Characterized the composition of consultations with government primary health clinic doctors in the United Arab Emirates and explored which factors mediate Emirati patients' satisfaction. Most of the 152 patients interviewed rated their consultations positively; but less than 10% were completely satisfied. Components associated with patient satisfaction in developed countries (such as taking a history and advising how to deal with the condition) also had the same impact in the United Arab Emirates. The doctor's decision about whether or not to include a component was usually perceived as appropriate by the patient. Nonetheless, patients tended to give higher ratings to doctors who discussed issues with them and whom they perceived as empathic. Mothers consulting the doctor about their children's health were especially sensitive to such factors.