With the current pace of change in the Gulf States, there will be a unified healthcare system introduced, Doug Rice, director of international services at Jelf International, has said.
Each state operates its own individual system, although Dubai's regulations followed and are modelled on that of Abu Dhabi.
Rice said: "We're finding that expats no longer finish an agreed contract and return home - there is a growing trend to move to the area for the longer term.
"This may mean moving to a different Gulf State which can be time consuming and expensive in terms of arranging healthcare provision.
"A more universal healthcare system in the region would not only benefit the States involved as they would have more immediate access to a ready workforce but employers would also be able to access healthcare provision that meets legislative criteria across all of the Emirates, saving both time and money."
Rice added: "There has been no official announcement or timescale made public but this does seem to be the latest thinking in the area and the end result would be quite significant for UK employers and employees.
"However we've already seen Qatar delay on its new healthcare regulations, so whilst there is a feeling that a general consensus would be wise, achieving that may take a little longer."
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