In the Bag 30-08-2017 12:00 AM Share

There are many good reasons why people Travel to Dubai to undergo medical procedures, with quality healthcare, affordable procedures, and incredible sightseeing opportunities being at the top of the list.

Dubai visas are also super simple to apply for and may even be obtained on arrival if you have a passport from Russia, the USA, the People’s Republic of China and many other countries. For a full list of visa-on-arrival destinations, as well as countries eligible for multiple-entry 90-day visit visas that are valid for 6 months, click here. Dubai is also equipped with world-class medical technology, luxury hotels – after all, there is no other place in the world where you can you stay in a seven-star hotel like the Burj Al Arab – and wonderful food. While the city’s medical tourism is super organized, leaving you little to worry about, it’s still important to make sure you’re properly prepared for your trip. Here’s a list of essentials that you should pack when traveling to Dubai for your medical procedure.

In Good Form
Give your doctor or hospital a call and find out which medical records they might need, as well any other paperwork they think might be relevant. Remember, it’s better to bring too much paperwork rather than get stuck without that one document you really need.
Usually, the most important documents – aside from your passport, visa and any other travel documentation – are your medical history documents. These include records of all conducted pre-tests, previous medication prescriptions, and details of complications during previous surgical procedures, if relevant.

Pop in Your Pills
Dubai is a very well-equipped city, so it’s likely you’ll be able to find whatever medication you need here. Having said that, it’s advisable to carry medicine for when you first arrive. When you’re flying, it’s wise to carry tablets rather than liquids and gels as there is no chance of a leak and you’re less likely to have any liquids confiscated from your handbag. Opt for sachets instead of bottles to save space. Over-the-counter medications like decongestants, anti-diarrheals, laxatives, antihistamines, cough drops, anti fungal ointments, antacids, and motion sickness tablets are a consideration, but ask your doctor first. Don’t forget to pack good sunscreen, aloe vera gel and lubricating eye drops if you plan on exploring the city.

Manage Your Symptoms
For about ten days immediately after any surgical treatment, you may experience pain. Speak to your doctor or surgeon about what pain relief medication they suggest and make sure it is available in your home country too. If not, you’ll want to pick up a few extra packs before flying home.

Don’t forget…
… your smartphone, laptop, chargers, extra batteries, plastic containers to carry medicine, food and supplements, ear plugs, paper and cloth towels, wash cloths, and garbage bags. Before you leave home, leave your Dubai hotel and hospital contact details with a close family member or friend so that at least one person knows where you are and can contact you in case of an emergency. It’s likely you’ll have some downtime after your procedure, so pack a few books, magazines, audio books, colouring books, or an iPad or tablet to watch your favorite Netflix series. With that in mind, enquire about your hotel and hospital’s Wi-FI speed so you can pick up a data package, if you need.

Leave space in your bag for…

Dubai is a wonderland for people who love to shop. So, you might want to leave a little space in your bag for these ‘so-Dubai’ items….

Gold to Go
Dubai’s novelty Gold to Go ATM allows you to buy anything from a 2.5-gram, 24-karat gold coin to a more sizeable one ounce gold bar. There’s even a computer built inside to update the prices every ten minutes to reflect real-time fluctuations in the market. You’ll find one of these dazzling gold machines at Mall of the Emirates.

Camel milk chocolate
Al Nassma Camel Milk Chocolate (www.al-nasma.com) – available in many shops across Dubai, including at the airport – is surprisingly delicious and makes for a quirky present.

Customised Arabic jewellery
Bil Arabi (www.bilarabi.ae) jewellery designer, Nadine Kanso, crafts beautiful bespoke jewellery using an array of precious metals and gemstones. Today, her collection celebrates the shapes of Arabic letters and the poetry of the alphabet through rings, earrings, bracelets, pendants and one-off, personalised works.