Canadian Medical Travel Coordination
Quick Facts
Last updated: June 2026
Visa for Canadians
Visa on arrival, issued free at the port of entry. It allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. No advance e-visa is needed for tourism. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date. Official source: UAE Government visa information
Official language and hospital languages
Arabic is the official language. English is used widely across the private health sector, and leading hospitals employ a multinational, English-speaking medical workforce, with further languages common.
Currency
UAE dirham (AED), pegged to the US dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted at hospitals, hotels, shops, and restaurants; smaller businesses may take cash only.
Bringing medication
Some medications routine in Canada, including codeine and certain psychiatric drugs, are controlled in the UAE and need prior Ministry of Health and Prevention approval before you bring them in.
Flights from Canada to United Arab Emirates
The main hospital city is Dubai, served by Dubai International Airport (DXB). Toronto has nonstop service, while western and eastern Canadian cities usually connect through one hub.
from Toronto (YYZ)
to Dubai (DXB)
Direct: Yes
Flight time: About 12h 45m nonstop
Round-trip: Off-peak CAD 1,300 to 1,500 / peak CAD 1,600 to 2,200
from Vancouver (YVR)
to Dubai (DXB)
Direct: No, one stop
Flight time: About 16 to 18h
Round-trip: Off-peak CAD 1,650 to 1,700 / peak CAD 2,300 to 2,450
from Calgary (YYC)
to Dubai (DXB)
Direct: No, one stop
Flight time: About 17 to 18h
Round-trip: Off-peak CAD 1,672 / peak CAD 2,360 to 2,500
from Montreal (YUL)
to Dubai (DXB)
Direct: Mostly one stop
Flight time: About 13h nonstop, 16 to 20h connecting
Round-trip: Off-peak CAD 1,500 / peak CAD 2,100 to 2,300
Fares are indicative and shift with season and booking lead time. September through early November tends to be the most economical window.
Where to Stay
International patients commonly stay near Dubai's established medical clusters, including Dubai Healthcare City and the Jumeirah and Dubai Marina areas, chosen for proximity to leading hospitals, modern infrastructure, and ease of getting around. Dubai also has a large supply of serviced apartments, which suit longer recovery stays. The most recovery-friendly months are roughly November to April, when temperatures are mild. June through September brings extreme heat and humidity, with summer highs that can be hazardous for someone recovering outdoors, so that window is best avoided.
3-star hotels
Average nightly
CAD About 137
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Per week, 7 nights
CAD 959
4-star hotels
Average nightly
CAD About 208
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Per week, 7 nights
CAD 1,456
5-star hotels
Average nightly
CAD About 508
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Per week, 7 nights
CAD 3,556
Safety and Travel
The Government of Canada currently advises Canadians to avoid all travel to the United Arab Emirates because of ongoing military activity in the wider region. This is the highest of Canada's four advisory levels and reflects regional conditions rather than street crime, which is low in the UAE's cities.
Because the advisory can change quickly, you should check the current level before making any plans, and Maple Med Global will not coordinate travel while it remains in effect. Within Dubai and Abu Dhabi, public transport is modern and reliable, and women-only taxis are available. Please review the current advisory directly: Government of Canada travel advice for the United Arab Emirates
Featured Treatments in United Arab Emirates
The UAE's medical strength is anchored in accreditation density: 214 JCI-accredited facilities in 2023, the most in the Middle East. Dubai alone welcomed 691,478 international medical tourists in 2023, an established base of experience treating patients from abroad.
Orthopedic Care
​The UAE is recognized for orthopedic care, including joint replacement and minimally invasive surgery, with many hospitals staffed by surgeons trained in the UK, US, and Europe. Orthopedics is one of the specialties officially promoted by Dubai's health tourism program.
Learn more about orthopedic care with Maple Med Global
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Dental Care​
​Dentistry is the first-named specialty in Dubai's official health tourism program, supported by a dense network of licensed clinics offering implants, full-arch restoration, and cosmetic dentistry.
​Learn more about dental care with Maple Med Global
​
Eye Care
​Ophthalmology is a recognized strength, reinforced by the presence of Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, the first overseas branch of London's Moorfields, one of the oldest and largest eye hospitals in the world.
​Learn more about eye care with Maple Med Global
​
Plastic Surgery ​
​Cosmetic and plastic surgery is one of the specialties promoted by Dubai's health tourism program, delivered through a large private aesthetic sector in a high-standard hospital setting.
​Learn more about plastic surgery with Maple Med Global​​​
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Fertility Treatment
​The UAE hosts high-volume international fertility centres serving patients from across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, and fertility is one of the pillars of Dubai's official health tourism program.
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Costs and Canadian Wait Times
The value of treatment in the UAE is best understood against Canadian wait times. The Fraser Institute's 2025 report put the national median wait at 28.6 weeks, rising to 48.6 weeks for orthopedic surgery. Prices below are indicative ranges; the UAE is a high-standard market rather than a discount one.
Total knee replacement
United Arab Emirates: CAD 14,800 to 44,400
Canada, public wait: Orthopedic surgery: 48.6 weeks median (Fraser Institute 2025)
Total hip replacement
United Arab Emirates: CAD 16,650 to 44,400
Canada, public wait: Orthopedic surgery: 48.6 weeks median (Fraser Institute 2025)
Single dental implant
United Arab Emirates: CAD 1,500 to 5,900
Canada, private: CAD 3,000 to 6,000
Final quotes are confirmed per case.
Leading Internationally Accredited Hospitals in United Arab Emirates
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Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, JCI accredited
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American Hospital Dubai, Dubai, JCI accredited
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Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai, JCI accredited
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This list is informational. Hospital selection for each patient depends on diagnosis, complexity, and treatment plan.
Frequently asked questions
For general questions about Canadian health insurance coverage abroad, complication insurance, follow-up care after returning to Canada, and trip planning, see our General FAQ
Plan Your Treatment in United Arab Emirates with Maple Med Global
When you are ready to plan your treatment, Maple Med Global coordinates the process from start to finish as a Canadian company. We review your diagnosis and needs, recommend the accredited hospital and licensed specialist that fit your case, and set out the costs clearly. To begin, we just need a few basic details about your medical situation.
Or call/text us at +1 (647) 492-2777
Explore Other Destinations
Comparing your options? Explore more of our medical travel destinations to find the right fit for your treatment.