United Arab Emirates Health Spending
Current health expenditure as % of GDP SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS
United Arab Emirates's health spending was 4.96% in 2025, ranked 132nd globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
United Arab Emirates's health spending stood at 4.96% in 2025, a decline of +0.01% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 4.96% by 2025. United Arab Emirates ranked 132nd globally.
The United Arab Emirates has raised its health‑care expenditure from 2.40 percent of GDP in 2000 to 4.96 percent in 2025, placing the nation at rank 132 globally. The upward trajectory accelerated after the all‑time trough of 2.32 percent recorded in 2005, reaching an apex of 5.82 percent in 2020 before settling at the current level. This modest decline from the 2020 peak still leaves the UAE well above the 25‑year average and comparable to peer economies such as the Kyrgyz Republic, which spends 5.06 percent, and Bhutan at 4.88 percent. The sustained increase reflects expanded public hospitals, greater private sector participation, and higher per‑capita income, while the post‑2020 moderation may be linked to fiscal recalibrations following the pandemic. Continued diversification of the economy and further investment in preventive care could propel health spending upward, whereas tighter budgetary constraints would likely temper the upward trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Health Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 4.95% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 4.96% | - | - |
| 2025 | 4.96% | −0.01% | #132 |
| 2023 | 4.97% | +0.41% | #65 |
| 2022 | 4.57% | −0.74% | #58 |
| 2021 | 5.30% | −0.52% | #65 |
| 2020 | 5.82% | +1.42% | #74 |
| 2019 | 4.40% | +0.30% | #54 |
| 2018 | 4.10% | +0.09% | #42 |
| 2017 | 4.01% | +0.11% | #39 |
| 2016 | 3.90% | +0.43% | #31 |
| 2015 | 3.47% | −0.07% | #21 |
| 2014 | 3.53% | +0.03% | #26 |
| 2013 | 3.50% | +0.17% | #29 |
| 2012 | 3.34% | −0.23% | #29 |
| 2011 | 3.57% | −0.18% | #31 |
| 2010 | 3.74% | −0.31% | #40 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Arab Emirates matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw health spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Arab Emirates's health spending was 4.96% in 2025. Ranked 132nd globally. This represents a 0.1% decrease from the previous year.
United Arab Emirates's health spending peaked at 5.82% in 2020.
The lowest health spending in United Arab Emirates was 2.32% in 2005.
United Arab Emirates ranks 132nd globally in health spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Arab Emirates's health spending is projected to reach 4.96% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The health spending of United Arab Emirates in 2025 was 4.96%. This ranks 132nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-arab-emirates_health-spending,
title = {United Arab Emirates Health Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-arab-emirates/health-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}