Al-Sabah, who is behind the opening of the first mid-economy hotel in Dubai Healthcare City, said the UAE’s medical tourism sales are pegged to achieve in excess of Dh14 billion in 2020.

“Recent reports indicate revenues from inbound visitors using the UAE’s world-class medical facilities passed Dhs12 million in 2018,” he said.

Turning specifically to Dubai, Al-Sabah remains positive about the emirate’s hospitality sector, even in the wake of a 15 percent drop in room rates.

Up to June this year, Dubai recorded 8,36 million visitors with between two-three percent attributed to health tourism, and there is room for growth in this sector.

The 219-room Novotel Bur Dubai opened in August and is already recording good occupancy, a commendable room rate, as well as repeat guests. It is the 14th property in the Action Hotels portfolio, the third in the UAE but the first in Dubai.

Al-Sabah said this is also true of family groups, as well as the increasing trend of business executives towards medium stays, of one week and more.