Nationals, visitors and expatriates will all get basic cover under the scheme. Employers will be responsible for providing health insurance for their employees. Residents of Dubai will also be responsible for making sure their dependents and those sponsored by them are insured. People will have the chance to add optional extras to their cover in addition to the basic cover already provided.

Director General of Dubai Health Authority, Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, said: "A strong primary care system will help deliver better healthcare in Dubai. Patients are the core of the health insurance scheme and the mechanism is designed to provide high quality care for nationals and residents."

The scheme is to be introduced in phases, with the first phase to be introduced in January next year.