Flymedi CEO Fatih Ciftci Highlights AI and Secure Payments as the Future of Medical Tourism at Dubai Summit

Dubai, UAE – September 22, 2025 – The Health Tourism and Medical Odyssey event, hosted at Sofitel The Obelisk on September 16–17, brought together global leaders to discuss the shifting dynamics of international medical and wellness tourism. Among the most impactful voices on stage was Fatih Ciftci, Founder & CEO of Flymedi, who emphasized that the twin forces of artificial intelligence (AI) and secure payments will reshape how patients experience healthcare worldwide.

Redefining Boundaries in Global Health Tourism

The panel discussion, “Redefining Boundaries: The Future of Medical & Wellness Tourism”, moderated by Mert Akkok, Founder of B2B Medical Encounters, featured leading figures including Fatih Ciftci (Flymedi), Murat Aydoğan (Memorial Healthcare Group), and Laila Al Jasmi (Health Beyond Borders).

Together, the panel explored:

• The rise of new medical tourism destinations
   
• Innovations in digital health and patient care
   
• Strategies to attract high-value wellness travelers
   

Flymedi’s Vision: AI Meets Secure Global Payments

When it comes to shaping the future of medical tourism, Fatih Ciftci’s perspective stood out. He underscored how AI-powered tools already play a vital role across Flymedi’s patient journey — from pre-operation planning to post-operation follow-up.

“AI provides fast and accurate information to patients. However, we complement it with human interaction to ensure trust and a seamless experience,” Ciftci explained.

At the same time, he introduced Flymedi’s innovative secure payment solution — a breakthrough designed to eliminate the trust deficit in cross-border healthcare transactions.

The system works as follows:

• Patients transfer funds into a secure holding account.
   
• Payment is released only after the initial consultation.
   
• Clinics gain confidence in planning resources.
   
• Patients enjoy peace of mind and transparency.
   

“This is a game-changer for international patient care,” Ciftci stated. “It builds a foundation of trust and makes the entire process safer for everyone involved.”

Collaboration Over Competition: A Shared Future

The session concluded with a clear message: collaboration, not competition, will drive growth in global medical tourism. While destinations continue to compete for high-value travelers, long-term success will depend on partnerships, innovation, and patient-first strategies.

With its AI-driven solutions, secure payments, and patient-first philosophy, Flymedi continues to lead this transformation — acting as a bridge between patients and accredited healthcare providers worldwide.

UAE’s Growing Role in Medical & Wellness Tourism

Panelist Laila Al Jasmi highlighted the UAE’s major investments in digital health technology, including telemedicine, AI, and electronic medical records (EMRs). These innovations allow international patients to seamlessly share medical data with doctors back home, improving continuity of care.

She noted how UAE Vision 2031 is accelerating the country’s transformation into a global wellness hub, supported by initiatives like Dubai Health Experience and Abu Dhabi’s medical tourism e-portal. Al Jasmi also pointed to the growth of wellness resorts in Al Ain, Liwa, and Ajman, where traditional therapies like hammam, meditation, and yoga are integrated into modern healthcare offerings.

Challenges and Opportunities for Turkish Healthcare

Murat Aydoğan, International Region Director at Memorial Healthcare Group, discussed the changing patient flow in the Gulf. As local facilities expand, outbound medical travel from the region is slowing, creating challenges for traditional hubs such as Turkey.

However, Aydoğan sees this shift as an opportunity for collaboration and long-term presence. Memorial has expanded globally, acquiring a hospital in Romania and exploring projects in the GCC. Beyond patient referrals, the group invests heavily in training programs abroad, equipping local doctors and nurses with advanced skills in countries like Bangladesh.

“This is about building an ecosystem. Sometimes, in order to gain something, you need to give,” Aydoğan noted. “We are investing in long-term presence and brand reputation rather than short-term benefits.”

About Flymedi

Flymedi is a global health tourism marketplace connecting patients with accredited clinics and hospitals worldwide. With its AI-powered tools, innovative secure payment system, and mission to redefine accessibility, transparency, and trust, Flymedi is pioneering the future of international medical travel.

Media Contact
Kubilay Aydeger
📧 kubilay.aydeger@flymedi.com
🌐 www.flymedi.com