Emirates is expanding its focus on medical tourism through a new partnership with the Medical Tourism Association (MTA), seeking to develop travel services for patients and wellness travelers across key international markets.

The airline signed a memorandum of understanding with MTA during Arabian Travel Market 2026. Under the agreement, Emirates will serve as MTA’s preferred airline partner for international medical and wellness travel.

The partnership will target major medical travel corridors across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, combining MTA’s healthcare network with Emirates’ connections to nearly 140 destinations.

The two organizations will work on travel solutions and services for patients, referring doctors, insurers and employers. Their efforts will also include identifying emerging markets and sharing industry knowledge and best practices.

Emirates and MTA plan to collaborate with healthcare providers accredited by Global Healthcare Accreditation on industry initiatives, market intelligence and discussions around international medical travel standards.

The airline said the partnership supports its ambition to become the world’s first GHA-accredited airline.

MTA’s network includes more than 500,000 healthcare providers, employers, insurers and industry professionals. The organizations will explore using the association’s platform to help travelers identify accredited medical providers, coordinate healthcare and travel arrangements, and make cross-border payments.

The partnership also builds on Dubai’s growing role as a destination for healthcare, wellness and medical tourism, while broadening Emirates’ business beyond conventional leisure and corporate travel.