X-Ray Cost in UAE
What you actually pay in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates — self-pay, with mandatory health insurance, or with Thiqa. Last reviewed October 2026.
Short answer: how much does an X-ray cost in the UAE?
Paying yourself, a plain X-ray costs roughly AED 120–500 per body area (about $33–136). Budget clinics in Dubai advertise digital X-ray from about AED 120, diagnostic centres in Dubai Healthcare City quote from AED 200–250 per area, and hospitals charge more. Because health insurance is mandatory for residents, most people pay only a co-pay — often AED 0–50 for imaging, or up to 25% capped at AED 100 per visit on the federal basic package in the Northern Emirates. UAE nationals in Abu Dhabi are covered by Thiqa with little or no out-of-pocket cost.
Quick Overview
Healthcare in the UAE is regulated by each emirate: the Department of Health (DoH) in Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in Dubai, and the federal Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) with Emirates Health Services for Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Health insurance is compulsory for residents — Abu Dhabi since 2006, Dubai since its phased roll-out from 2014, and the Northern Emirates for private-sector employees and domestic workers since 1 January 2025. In practice almost every resident gets X-rays through insurance with direct billing at network clinics; self-pay prices matter mainly to tourists, uninsured dependents and people using clinics outside their network. Prices are highest in Dubai and lowest in the Northern Emirates.
🏥 Budget / community clinic
- Digital X-ray at mainstream clinics and medical centres
- Common in Deira, Bur Dubai, Al Barsha, Sharjah, Ajman
- Same-day, often walk-in
- Price usually depends on body area
🏥 Diagnostic centre / private hospital
- Dubai Healthcare City, Jumeirah, Abu Dhabi hospitals
- Radiologist report included at most centres
- Full-spine series AED 400–1,000
- Direct billing with most major insurers
🛡️ Insured resident / Thiqa
- Co-pay depends on your plan and network tier
- Federal basic package: 25% up to AED 100 per outpatient visit
- Thiqa (Abu Dhabi nationals): little or no co-pay
- Doctor's order required for the claim
X-Ray Prices in the UAE by Exam
UAE clinics price X-rays per body area, usually including the radiologist's report. The self-pay ranges below run from lower-cost community clinics to diagnostic centres and private hospitals in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Insured patients pay only the plan co-pay at in-network facilities.
| Exam | Insured resident (out-of-pocket) | Self-pay private (AED) | USD (≈) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest X-ray (PA + lateral) | Plan co-pay, often AED 0–50 | approx. 120–500 | $33–136 |
| Hand / wrist X-ray | Plan co-pay | approx. 120–400 | $33–109 |
| Ankle / foot X-ray | Plan co-pay | approx. 120–400 | $33–109 |
| Knee X-ray (2 views) | Plan co-pay | approx. 150–500 | $41–136 |
| Cervical spine X-ray | Plan co-pay | approx. 150–500 | $41–136 |
| Lumbar spine X-ray | Plan co-pay | approx. 200–600 | $54–163 |
| Full spine series | Plan co-pay; may need pre-approval | approx. 400–1,000 | $109–272 |
| Pelvis / hip X-ray | Plan co-pay | approx. 150–500 | $41–136 |
| Abdomen X-ray | Plan co-pay | approx. 150–500 | $41–136 |
| Dental panoramic (OPG) | Usually self-pay (dental often excluded) | approx. 150–350 | $41–95 |
| Ultrasound (per area) | Plan co-pay | approx. 400–800 | $109–218 |
| CT scan (per area) | Co-pay; pre-authorisation usual | approx. 800–2,000 | $218–545 |
| MRI scan (per area) | Co-pay; pre-authorisation usual | approx. 1,200–3,500 | $327–953 |
Ranges compiled from published 2026 self-pay prices: Doctors Clinic Diagnostic Center, Dubai Healthcare City (chest, knee, cervical spine, pelvis, abdomen from AED 250; lumbar spine from AED 300; hand/wrist and ankle/foot from AED 200; full spine from AED 500; CT from AED 800; MRI from AED 1,200), Health 24/7 Dubai (digital X-ray from AED 120), Dubai dental clinics (OPG AED 150–350) and 2026 price-aggregator data by emirate. USD at the fixed peg of AED 3.6725 = $1. Always confirm the price for your body area before booking.
Typical Self-Pay X-Ray Price by Emirate
The same X-ray can cost twice as much in central Dubai as in Sharjah or Umm Al Quwain. These are typical prices for a single-area plain X-ray reported by a UAE price aggregator in March 2026 — treat them as approximate.
| Emirate / city | Low (AED) | Typical (AED) | High (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 100 | 250 | 600 |
| Abu Dhabi | 100 | 220 | 500 |
| Al Ain | 90 | 180 | 400 |
| Sharjah | 80 | 180 | 400 |
| Ras Al Khaimah | 80 | 170 | 400 |
| Ajman / Fujairah | 80 | 160 | 350 |
| Umm Al Quwain | 80 | 150 | 300 |
Source: Zavis UAE X-ray pricing data (March 2026). Clinics in Dubai Healthcare City and Jumeirah tend to charge more than those in Deira or Al Barsha.
How Insurance Pays for X-Rays in Each Emirate
Abu Dhabi (DoH)
- Mandatory insurance for all residents since 2006
- Thiqa: government programme for UAE nationals, administered by Daman
- Expats: employer-funded Basic plan (lower earners) or Enhanced plans
- DoH sets a Mandatory Tariff (RVU-based price list) used to reimburse providers
- Public facilities run by SEHA (part of PureHealth)
Dubai (DHA)
- Mandatory insurance phased in from 2014 (employers must insure staff)
- Sponsors must also insure dependents
- Entry-level Essential Benefits Plan (EBP) for lower earners
- EBP co-pays are around 20%, with caps that vary by insurer — check your policy schedule
- Government hospitals run by Dubai Health (Rashid, Dubai, Latifa hospitals)
Northern Emirates (federal)
- Sharjah, Ajman, UAQ, RAK, Fujairah: mandatory from 1 January 2025
- Applies to private-sector employees and domestic workers
- Basic package from about AED 320 per year, ages 1–64
- Outpatient co-pay 25%, max AED 100 per visit; follow-up within 7 days free
- Inpatient co-pay 20%, max AED 500 per visit / AED 1,000 per year
Where to Get an X-Ray in the UAE
🏥 Government Hospitals
- Rashid Hospital, Dubai Hospital, Latifa Hospital — Dubai Health
- Sheikh Khalifa Medical City — Abu Dhabi (SEHA)
- Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City — Abu Dhabi (SEHA)
- Tawam Hospital, Al Ain Hospital — Al Ain (SEHA)
- Emirates Health Services hospitals — Northern Emirates
🏥 Private Hospitals
- Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
- Mediclinic — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain
- American Hospital Dubai
- Aster DM Healthcare — hospitals and clinics nationwide
- NMC Healthcare — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah
- Burjeel Holdings — Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Sharjah
🏥 Clinics & Diagnostic Centres
- Doctors Clinic Diagnostic Center — Dubai Healthcare City (X-ray from AED 200–250)
- Health 24/7 — Dubai (digital X-ray from AED 120)
- Aster Clinics and Prime Medical Centers — Dubai and Northern Emirates
- Neighbourhood medical centres — often cheapest for simple films
Guide by Patient Type
🇦🇪 UAE nationals
- Abu Dhabi nationals: Thiqa covers imaging with little or no co-pay
- Other emirates: government cover through Emirates Health Services or emirate schemes
- Show Emirates ID — it is linked to your cover
💼 Expat residents
- Insurance is a condition of your residence visa — use it
- Check the network tier on your card before choosing a clinic
- Out-of-network: pay self-pay price and claim back (if your plan allows)
- Dependents in Dubai must be insured by their sponsor
✈️ Tourists & visitors
- Self-pay price is the same for visitors and residents (AED 120–500)
- Emergency care is given regardless of nationality; you are billed afterwards
- Travel insurance with UAE cover strongly recommended
- Ask for the invoice, CPT codes and report for your claim
Practical Details
📋 What to bring
- Emirates ID (residents) or passport (visitors)
- Insurance card (Thiqa, Daman or employer plan)
- Doctor's request — needed for an insurance claim
- Previous imaging on CD/USB or report
⏰ Typical wait times
- Emergency: X-ray during the ER visit
- Clinic or diagnostic centre: same day, often walk-in
- MRI / CT: same week once pre-authorised
- Report: usually same day or next day
💡 How to save money
- Use an in-network clinic with direct billing
- Community clinics are cheaper than DHCC or hospital radiology
- Northern Emirates prices are often 30–40% lower than Dubai
- Ask whether the price includes the radiologist report
FAQ
How much does an X-ray cost in the UAE?
Self-pay plain X-rays cost roughly AED 120–500 per body area (about $33–136). Budget clinics in Dubai advertise digital X-ray from about AED 120, diagnostic centres in Dubai Healthcare City quote from AED 200–250, and hospitals sit at the top of the range. With mandatory health insurance, most residents pay only a co-pay, often AED 0–50 for imaging, depending on the plan.
How much is a chest X-ray in Dubai?
A two-view (PA and lateral) chest X-ray is typically AED 200–500 self-pay in Dubai; Doctors Clinic Diagnostic Center lists it from AED 250 including the radiologist report. Lower-cost clinics in areas such as Deira or Al Barsha may charge less than Dubai Healthcare City or Jumeirah. Chest X-rays for residence-visa medicals are done separately at government-approved screening centres as part of the visa fee.
Does health insurance cover X-rays in the UAE?
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and, since January 2025, for private-sector employees and domestic workers in the Northern Emirates. Plans cover medically necessary X-rays ordered by a licensed doctor at network facilities, usually with direct billing. You pay a co-pay that depends on the plan: diagnostic centres report AED 0–50 as typical, while the federal basic package for the Northern Emirates sets 25% up to AED 100 per outpatient visit.
What is Thiqa and does it cover X-rays?
Thiqa is the Abu Dhabi government health programme for UAE nationals registered in Abu Dhabi, administered by Daman. It covers medically necessary imaging, including X-rays, CT and MRI, at SEHA facilities and a wide private network with little or no out-of-pocket cost. It is not available to expatriates.
How much does an MRI or CT scan cost in Dubai?
Self-pay CT scans start at around AED 800 and commonly run up to about AED 2,000 per area; MRI starts at around AED 1,200 and ranges up to about AED 3,500, depending on the body part, contrast and facility. Ultrasound is typically AED 400–800. Insured patients usually need pre-authorisation for MRI and CT.
Can tourists get an X-ray in the UAE?
Yes. Tourists can walk into private clinics and diagnostic centres and pay the listed self-pay price, which is the same as for residents. Emergency care is provided regardless of nationality or insurance status, with payment settled afterwards. Travel insurance that covers the UAE is strongly recommended, and keep the invoice and report for your claim.
Do I need a referral for an X-ray in the UAE?
For insurance to pay, the X-ray must be ordered by a licensed physician. Several Dubai diagnostic centres also accept self-pay walk-ins, although a doctor's request helps the radiologist answer the clinical question. Hospital radiology departments normally expect an internal or external referral.
How much is a dental OPG (panoramic X-ray) in Dubai?
A panoramic dental X-ray (OPG) is usually advertised at about AED 150–350 in Dubai; some dental clinics charge a flat AED 200. Basic health insurance plans usually exclude routine dental care, so OPGs are often self-pay unless your plan has dental cover.
Are X-rays cheaper in Sharjah or Ajman than in Dubai?
Usually yes. Price-aggregator data from 2026 put the typical self-pay X-ray at about AED 150–180 in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah, compared with about AED 220 in Abu Dhabi and AED 250 in Dubai. Facilities in Dubai Healthcare City and premium hospitals charge the most.
ما هو سعر الأشعة السينية في الإمارات؟ (What is the X-ray price in the UAE?)
سعر الأشعة السينية دون تأمين يتراوح تقريبًا بين 120 و500 درهم حسب المنطقة والمنشأة، بينما يدفع المؤمَّن عليهم عادة نسبة تحمّل صغيرة. Self-pay X-rays cost about AED 120–500; insured patients usually pay only a small co-pay.
Compare X-Ray Costs Across Countries
Sources
- Department of Health – Abu Dhabi — Mandatory Tariff and pricing methodology documents; Thiqa programme
- Dubai Health Authority — mandatory health insurance (ISAHD) and Essential Benefits Plan
- Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation / Khaleej Times (December 2024) — Northern Emirates health insurance package from 1 January 2025
- Doctors Clinic Diagnostic Center, Dubai Healthcare City — X-ray, CT and MRI self-pay prices and visitor cost guide (2026)
- Health 24/7 Dubai — digital X-ray pricing
- Zavis — UAE X-ray price data by emirate (March 2026)
- Dubai dental clinics (e.g. Enfield Dental Clinic) — advertised OPG prices
Last reviewed: October 2026. Self-pay prices are from clinic websites and aggregators, not an official price list — confirm with the facility or your insurer (TPA) before booking.