Satisfaction with healthcare services in Dubai: findings from the 2023 Household Survey

Background: Patient satisfaction serves as a critical indicator of healthcare quality and influences public trust in health systems. In Dubai, where healthcare has rapidly advanced, understanding community satisfaction is vital for continued improvement. This study assesses adult satisfaction with healthcare services in Dubai using data from the 2023 Dubai Household Health Survey. Methods: Out of 9795 total survey respondents, 7696 adults (78.6%) provided responses regarding healthcare satisfaction. After statistical weighting, the study population represented 3 073 679 adults. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multiple regression models were used to analyze the relationship between satisfaction and factors such as personal characteristics, access, costs, insurance, and service quality. Results: Overall, 91.1% of respondents reported being satisfied or very satisfied, with a satisfaction index of 85.2%. Satisfaction was slightly higher among females (86.2%) than males (84.8%) and highest among older adults aged 60+ (87%). Emiratis reported higher satisfaction (86.8%) than noncitizens (85.1%). Education level influenced satisfaction: those with higher education had the highest satisfaction index (85.8%). Dissatisfaction was primarily associated with high costs (32.5%), long waiting times (23.7%), and communication barriers with providers (17.5%). A significant positive correlation was observed between income levels and satisfaction (P<.01). Multiple regression analysis confirmed that factors such as nationality, age, marital status, risk behavior, and overall health significantly predicted satisfaction levels (all P<.01). Conclusion: High satisfaction rates reflect Dubai’s strong healthcare infrastructure and service quality. However, targeted improvements in affordability, efficiency, and patient–provider communication can further elevate public trust. The findings provide essential policy direction for enhancing patient experience and reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a leading healthcare destination.