighted by recent reports predicting a substantial outflow of millionaires from the UK in 2025.
Grant, now a board member of Dubai-based Aster DM Healthcare, attributes the issue to consistent underfunding of the NHS over the past decade. This has led to a decline in available services and an increase in patient wait times, making the UAE a more attractive option for those prioritizing timely and quality medical care.
The UAE as a Healthcare Destination
Historically, the UAE was viewed primarily as a destination for employment and luxury lifestyle. However, the state of the NHS has altered this perception. Grant explained that a consistent investment of approximately 5% annually is needed to keep pace with demographic changes and escalating healthcare costs, a target the UK has consistently fallen short of, managing only 1-2% investment growth.
This underinvestment impacts vital services. While the NHS remains effective in emergency situations, providing world-class acute care, it struggles to adequately address long-term and elective procedures. Consequently, patients face increasingly lengthy delays for non-urgent but necessary treatments.
A Competitive Advantage in Cost & Capacity
In contrast, the UAE boasts ample healthcare capacity and maintains high standards in medical training, often attracting professionals directly from the UK and the United States. This access to highly qualified medical personnel offers reassurance to patients considering treatment abroad.
Additionally, the UAE presents unexpectedly affordable options for complex procedures. Patients can often receive treatment, including recovery time, for less than equivalent private healthcare costs in the UK or the US, highlighting a significant economic incentive. This is driving a substantial increase in medical tourism.
A recent survey indicates that 61% of UK adults would consider relocating abroad if given the opportunity, with the UAE topping their list of preferred destinations. This reflects a growing willingness to consider international options for better quality of life, underpinned by access to reliable healthcare.
Technology and the Future of UAE Healthcare
Beyond capacity and cost, the UAE is rapidly embracing technological advancements in the medical field, positioning it as a leader in innovative healthcare solutions. This includes substantial investments in genomics, real-time health monitoring, and artificial intelligence (AI) for enhanced diagnostics.
The increasing digitization of healthcare allows for proactive risk stratification. Doctors are now capable of predicting individual susceptibility to diseases and intervening before symptoms manifest. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are leading the way in adopting these technologies faster than many Western capitals.
Virtual consultations and cross-border telemedicine are also emerging as important tools, further expanding access to quality care and reducing the need for physical travel. These developments contribute to the UAE’s growing appeal for those seeking advanced healthcare services.
Demographic Shifts and Long-Term Implications
The migration trend is anticipated to evolve, moving beyond temporary employment visas to more permanent relocations. Grant suggests a shift toward individuals and families making the UAE a lifetime home.
This evolving demographic will inevitably introduce long-term challenges similar to those already faced in Western nations, including the strains of an aging population on healthcare infrastructure. This is a new dynamic for the UAE, historically reliant on transient expatriate communities.
Reports from Henley & Partners indicate a significant influx of millionaires to the UAE. In 2024, 6,700 millionaires moved to the country, and projections estimate nearly 10,000 will arrive in 2025. Simultaneously, the UK is projected to experience a net loss of 16,500 millionaires in 2025, exceeding China’s predicted losses.
For many British families, the combination of rising taxes, declining public services, and increasingly difficult access to healthcare is accelerating the decision to relocate. The UAE’s comparatively robust healthcare system, coupled with its favorable tax environment, presents a compelling alternative.
Looking ahead, the UAE’s continued investment in healthcare technology and infrastructure will likely solidify its position as a global medical hub. The extent to which it can mitigate the challenges associated with a growing and aging population remains to be seen. Monitoring the trends in high-net-worth individual migration and the ongoing performance of the NHS will be crucial in assessing the long-term impact of this evolving landscape.
