Immunology in Abu Dhabi

Immunology is the branch of medical and biological sciences that focuses on the immune system, which is the system involved in defending the body from infection. Medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing health conditions that affect the immune system are called immunologists. Some of the immune-related conditions that immunologists may help diagnose and treat are as follows:

• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Allergic rhinitis
• Anaphylaxis
• Autoimmune disorders
• Autoinflammatory syndromes
• Asthma
• Atopic dermatitis
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• CREST syndrome
• Eosinophilic esophagitis
• Primary immunodeficiency diseases
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sarcoidosis
• Scleroderma
• Sjogren's syndrome
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Urticaria.

In some cases, immunologists also provide support for the diagnosis and management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), other systemic/severe infections, tuberculosis, and multiple sclerosis. 

A wide range of tests and procedures are performed by immunologists to identify and treat immune conditions, including:

• Patch tests to identify specific substances that cause allergic skin reactions.
• Antibody tests to measure the levels of antibodies present in the blood. This test is performed to diagnose allergies and immunodeficiency conditions.
• Skin prick test to detect specific immediate allergies to food and environmental triggers.
• T cell tests to evaluate a person’s T cell activity, which is specialized immune cells in the blood.

Treatment for immune diseases usually involves the administration of medications, such as steroids or other immunosuppressant medications, and general surgery or transplantation, such as stem cell transplantation. 

How Long Should I Stay in Abu Dhabi?

Tests and treatments conducted by immunologists are largely outpatient-based, meaning you do not need to stay in the hospital after your appointment. However, you may need to stay in Abu Dhabi for a few days for follow-up checkups, usually to discuss the results of the test or to see how you are responding to treatments.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

In most cases, no recovery time is needed after the appointment with your immunologist. However, depending on your condition and the symptoms you are experiencing, your immunologist may advise you to rest and take some time off work until you do not experience any symptoms that interfere with your ability to perform your daily activities.

What Aftercare is Required?

Since treatments and management of immune diseases typically involve medications, it is important that you take the medications as prescribed by your immunologist. You will likely be given a set of instructions, which may include diet and activity restrictions. It is important that you follow all of the instructions to prevent complications. You may also need to attend regular checkups, but you can choose to have them with your local doctor instead of your immunologist in Abu Dhabi if you prefer. In some cases, supportive treatments, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and podiatry may be recommended.

What's the Success Rate?

Immunology research is constantly being conducted to increase the understanding of how the immune systems work and to develop better ways of diagnosing and treating immunological conditions. While there is currently no cure for many immune diseases, such as allergy and autoimmune disease, treatments are proven to be highly successful and safe to control the disease and manage the symptoms. 

Are there Alternatives?

In most cases, you need to see an immunologist for immune-disease. However, depending on the type of disease you have, you may be able to see other specialists or your immunologist may refer you to the relevant specialist. For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may be referred to a rheumatologist.

Immunology 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.