DUBAI, 26th April, 2017 (WAM) -- The Dubai Health Authority, DHA, today signed a memorandum of understanding with Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel Hotel to drive wellness tourism in the region.

This collaboration is in line with the vision of the Dubai Health Experience, or DHX, which is overseen and implemented by the DHA, said the emirate's health regulator in an emailed press release.

DXH was launched in April 2016 by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, as a continuation of Dubai, a Global Destination for Medical Tourism project.

Numbers are projected to increase around 13 per cent per year and that by 2021 more than 1.3 million medical tourists will visit Dubai, according to the DHA.

Today, DXH comprises of 32 healthcare facilities in Dubai and the addition of this provider reflects our recognition of the importance of the wellness industry which aids preventative healthcare. Healthy eating and exercise are the pillars of good health and incorporating wellness in the hospitality industry is a positive trend, said Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the DHA.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.