Dubai: Supreme Committee for Medical Liability in the UAE revealed that dentistry topped the list of medical errors over the past year at 32%. It attributed the high rate to some general practitioners performing specialised procedures beyond their expertise, as well as to cosmetic trends influenced by social media, with some individuals opting for procedures such as “veneers” in pursuit of ideal results.
The committee noted a significant decline in complaints over the past five years, falling by around 42% from 651 complaints in 2021 to 378 last year. At the same time, completed cases rose sharply from 132 in 2021 to 447 last year, an increase of approximately 239%.
Dr Abdul Razzaq Al Madani, Chairman of the committee, said that dentistry ranked first in medical errors at 32%, followed by obstetrics and gynaecology at 19%, neurosurgery at 11%, orthopaedics at 10%, and cosmetic surgery at 9%. He reiterated that the high number of dental errors is linked to practitioners exceeding their areas of expertise and the growing demand for cosmetic procedures influenced by social media expectations.
Complaint mechanism
Dr Al Madani explained that the medical complaints system in the UAE is based on institutional hierarchy. Patients first submit complaints to the healthcare authority where the service was provided. Local committees review the case and issue an initial technical decision, after which any party —whether patient, doctor or healthcare facility — may appeal to the Supreme Committee if dissatisfied.
He added that the committee is an independent federal body affiliated with the Cabinet and includes around 20 consultants from various medical specialisations. Each case is assigned to a specialist for detailed scientific analysis, with hearings held where necessary involving concerned parties. A technical report is then presented to the full committee for collective review and a final decision.
The committee’s decisions are binding from a technical and medical perspective, though parties retain the right to take cases to court, particularly for financial compensation. Courts often rely on the committee’s reports as a key technical reference.
Complaints and performance trends
Dr Al Madani highlighted improvements in performance over recent years. In 2021, there were 651 complaints with only 132 cases completed. In 2022, complaints reached 582 with 303 completions. By 2023, complaints dropped to 365 while completed cases rose to 612.
In 2024, complaints further declined to 319 while completed cases surged to 701 — the highest in five years — reflecting greater efficiency and faster resolution. In 2025, complaints rose slightly to 378, with 447 cases completed. Since the start of this year, 173 complaints have been recorded, alongside 181 completed cases, indicating stable performance and reduced backlog.
He noted that introducing a fee of AED 5,000 for filing complaints helped ensure seriousness and reduce unfounded cases, cutting grievances by around half compared to earlier periods.
Causes of medical errors
Dr Al Madani identified three main causes behind most medical errors. The first is doctors performing procedures outside their area of expertise or without sufficient experience. The second is inadequate preparedness of some healthcare facilities — particularly smaller private clinics — to handle complex cases or emergencies.
The third relates to unnecessary or unjustified medical procedures, where treatments may be recommended without clear need, sometimes due to commercial motives, leading to complications.
He also stressed that many complaints are not linked to proven medical errors but rather to known complications that can occur despite proper care. Patients may interpret these outcomes as errors, especially when expectations are not met.
Role of awareness and expectations
He highlighted that social media plays a role in shaping unrealistic expectations, particularly in cosmetic and dental procedures, creating a gap between expected and actual results.
Serious medical errors include cases involving death, permanent disability or loss of a body part, such as delayed intervention during childbirth or surgical complications affecting vital organs.
Dr Al Madani emphasised that medical errors are a global issue, even in advanced healthcare systems. However, the UAE has developed a strong regulatory framework, supported by advanced medical technology and continuous improvements in oversight, to minimise such incidents.
He called for strengthening professional accountability, stricter licensing regulations, improved preparedness of healthcare facilities, and greater patient awareness of rights and complaint mechanisms, noting that reporting incidents plays a vital role in improving healthcare quality.