Emirates has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Medical Tourism Association to expand its presence in medical, wellness and longevity travel. The agreement, unveiled at Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai, makes Emirates the association’s preferred airline partner for international medical and wellness travellers as the carrier looks to tap a higher-value niche beyond leisure and business traffic.
The partnership will focus on key medical travel corridors in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, with both organisations working on tailored travel solutions for patients, referring physicians, insurers and employers. It also covers efforts to help travellers identify accredited healthcare providers and coordinate treatment with travel plans, aiming to make cross-border medical journeys more seamless.
The deal supports Emirates’ broader strategy to strengthen Dubai’s position as a healthcare and medical tourism hub. It also aligns with the airline’s ambition to become the world’s first Global Healthcare Accreditation-accredited airline, underlining its attempt to build a more structured role in the fast-growing international medical travel market.