Demography & Weather:
The United Arab Emirates is in both the northern and eastern hemispheres. It's positioned in the Middle East, a recognized geographical region of southwestern Asia. It's bordered by the Persian Gulf, and the countries of Oman and Saudi Arabia.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven states formed in 1971 by the then Trucial States after independence from Britain. Although each state - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al Qaiwain - maintains a large degree of independence, the UAE is governed by a Supreme Council of Rulers made up of the seven emirs, who appoint the prime minister and the cabinet.

The desert weather of the United Arab Emirate is hot and dry throughout the year, with very little rainfall. The brief winter months (December - February) do bring some mild cooling, especially in the hills and mountains of the northeast.

Medical Device Market in U.A.E.:
The UAE is one of the wealthiest countries in the Middle East, with a GDP of US$120.0 billion, equal to US$24,000 per capita in 2006. According to a WHO estimate, the health expenditure, however, accounts for just 3.3% of GDP, one of the lowest levels in the Middle East. In value terms however, this is still a significant investment.

The Ministry of Health run a wide range of public health facilities including Hospitals, Primary Healthcare Centres, School Health and Maternity & Child Health Units. In addition, there are facilities run by other public sector bodies, including the police and the armed forces. The private sector is far more active in the provision of primary care than hospital services.

The healthcare sector in the UAE faces a number of challenges like; rapid population growth, a large number of foreign workers, poor immunization rates and a rise in infectious diseases. The UAE is committed to improving its health sector and as such is investing a significant amount in the construction and renovation of health facilities. A large number of projects, from the construction of hospitals and health centres to the purchasing of new equipment, have been announced since 2003, many of which have been, or are due to be completed in the near future.

Market access is also limited for overseas firms if a local agent is not appointed. It is, therefore, highly recommended for foreign manufacturers/suppliers to appoint a local agent in UAE. The UAE acts as a trading post for medical equipment and supplies destined for other countries in the region, notably Iran and Pakistan.