Paediatrics

Our paediatric teams look after babies, children and teenagers across the UAE, combining everyday care with specialist clinics in areas such as heart, kidney and lung health. Newborns who need extra support have access to neonatal intensive care, and seriously unwell children can reach paediatric emergency care at any hour.

What is paediatrics?

Paediatrics is the care of children's health, from birth through the teenage years. Paediatricians support physical, developmental and emotional growth, and treat both short-term illnesses such as infections and long-term conditions such as asthma. Much of their work is preventive too, through routine check-ups and childhood vaccinations. Because children are still growing, their care differs from an adult's. A paediatrician manages medical care; when an operation is needed, a paediatric surgeon takes over.

When should you see a paediatrician?

Book an appointment if you notice:

• A fever that is high, lasts more than a few days or keeps coming back
• Breathing that seems fast, noisy or hard work
• Feeding, growth or weight that is not on track
• A rash, tummy pain or vomiting that will not settle
• Delays in reaching milestones like sitting, walking or talking
• Frequent infections, or a long-term condition such as asthma that is hard to control

A rash that does not fade when you press it, breathing that is very fast or difficult, or skin that looks blue, grey or pale is a medical emergency: go to the nearest emergency department straight away.

Regular child health checks track your child's growth and development, keep vaccinations up to date and catch concerns early. Whether you need a referral to see a paediatrician can depend on your insurance plan.

What to expect

At the first visit, the paediatrician asks about your child's symptoms, feeding, sleep and development, and reviews their vaccination record. They examine your child and measure growth, plotting height and weight on a growth chart. Simple checks such as a temperature reading, a urine sample or a blood test may follow. Most visits are calm, and the team explains each step to your child.

What comes next depends on what's found. Many childhood illnesses settle with rest, fluids and time, and the paediatrician explains what to watch for at home. Others need medicine, a referral to a specialist clinic, or follow-up to track a long-term condition. Where surgery is the answer, a paediatric surgeon takes over. Your paediatrician talks through the options with you and agrees the next step.

Paediatrics at Mediclinic

We provide paediatric care at hospitals and clinics across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, from local outpatient visits to hospital-based specialist teams. Our children's wards are designed to feel less clinical, with play areas and space for a parent to stay. Newborns who need intensive support are cared for in our neonatal intensive care units, and our City Hospital in Dubai has a paediatric intensive care unit for critically ill children. Same-day appointments and around-the-clock paediatric emergency cover help when your child can't wait. Across our sites, subspeciality clinics bring together care for areas such as children's heart, kidney and chest conditions, with paediatric surgery for problems that need an operation.