Egypt is seeking to expand its medical tourism sector by revitalizing Luxor’s historic reputation as a health destination. Known for its dry, warm climate and world-renowned archaeological sites such as the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings, Luxor served as a popular retreat for European travelers in the 19th century who sought relief from various ailments. Authorities now aim to leverage this legacy to capture a larger share of the global health care tourism market, which was valued at approximately $34 billion last year.

The Egyptian government is positioning medical tourism as a complement to the country’s thriving hospitality and tourism industries, which have remained resilient despite instability in the broader Middle East region. In September 2026, the government introduced new online platforms at the Grand Egyptian Museum to facilitate easier access to medical services for international patients.

Central to this effort is the Egypt Healthcare Authority (EHA), an independent public body overseeing nearly 400 medical facilities across the country, including hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. The EHA initiated a program called “In Egypt We Care,” aimed at developing a network of private medical tourism services in key locations such as Luxor, Aswan, and along the Red Sea coast. Luxor alone has six hospitals equipped with hotel-like suites and facilities specializing in obstetrics, pediatrics, and radiology.

EHA Chairman Ahmed El-Sobky emphasized Egypt’s unique advantage in blending advanced medical care with rich cultural tourism offerings. "An international patient can receive advanced health care while enjoying tourism, cultural and entertainment attractions," he said.

Patient data indicate a significant increase in foreign visitors to EHA facilities, with 13,370 international patients recorded in 2025, up from 2,075 the previous year. These patients came from 124 countries spanning the Arab world, Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The EHA plans to expand its network by adding 5,000 new medical sites over the next six years, with a focus on popular procedures like cardiovascular, bariatric, and cosmetic surgeries, alongside in vitro fertilization and advanced dental care. Public-private partnerships are expected to be integral to this growth.

While income from medical tourism remains modest—projected to rise from $3.8 million in 2025 to $6 million in 2026—there is no consolidated national data on sector revenue, as earnings are dispersed across multiple providers and lack a centralized reporting system. Turkey currently dominates the regional market in overall scale and value, with the United Arab Emirates leading in premium health care and luxury services.

Experts note that Egypt faces challenges in gaining a foothold in a competitive market. Emre Atceken, co-founder of WeCure, a medical tourism consultancy based in London, argued that success will depend on developing a unique niche rather than replicating existing models in Turkey or the UAE.

Concerns about medical tourism extend beyond competition to issues of patient safety and domestic health care. The World Health Organization and the World Medical Association caution that cost savings can quickly erode if medical complications arise abroad, complicating accountability.

Within Egypt, disparities in health care access persist amid a population exceeding 108 million. There are worries that the growth of medical tourism might draw skilled health care professionals away from the public sector, potentially weakening state hospitals. In response, the government has enacted legislation allowing private entities to manage and develop public medical facilities, aiming to upgrade domestic health infrastructure.

Atceken suggested that the overall impact of medical tourism on Egypt’s health system will depend on government regulation. "Smart markets use regulatory levers or tax structures to channel private international revenue back into public health care upgrades," he said, underscoring the importance of reinvesting foreign capital to elevate national standards.