Business setup · Health & wellness
How to Open a Clinic or Healthcare Facility in the UAE
Opening a clinic in the UAE is a dual licensing process: a trade licence plus a health facility licence from the emirate’s health regulator, namely the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in Dubai, the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) in most northern emirates. Every doctor, nurse and therapist also needs a licence from that regulator.
Fact-checked against official sources on · EH Management Consultancy LLC
At a glance
Key facts
- Dubai
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA) facility licence + DET trade licence
- Abu Dhabi
- Department of Health – Abu Dhabi
- Northern emirates
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)
- Dubai Healthcare City
- Separate free zone regulator
- Professionals
- Each practitioner needs a licence from the same regulator
What do you need to know first?
Healthcare is licensed by emirate, and a facility or professional licence from one regulator does not automatically work in another emirate. In Dubai, DHA facility applications are made through its online licensing system, and the trade licence comes from the Department of Economy and Tourism. Dubai Healthcare City operates as a separate free zone with its own regulator.
The facility must meet design and equipment standards for its category before final inspection, so engage with the regulator before fit-out. In Sharjah, check which authority currently licenses your facility type, as licensing responsibilities have been changing.
Regulators
Which approvals are needed?
Where to set up
Which jurisdictions suit this activity?
Visas: Licensed practitioners need employment visas and professional licences before treating patients. Visa capacity depends on the facility.
Process
Step by step
-
01
Choose emirate and facility type
The regulator and standards follow from these.
-
02
Initial approvals
Trade name, initial approval and regulator preliminary approval.
-
03
Premises and fit-out
Design to the regulator’s standards and get approvals.
-
04
License professionals
Each practitioner obtains a professional licence.
-
05
Final inspection and licence
Pass inspection and receive the facility licence.
Checklist
What should you prepare before applying?
Settle these before you pay any government fees.
- 01
Choose the emirate first; it decides the regulator.
- 02
Confirm the facility category and its design standards.
- 03
Recruit practitioners who can be licensed by that regulator.
- 04
Engage the regulator before fit-out.
- 05
Plan malpractice insurance and medical records systems.
Frequently asked
Questions about healthcare clinic in the UAE
Who licenses clinics in Dubai?
The Dubai Health Authority licenses health facilities and professionals in Dubai, while the Department of Economy and Tourism issues the trade licence. Dubai Healthcare City has its own regulator.
Is a DHA licence valid in Abu Dhabi?
No. Each emirate’s regulator licenses facilities and professionals separately; Abu Dhabi is licensed by the Department of Health.
Do aesthetic clinics need a health licence?
Yes. Clinics providing medical or aesthetic treatments need a health facility licence and licensed practitioners, not only a trade licence.
Can I open a clinic in a free zone?
Dubai Healthcare City is a healthcare free zone with its own regulator, licensing practice within the zone. Most community clinics are licensed on the mainland.
Can I open a clinic before my doctors are licensed?
No. The facility needs licensed practitioners to operate, so align recruitment and professional licensing with the facility timeline.
Official sources
Verify it yourself
Regulators update their rules. These are the authoritative references behind this guide.
Related
Services and guides
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