Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Emirates has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Medical Tourism Association (MTA) to strengthen its presence in the growing medical, wellness and longevity travel sector.
Signed during ATM 2026, the partnership aims to develop a structured approach to serving international healthcare travellers by combining Emirates’ global network with Dubai’s position as a healthcare and medical tourism hub.
Under the agreement, Emirates and MTA will identify key medical travel markets and corridors, particularly across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The partners will explore tailored travel solutions and customer experiences designed around the needs of patients, referring physicians, insurers and employers.
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The collaboration will also involve healthcare providers accredited by Global Healthcare Accreditation (GHA), with a focus on industry engagement, thought leadership, market intelligence and the development of international best practices.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said: “Healthcare is among the most important reasons people travel internationally and is growing significantly. Our newly established partnership with MTA positions Emirates where premium demand is heading, and our network and superior products both onboard and on the ground provide a natural platform to serve these travellers. The insights we gain from working with MTA will also help us develop product propositions that are genuinely tailored to how these travellers plan, book and experience their journeys.”
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Jonathan Edelheit, CEO and Founder of Medical Tourism Association said: “Hospitals and clinics have spent years trying to reach international patients one relationship at a time. What changes with this partnership is that the demand now has a path, from a global airline to an accredited provider, through Better by MTA. The providers who meet the standard will be the ones that path leads to.”
Emirates also aims to become the world’s first GHA-accredited airline as part of its broader strategy to develop medical and wellness travel as a dedicated customer segment.
The partnership will explore opportunities to help travellers identify accredited healthcare providers, coordinate treatment and travel arrangements, and facilitate secure cross-border payments. MTA’s network spans healthcare providers, insurers, employers and industry stakeholders across more than 100 countries.
