Ultrasound Cost in Dubai: Prices for Every Type of Scan (2026)

The ultrasound cost in Dubai ranges from AED 300 to AED 800 for most scan types, with the exact price determined by the body region being examined, the complexity of the study, and whether a specialist radiologist report is included. Ultrasound is the most widely used diagnostic imaging modality in Dubai, accounting for a significant share of all imaging studies performed across the emirate's hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers. Its combination of safety (no radiation), affordability, and real-time imaging capability makes it the first-line investigation for a vast range of medical conditions affecting the abdomen, pelvis, thyroid, breast, musculoskeletal system, and developing fetus.

This 2026 pricing guide breaks down the cost of every major type of ultrasound scan available in Dubai, explains the factors that influence pricing, clarifies insurance coverage, and shows you how to get the best value for your ultrasound examination at Doctors Clinic Diagnostic Center (DCDC) in Dubai Healthcare City.

How Much Does an Ultrasound Cost in Dubai?

An ultrasound scan in Dubai costs between AED 300 and AED 800 for standard examinations, with specialized or multi-region scans reaching up to AED 1,000 at premium hospital facilities. The price depends on three primary factors: the type of ultrasound being performed, whether the examination is a focused single-organ study or a comprehensive multi-organ assessment, and the type of facility providing the service. Standalone diagnostic centers like DCDC consistently offer lower pricing than hospital radiology departments because their operational overhead is significantly reduced while maintaining the same standard of equipment and radiologist expertise.

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulates healthcare pricing across the emirate, but ultrasound fees are not fixed at a single rate. Instead, facilities set their own prices within competitive market ranges, which is why you will see variation between providers. However, across the market, the pricing follows a predictable pattern based on scan complexity: simple, single-organ studies such as thyroid or renal ultrasound sit at the lower end (AED 300-500), while multi-organ or specialized studies such as obstetric ultrasound and vascular Doppler sit at the higher end (AED 500-800).

For self-pay patients without insurance, a standard abdominal or thyroid ultrasound at a diagnostic center costs approximately AED 300-500, which is significantly more affordable than the equivalent CT scan (AED 800-2,000) or MRI (AED 1,500-4,000) for the same body region. This cost advantage, combined with the absence of radiation and the ability to produce results within hours, is why ultrasound remains the preferred first-line imaging modality for the majority of clinical scenarios encountered in primary care, internal medicine, obstetrics, and general surgery.

"Ultrasound is the most cost-effective diagnostic imaging tool available, delivering real-time diagnostic information without any radiation exposure," says Dr. Osama Elzamzami, Head of Radiology at DCDC. "For many conditions, ultrasound provides all the diagnostic answers a clinician needs, eliminating the need for more expensive CT or MRI scans."

What Affects Ultrasound Pricing?

Ultrasound pricing in Dubai is determined by a combination of clinical, technical, and operational factors that together explain why the cost of one scan can differ significantly from another, even within the same facility. Understanding these factors helps patients anticipate costs accurately and make informed decisions about where to have their examination.

Type and Complexity of the Scan

The single largest determinant of ultrasound cost is the type of examination being performed. A focused single-organ scan, such as a thyroid ultrasound that examines only the thyroid gland and surrounding lymph nodes, requires less time and generates a more straightforward report than a complete abdominal ultrasound that evaluates the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and aorta. Similarly, a pregnancy ultrasound with fetal anatomy survey, growth measurements, placental assessment, and amniotic fluid evaluation is a more involved study than a simple renal ultrasound. More complex scans take longer to perform, require more expertise to interpret, and generate more detailed reports, all of which contribute to a higher price.

Facility Type and Location

Hospital radiology departments in Dubai typically charge 20-50% more than standalone diagnostic imaging centers for the same ultrasound examination. This premium reflects the higher overhead costs associated with hospital operations, including emergency department staffing, inpatient infrastructure, and administrative complexity. Diagnostic centers like DCDC focus exclusively on imaging and laboratory services, which allows them to deliver the same quality of ultrasound at significantly lower prices. Location within Dubai also matters: facilities in Dubai Healthcare City, which operates as a medical free zone, often have different pricing structures than those in other areas of the emirate.

Radiologist Expertise and Reporting

A critical factor that patients often overlook is whether the ultrasound price includes a formal radiologist report. Some lower-priced ultrasound services are performed by sonographers without a consultant radiologist review, meaning the images are captured but not formally interpreted by a specialist. At DCDC, every ultrasound scan is reviewed and reported by a consultant radiologist with fellowship-level training, ensuring that subtle findings are identified and documented. This radiologist involvement is included in the quoted price and represents a significant component of the value delivered.

Doppler and Advanced Techniques

Standard ultrasound uses grayscale (B-mode) imaging to visualize anatomical structures. When the clinical question involves blood flow assessment, such as evaluating blood vessels for clots, measuring blood supply to organs, or assessing fetal blood flow in high-risk pregnancies, Doppler ultrasound is added to the examination. Doppler studies add AED 100-200 to the base price of the scan because they require additional scanning time, specialized transducer settings, and more complex interpretation.

Ultrasound Prices by Type

The following table provides a comprehensive breakdown of ultrasound costs in Dubai for 2026, covering the seven most commonly requested scan types at diagnostic centers across the emirate. These prices reflect the typical range charged by accredited facilities including diagnostic centers and hospital radiology departments, with DCDC pricing falling within or below these ranges for every scan type.

Abdominal Ultrasound Cost in Dubai

An abdominal ultrasound costs AED 300-600 in Dubai and is the most frequently requested ultrasound examination at DCDC and across the emirate. This scan evaluates the liver, gallbladder, common bile duct, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and abdominal aorta in a single comprehensive examination. It is the first-line investigation for abdominal pain, elevated liver enzymes, suspected gallstones, kidney stones, fatty liver disease, and unexplained weight loss. A focused upper abdominal ultrasound examining only the liver and gallbladder sits at the lower end of the price range (AED 300-400), while a complete abdominal study covering all organs sits at the higher end (AED 450-600).

Pelvic Ultrasound Cost in Dubai

A pelvic ultrasound costs AED 350-650 in Dubai and is performed to evaluate the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bladder in women, or the prostate and bladder in men. For female patients, pelvic ultrasound is the primary imaging tool for investigating irregular menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and infertility. The study can be performed transabdominally (through the lower abdomen) or transvaginally (using a small internal probe), with the transvaginal approach providing superior image resolution for the uterus and ovaries. Transvaginal scans are typically at the higher end of the price range.

Thyroid Ultrasound Cost in Dubai

A thyroid ultrasound costs AED 300-500 in Dubai and is the gold standard for evaluating thyroid nodules, goiter, thyroiditis, and other thyroid pathology. The examination uses a high-frequency linear probe to produce detailed images of the thyroid gland and surrounding cervical lymph nodes. Thyroid ultrasound is essential for determining whether a nodule requires fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) and for monitoring known thyroid nodules over time. The scan is quick, painless, and provides immediate real-time results.

Pregnancy Ultrasound Cost in Dubai

A pregnancy ultrasound costs AED 400-800 in Dubai, with the price depending on the trimester, the type of scan (2D, 3D, or 4D), and whether growth measurements and Doppler blood flow studies are included. A routine 2D dating scan in the first trimester costs AED 400-500, while a detailed anatomy scan at 18-22 weeks with fetal measurements costs AED 500-650. Premium 3D/4D scans that provide three-dimensional images of the baby's face and body cost AED 600-800. Fetal Doppler studies assessing umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery blood flow in high-risk pregnancies add AED 150-250 to the base scan price.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Cost in Dubai

A musculoskeletal ultrasound costs AED 350-600 in Dubai and is used to evaluate joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and soft tissue structures throughout the body. Common indications include rotator cuff tears, tennis elbow, Achilles tendon injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, Baker's cysts, and sports injuries. Musculoskeletal ultrasound has a significant advantage over MRI for certain conditions because it provides dynamic, real-time imaging, meaning the radiologist can assess tendon movement and joint function during the scan. At DCDC, musculoskeletal ultrasound is performed by radiologists experienced in sports and orthopedic imaging.

Breast Ultrasound Cost in Dubai

A breast ultrasound costs AED 350-600 in Dubai and is the primary complementary imaging tool used alongside mammography for evaluating breast lumps, cysts, and other abnormalities. Breast ultrasound is particularly valuable for women under 40 with dense breast tissue, where mammography alone may miss lesions. The scan differentiates solid masses from fluid-filled cysts with high accuracy, which directly determines whether a biopsy is needed. For women who have had an abnormal mammogram finding, a targeted breast ultrasound of the specific area provides the additional diagnostic clarity needed to guide the next clinical step. At DCDC, breast ultrasound is performed using high-frequency linear probes optimized for superficial tissue imaging.

Renal Ultrasound Cost in Dubai

A renal ultrasound costs AED 300-550 in Dubai and evaluates both kidneys, the ureters (when visible), and the urinary bladder. This scan is the first-line investigation for suspected kidney stones, flank pain, blood in the urine (hematuria), recurrent urinary tract infections, and monitoring of known kidney conditions such as polycystic kidney disease or hydronephrosis. Renal ultrasound accurately measures kidney size, detects obstructive stones and dilation of the collecting system, and identifies cysts or solid masses within the kidney parenchyma. The scan requires no special preparation beyond a comfortably full bladder for optimal bladder visualization.

Does Insurance Cover Ultrasound in Dubai?

Most major health insurance plans in Dubai cover medically indicated ultrasound scans in full or with a copayment, making out-of-pocket costs significantly lower than the listed prices for insured patients. The Dubai mandatory health insurance scheme requires all employers to provide health coverage for their employees, and diagnostic imaging including ultrasound is a standard covered benefit under virtually every plan tier available in the emirate.

The key factors that determine your insurance coverage for an ultrasound scan are:

• Medical necessity: Insurance companies cover ultrasound scans that are ordered by a physician for a documented medical indication. Purely elective scans, such as 3D/4D pregnancy keepsake imaging without a clinical indication, may not be covered
• Prior authorization: Some insurance plans require pre-approval before an ultrasound can be performed. DCDC's insurance coordination team handles this process directly with the insurer, so patients do not need to manage the paperwork themselves
• Network status: Using an in-network provider results in lower copayments and full coverage of the allowed amount. DCDC is an approved provider with most major insurers in the UAE, including Daman, NAS, Oman Insurance, MetLife, AXA, and others
• Copayment amount: Most plans in Dubai apply a copayment of AED 0 to AED 50 for diagnostic imaging services, meaning the patient pays only a small fixed amount and the insurer covers the rest
• Annual limits: Basic insurance plans may have annual limits on diagnostic imaging services. However, standard and enhanced plans typically have generous or unlimited imaging allowances

"We process insurance for hundreds of ultrasound scans every month at DCDC," says Dr. Osama Elzamzami, Head of Radiology at DCDC. "The vast majority of our patients with valid UAE health insurance pay only a small copay, typically AED 20-50, for their ultrasound scan. Our team verifies coverage before the appointment so there are no surprises."

For patients without insurance, DCDC offers transparent self-pay pricing with no hidden fees. The quoted price includes the ultrasound scan, radiologist interpretation, and a formal written report. Payment can be made by cash, credit card, or Apple Pay. Self-pay patients at DCDC benefit from the same pricing regardless of nationality or residency status, and no upfront deposit is required. The total cost is confirmed before the scan begins, so patients know exactly what they will pay before the examination starts.

It is worth noting that Dubai's insurance regulations have become increasingly favorable for diagnostic imaging coverage in recent years. The DHA Essential Benefits Plan (EBP), which serves as the baseline for all insurance plans in the emirate, explicitly includes diagnostic radiology as a covered benefit category. This means even the most basic mandatory insurance plan covers ultrasound scans when ordered by a licensed physician for a legitimate clinical indication. Enhanced and premium insurance tiers typically offer even broader coverage with lower or zero copayments for imaging services.

Why Choose DCDC for Your Ultrasound?

DCDC (Doctors Clinic Diagnostic Center) in Dubai Healthcare City is a dedicated diagnostic imaging and laboratory facility that performs over 1,000 ultrasound scans every month, making it one of the highest-volume ultrasound providers in the emirate. This volume translates directly into expertise: the radiology team has extensive experience across every ultrasound type, from routine abdominal scans to complex musculoskeletal and obstetric examinations.

• Experienced consultant radiologists: Every ultrasound scan at DCDC is reviewed and reported by a consultant radiologist with fellowship-level training, not just a sonographer. This ensures that subtle findings are identified and accurately documented
• Modern ultrasound equipment: DCDC uses advanced ultrasound machines with high-resolution transducers, Doppler capability, elastography, and 3D/4D imaging. The equipment is regularly maintained and updated to ensure optimal image quality
• Same-day appointments and results: Walk-in and same-day appointments are available for most ultrasound types. Reports are typically completed within hours and shared digitally with the referring physician
• Competitive pricing: As a standalone diagnostic center, DCDC offers ultrasound pricing that is consistently 20-40% lower than hospital radiology departments while maintaining the same standard of equipment and expertise
• Comprehensive insurance coverage: DCDC is an approved provider with most major insurance companies in the UAE, and the insurance coordination team handles pre-authorization and claims processing on behalf of patients
• Convenient location: Located in Dubai Healthcare City, DCDC is easily accessible from Oud Metha, Karama, Bur Dubai, Downtown Dubai, and the wider emirate, with ample parking available

DCDC's radiology department is equipped with multiple ultrasound suites running in parallel, which minimizes wait times even during peak hours. The center operates six days a week with extended hours, and urgent cases can typically be accommodated on the same day. For patients who require follow-up imaging, such as monitoring a thyroid nodule or tracking fetal growth across trimesters, DCDC maintains a digital archive of all previous scans, enabling radiologists to compare current findings directly with prior studies for accurate longitudinal assessment.

Patient Story: A Routine Scan That Caught a Problem Early

A 38-year-old marketing executive in Dubai had been experiencing intermittent upper abdominal discomfort for several weeks. Her general practitioner ordered a routine abdominal ultrasound, and she chose DCDC for the appointment because of the same-day availability and her colleague's positive experience. The ultrasound, which took 25 minutes and cost AED 450, revealed multiple small gallstones in the gallbladder along with mild wall thickening suggesting early cholecystitis. The radiologist's report was shared with her GP within two hours, and she was referred to a surgeon the following day. She underwent a straightforward laparoscopic cholecystectomy the following week and recovered fully within 10 days.

"What impressed me was how quickly everything moved," she later shared in a patient feedback survey. "From the scan to the report to the surgeon consultation, I felt like the diagnostic center genuinely prioritized getting me answers fast. The whole ultrasound experience was painless, affordable, and far more informative than I expected."

How to Save on Ultrasound Costs

Saving money on ultrasound scans in Dubai does not require compromising on quality; it requires making informed choices about where and how you access the service. The following strategies help patients reduce their out-of-pocket costs while still receiving a high-quality diagnostic examination with a consultant radiologist report.

• Choose a standalone diagnostic center over a hospital: Facilities like DCDC charge 20-40% less than hospital radiology departments for identical ultrasound examinations because their overhead costs are lower. The equipment, radiologist qualifications, and reporting standards are the same
• Verify your insurance coverage before booking: Call your insurance company or ask the diagnostic center to check your coverage before the appointment. Most plans cover ultrasound in full or with a minimal copay, but confirming in advance prevents unexpected bills
• Use an in-network provider: Going to an out-of-network facility can result in higher copayments or no coverage at all. DCDC is in-network with most major UAE insurers
• Ask about package pricing for multiple scans: If your physician has ordered more than one ultrasound (for example, abdominal and pelvic), ask the facility about bundled pricing. Many centers offer a reduced combined rate when multiple scans are performed in the same visit
• Request only what is clinically necessary: Adding Doppler, 3D imaging, or additional body regions increases the cost. Your referring physician's request specifies exactly what is needed, so avoid upgrading to premium scan options unless there is a clinical reason
• Book directly rather than through intermediaries: Some online booking platforms add service fees. Booking directly with DCDC by phone or WhatsApp ensures you pay the center's actual listed price with no markup

"The most effective way to save on ultrasound costs is simply to choose a dedicated diagnostic center with transparent pricing," says Dr. Osama Elzamzami, Head of Radiology at DCDC. "Patients receive the same quality scan and radiologist report at a fraction of the hospital price, and with faster turnaround times."

سؤالات متداول

Final Thoughts

Ultrasound remains the most accessible, affordable, and versatile diagnostic imaging tool available in Dubai, providing real-time diagnostic information across virtually every medical specialty without any radiation exposure. Whether you need an abdominal ultrasound for AED 300-600, a pregnancy scan for AED 400-800, or a thyroid ultrasound for AED 300-500, the cost in Dubai is competitive and transparent at dedicated diagnostic centers like DCDC. With most insurance plans covering the bulk of the expense, the effective out-of-pocket cost for insured patients is typically just a small copay of AED 0-50.

At Doctors Clinic Diagnostic Center in Dubai Healthcare City, patients benefit from experienced consultant radiologists, modern ultrasound equipment, same-day appointments, fast results, and pricing that is consistently lower than hospital radiology departments. If you need an ultrasound scan in Dubai, booking at DCDC is a straightforward way to get accurate diagnostic imaging at a fair price. Contact us via WhatsApp or call +971 4 237 9939 to schedule your appointment.

نوشته شده توسط

Dr. Osama Elzamzami

مشاهده پروفایل

Diagnostic Radiology

MD, FRCR

Dr. Osama Elzamzami is a Consultant Radiologist specializing in diagnostic imaging including ultrasound, CT, MRI, and interventional radiology at DCDC Dubai Healthcare City.

Related Articles

• What Is an Ultrasound Scan? Complete Guide
• Abdominal Ultrasound: Complete Guide
• MRI vs CT Scan: Which Do You Need?