Medical Clinic in the UAE

Opening a medical clinic in the UAE is a step into one of the most promising and strictly regulated healthcare markets in the world. Here, not only company registration is important, but also compliance with sanitary, legal, and technical requirements. MIRAD provides turnkey support: from selecting premises and company registration — to obtaining a licence from DHA, DOH, or MOHAP and launching the clinic.

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What Facilities We Register

Multidisciplinary and specialised clinics (dentistry, dermatology, cosmetology, gynecology, etc.).
Diagnostic centres and laboratories.
Daycare centres.
Private hospitals.
Injection procedure rooms (subject to conditions).

Key Requirements for Opening

Licence from the relevant authority:

Dubai — DHA (Dubai Health Authority).
Abu Dhabi — DOH (Department of Health).
Northern Emirates — MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention).

The premises must comply with strict medical standards (corridor width, ambulance access, sterilization areas, reception, waiting rooms).

Mandatory medical director accredited in the UAE.

Procedures involving penetration under the skin (cosmetology, injections, PMU) are only permitted in clinics.

The licensing and launch process may take 6–12 months.

Comparison of Regulators by Emirate

Regulator	Emirate	Features	Licence Timeline
DHA	Dubai	Strict facility standards, RERA certification, mandatory medical director	6–12 months
DOH	Abu Dhabi	Online e-licensing system, integration with insurance companies	6–9 months
MOHAP	Northern Emirates	Easier entry, but strict sanitary inspections	6–10 months

Risks of Operating Without a Licence

Important

Practicing medicine without a DHA/DOH/MOHAP licence in the UAE is considered illegal. Fines range from 50,000 to 500,000 AED, equipment may be confiscated, clinics shut down, visas cancelled, and physicians/owners banned from relicensing.

What MIRAD Does

Concept analysis (clinic, diagnostic centre, hospital).
Selection of premises for medical activity.
Lease agreement review before submission to regulator.
Company registration and filing applications with DHA/DOH/MOHAP.
Recruitment of licensed medical staff.
Consulting on renovation, layout, and equipment.
Registration of equipment and procedures.
Option to acquire a ready-licensed clinic (saves up to 12 months).

Want to Open a Clinic in the UAE?

MIRAD will help you go from idea to DHA/DOH/MOHAP licence and launch your medical business.

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HowTo: How to Open a Clinic in the UAE

Decide on the format: dentistry, cosmetology, diagnostics, hospital.
Choose the emirate and relevant authority (DHA, DOH, MOHAP).
Register the company (Mainland or Free Zone, if allowed).
Sign a lease and prepare the premises.
Appoint a medical director.
Submit documents for licensing.
Pass inspections and obtain the final licence.

Why Choose MIRAD

Knowledge of medical regulation in each emirate.
Direct interaction with DHA, DOH, MOHAP, Civil Defence, Municipality.
Experience assisting investors and practicing doctors.
Individual roadmap and support until launch.
Option to acquire a ready-licensed clinic.

FAQ: Clinic Licensing in the UAE

❓ Can I open a clinic in a Free Zone?
✅ Yes, but only in specialised zones such as Dubai Healthcare City. In other cases, the licence is issued through DHA, DOH, or MOHAP.

❓ How long does the licensing process take?
✅ On average 6 to 12 months, including renovation, certification, and staff recruitment.

❓ Is a medical director mandatory?
✅ Yes. Every clinic must have a licensed medical director in the UAE.

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