Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) in Abu Dhabi

Ear, nose, and throat, ENT for short or Otolaryngology, is a medical specialty that focuses on the care and treatment of the ears, nose, and throat. Physicians who specialized in ENT are called otolaryngologists or ENT doctors and are qualified and trained in both the medical and surgical management of the following conditions:

• Conditions of the ear – ENT doctors can help with ear disorders or other issues, such as ear infections, hearing impairment, ear noise (tinnitus), balance disorders, nerve pain, as well as facial and cranial nerve disorders. They can also manage congenital disorders (disorders that are present since birth) of the inner and outer ear. 
• Conditions of the nose – one of the primary skills of ENT doctors in the care of the nose, nasal cavity, and sinuses. They can diagnose, treat, and manage allergies, deviated septum, smell disorders, sinusitis, polyps, and nasal obstruction because of a deviated septum. They can also perform rhinoplasty surgery to correct the appearance of the nose.
• Conditions of the throat – disorders, and conditions that affect the throat, larynx (voice box), and the esophagus or upper aero-digestive tract can be diagnosed and treated by ENT doctors, including voice and swallowing disorders. 
• ENT-related conditions of the head and neck – ENT doctors are trained to treat infectious diseases, tumors, trauma, and deformities of the head, face, and neck. They can also manage problems with the nerves in these areas that control smelling, sight, hearing, and facial movements. In addition, they can perform cosmetic and reconstructive surgery to the head and neck area.

The procedures that ENT doctors perform include, but are not limited to:

• Tympanostomy
• Myringoplasty
• Tympanoplasty
• Stapedectomy
• Tympanomastoidectomy
• Laryngoplasty
• Esophagoscopy
• Laryngoscopy
• Microlaryngoscopy
• Septoplasty
• Nasal valve reconstruction
• Nasal fracture reduction
• Rhinoplasty
• Functional endoscopic sinus surgery
• Parotidectomy
• Neck mass biopsy
• Submandibular gland removal
• Airway reconstruction
• Tonsillectomy
• Adenoidectomy
• Thyroidectomy
• Parathyroidectomy.

How Long Should I Stay in Abu Dhabi?

Your length of stay depends on your condition and the type of treatment you underwent. For surgical procedures, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or you can leave the hospital immediately. However, it is advisable that you stay in Abu Dhabi for at least 2 weeks or until your ENT doctor says it is safe to travel home. This is because the change in the aircraft’s cabin pressure can cause problems with the surgical site. During your stay, you also need to attend a follow-up appointment where your doctor will remove the stitches (if necessary) and monitor your healing progress.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Your ENT doctor will give you a specific recovery timeline, including when you can resume your normal activity and return to work. In general, you need to avoid all activities that may increase blood pressure in your head area for at least 3 weeks. You also need to avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks. 

What Aftercare is Required?

Your ENT doctor will give you instructions on how to protect the health of your ear, nose, and throat, as well as how to prevent your disease from reoccurring or complications. Make sure to follow all the instructions closely. Depending on your specific condition, you may be required to attend regular checkups. In most cases, you have the choice to have regular checkups with your local doctor at home or with your ENT doctor in Abu Dhabi.

What's the Success Rate?

The continuous advancement of ENT has increased the success rate of ENT procedures. While there are no general statistics for all ENT procedures, most procedures are proven to be safe and highly successful. For example, the success rate of tympanoplasty is around 90%. Risks and side effects of ENT procedures depend on the specific procedure and the health status of the patient. All surgical procedures generally carry the risk of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to the anesthetic.

Are there Alternatives?

In most cases, there is no alternative to ENT when you have problems with your ear, nose, and throat. However, depending on your condition, your ENT doctor may work with or refer you to a relevant specialist.

Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) in and around Abu Dhabi

About Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates and the richest city in the country due to its oil fields. Abu Dhabi is an advanced but conservative cosmopolitan city. In 2018, the city was ranked as the safest city in the world with the lowest crime index of more than 300 cities.

Culture, adventures, shopping malls, to coastal beauty; Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer that will leave anyone in awe. The city is filled with opulent architecture, making the skyline of Abu Dhabi a captivating view.

Abu Dhabi is now developing to be the region’s leading medical tourism destination. The government is working continuously to establish a world-class healthcare system. The city targets patients from other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries, Russia, China, and other parts of the world. Attracting top-quality doctors and a range of specialist services, Abu Dhabi focuses its procedures on cardiology, oncology, and executive screenings. A total of 16 public and private hospitals in Abu Dhabi offer a wide range of medical treatment with quality care. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Ahalia Hospital Musafahl, and Burjeel Hospital are among the highest-regarded medical facilities in the city. The city attracts many medical tourists for the following reasons.

• Medical facilities with the highest standards and international accreditations.
• Treatment using cutting-edge technology.
• Medical interpreters who speak a range of languages.
• The best hospitality, at the hospital, and throughout the city.

Popular Areas in Abu Dhabi

With a beautiful mixture of ultramodern architecture and Islamic traditions, Abu Dhabi is packed with amazing attractions and exhilarating adventure.

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the United Arab Emirates’ largest place of worship that attracts millions of tourists each year. The mosque is an architectural wonder, mesmerizing even to the little details. Tourists can choose to get a free one-hour guided tour to get the best insight into the religion and culture that surrounds the mosque.
• Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum that has been open since 2017. The museum is showcasing artworks from around the world. Apart from the artwork, the architecture of the museum is also breathtaking with a web-patterned dome that allows sunshine to filter through.
• Al-Ain Oasis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The oasis has only been open to the public recently. It is full of palms and mango trees. Al-Ain Oasis is home to a 3000-year-old falaj irrigation system, the oasis provides an insight into the history of Abu Dhabi inhabitants.
• Ferrari World is the perfect place for tourists who want to celebrate all things, Ferrari. People come to this indoor theme park to experience Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster.
• Abu Dhabi Corniche is a beautiful clean beach with great views of turquoise waters and Abu Dhabi skyline that will not disappoint. Tourists can enjoy a day under the sun lounging on the beach, walk along Corniche Road, or admire the sunset.

Weather and Climate in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has a subtropical climate. The city enjoys sunny skies and hot temperatures throughout the year. Summer starts from May to September and the average temperature ranges between 38–42°C. During the hottest days, the temperature can get as high as 48°C. Winter starts from December to February, the average temperature is around 13-29°C. Rain mainly falls in winter.

The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is from November to April when the temperature is cooler and more pleasant.

Despite the heat in the summer, it is advised to always wear modest clothing as the locals do not welcome revealing or tight clothing. Lightweight and comfortable clothing are suitable most of the year.

Getting Around in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi International Airport serves more than 30 airlines that connect the city to more than 60 countries in the world. Etihad Airways dominates the airport terminal spaces. Abu Dhabi International Airport mainly serves major airlines, although budget airlines such as Airblue Limited and IndiGo also operate flights.

Tourists can choose the airport taxis, buses, or hire a car to get to their destinations from the airport. Airport taxis cost around 75AED to 85AED for a trip to the city center. If you want to take the airport bus, purchase a Hafilat card from the vending machine at the airport terminal bus stop.

There are many ways to get around Abu Dhabi. Taxis are relatively cheap and metered; tourists can flag down the taxis or order through a call center. Abu Dhabi also has a city bus that operates on 14 routes between 6.00 am to 11.00 pm, most fares are 2AED. Hiring a car can be a good way of getting to many destinations as it offers more flexibility. If you’re in Corniche or Yas Island, hiring a bike is the best choice to explore these Islands.

The ever-changing street names and numbering system can be confusing, so it is advisable to describe the landmark you are looking for.

Tourist Visas in Abu Dhabi

Citizens of 60 countries can get a free entry visa (30 or 90 days depending on the country) upon arrival. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens do not require a visa to enter Abu Dhabi. Citizens of other countries need to apply for a visa before entering Abu Dhabi through the nearest UAE embassy.

Tourists flying with Etihad Airways to Abu Dhabi International Airport can request a visa arrangement. All visitors are required to hold a passport valid for at least 6 months.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The local currency is the United Arab Emirates dirham or Emirati Dirham (AED). 1 USD gets you around 3.7 AED. The notes are written in Arabic letters.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs and currency exchanges are available across the city. Hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Tipping is common, but not expected. Tipping a hotel and restaurant staff is at your discretion. Many high-end restaurants may add a service charge of around 10% and a tourism levy of around 6%.
3. Local Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken especially in the city center. Road and shop signs are written in Arabic and English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The culture in Abu Dhabi is deeply rooted in Arabia’s Islamic Tradition. Islam is the official religion but people can freely practice their religion as long as they don’t interfere with Islam.
5. Public Holidays: Ramadhan is hugely celebrated with the biggest festivals and the city is beautifully decorated. It is important to remember that during Ramadan, drinking, eating, and smoking at fasting hours (daylight) is illegal. Nightclubs are closed for the whole month. Other public holidays are the Islamic New Year, the Prophet’s Birthday, the King’s Coronation Day, Diwali, and Chinese New Year.