Dubai-based holding company Meraas has announced the launch of a healthcare division.

The launch follows the inauguration of another new subsidiary last week, Meraas Hotels and Resorts.

Meraas Healthcare aims to support Dubai’s strategy to attract 500,000 medical tourists by 2020 by addressing the immediate need for preventative healthcare and encouraging local treatment.

The subsidiary will form a healthcare network offering preventative and diagnostic treatments, as well as follow-up outpatient services, Meraas said.

“Meraas has identified healthcare as a key sector in which it can play a significant role and create a positive impact on economy and society. In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Meraas Healthcare will complement the existing healthcare landscape in the UAE and provide services that conform to international healthcare standards. We strongly believe that a healthy society is happy society and through the formation of the new division we aim to make a difference in the community and support a key theme of Dubai Plan 2021- the people,” said Meraas group chairman Abdulla Al Habbai.

Meraas senior vice president of healthcare Hamad Al Matrooshi said the new subsidiary would focus on medical areas including orthopedics, cardiology, Pediatrics and family medicine to achieve the goal of a happy and healthy nation.

“In our commitment to contributing to Dubai’s medical tourism strategy, we will also focus on offering personalised care and concierge medicine through well-planned facilities that bring together state-of-the-art technology, design, international standards of service and leading global knowledge,” he added