The United Arab Emirates (UAE) represents one of the Middle East’s most dynamic environments for orthotics and prosthetics (O&P). Characterised by advanced healthcare infrastructure, high technology adoption, and a predominantly private delivery model, the UAE continues to position itself as a regional hub for complex rehabilitation, prosthetic innovation, and multidisciplinary care.

Demand for O&P services is driven by a combination of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), trauma, congenital conditions, neurological disorders, and an expanding elderly population.

Prevalence & Demand Drivers

Diabetes

The UAE has one of the highest diabetes prevalence rates globally, making diabetic foot complications and limb preservation critical priorities.

Key implications for O&P:

✔ Diabetic footwear & insoles
✔ Custom foot orthoses
✔ Offloading devices
✔ Prosthetic services following amputation

Diabetes-related vascular complications remain a significant contributor to lower-limb prosthetic demand.

Stroke & Neurological Conditions

Stroke and other neurological disorders contribute to:

✔ Gait impairment
✔ Foot drop
✔ Spasticity-related deformities
✔ Long-term orthotic requirements

This sustains demand for:

• AFOs / KAFOs
• Upper-limb orthoses
• Neurorehabilitation support devices

Trauma & Injury

Road traffic accidents and occupational injuries continue to generate cases requiring:

✔ Prosthetic limbs
✔ Spinal orthoses
✔ Complex bracing
✔ Long-term rehabilitation

Pediatric & Congenital Conditions

Early intervention services support children with:

✔ Cerebral palsy
✔ Developmental delays
✔ Congenital limb difference
✔ Neuromuscular disorders

Pediatric orthotics is a growing specialty, particularly within multidisciplinary rehab centres.

UAE O&P System Snapshot

The UAE operates a hybrid healthcare model:

Private Sector Dominance

• Majority of O&P services delivered via private hospitals and specialist clinics
• Strong adoption of digital workflows
• Access to premium prosthetic technologies

Public & Government-Supported Care

Government hospitals and rehabilitation centres provide:

✔ Trauma rehabilitation
✔ Complex prosthetic cases
✔ Neurological rehabilitation
✔ Disability services

Key institutions include:

• Rashid Hospital (Dubai)
• Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (Abu Dhabi)

Disability & Social Support Structures

Organisations such as the:

Zayed Higher Organization

play an important role in supporting persons with disabilities through:

✔ Assistive device access
✔ Rehabilitation programmes
✔ Social inclusion initiatives

Top Orthotic & Prosthetic Service Providers

1️⃣ OTB (Dubai & Abu Dhabi)

A leading international provider offering:

✔ Advanced prosthetic limbs
✔ Microprocessor knees
✔ Custom orthotic solutions
✔ Clinical gait analysis

2️⃣ Specialist Rehabilitation Hospitals & Clinics

Major private hospital groups frequently integrate O&P within:

• Physical medicine & rehabilitation
• Orthopaedics
• Neurological rehab

Examples include multidisciplinary centres in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

3️⃣ Government Rehabilitation Services

Public hospitals manage:

✔ Complex trauma cases
✔ High-acuity prosthetic rehabilitation
✔ Neurological recovery

4️⃣ Independent Orthotic & Prosthetic Clinics

Smaller private providers support:

✔ Custom bracing
✔ Pediatric orthotics
✔ Prosthetic fittings
✔ Device adjustments & repairs

Advance, Orthomena, Xtremity, Motion Orthopedic, Edrees, Smak, Healthy Limbs, Frontier Medical, Mobilis

Reimbursement & Access Framework

Mandatory Health Insurance (Emirate-Specific)

Health insurance is compulsory across the UAE, though coverage varies by:

• Emirate
• Insurer
• Employer plan tier

Coverage Variability

Orthotic & prosthetic devices may be:

✔ Fully covered
✔ Partially reimbursed
✔ Subject to caps/limits
✔ Excluded in basic plans

Higher-tier insurance plans typically offer broader prosthetic coverage, especially for medically necessary devices.

Government & Disability Programmes

UAE nationals may access support through:

✔ Government-funded healthcare
✔ Disability assistance schemes
✔ Specialised rehabilitation centres

 Self-Pay & Upgrades

Expatriates and privately insured patients often self-fund:

• Premium prosthetic components
• Cosmetic upgrades
• Additional devices
• Faster service pathways

Key Challenges

⚠ Insurance coverage inconsistency
⚠ Cost barriers for advanced prosthetic technologies
⚠ Limited awareness of orthotic benefits in some patient groups
⚠ Pediatric compliance & early referral gaps
⚠ Repair/maintenance costs for long-term users

Growth Opportunities

• Digital Transformation

Rapid expansion of:

✔ 3D scanning
✔ CAD/CAM design
✔ Central fabrication
✔ 3D printing

• Diabetes & Limb Preservation

Increasing focus on:

• Preventative orthotics
• Early offloading
• Multidisciplinary diabetic foot care

• Saudi & GCC Referral Hub

UAE continues to function as a regional referral destination for complex prosthetic and rehabilitation cases.

• Pediatric Rehabilitation Expansion

Growing demand for:

✔ Early orthotic intervention
✔ Neuromotor support
✔ Family education

IMEA CPO Outlook

The UAE stands as a technology-forward O&P market defined by premium clinical offerings, strong private sector participation, and high adoption of digital fabrication technologies. While reimbursement variability remains a practical consideration, continued investment in rehabilitation infrastructure, diabetes care, and advanced prosthetic solutions positions the UAE as a regional leader in mobility restoration and assistive technology innovation.