Dubai has become one of the Middle East’s leading centres for healthcare investment. Strong population growth, high insurance coverage, and steady demand for private care have made the sector one of the city’s most active. Spending on healthcare across the UAE is projected to reach over AED 71 billion by 2025, and Dubai alone accounts for a large share of this total. Alongside local demand, the city draws tens of thousands of international patients each year for specialist procedures.
Setting up a healthcare business in Dubai can be a rewarding move, but it requires careful planning, regulatory approval, and strict compliance with health standards. This guide outlines what you’ll need to do, how the licensing process works, and what to expect as you grow.
How to start a healthcare business in Dubai: Step-by-step
Define your activity
Decide what kind of service you plan to offer. This could be a general clinic, rehab centre, diagnostics lab, or specialist practice. Your choice will affect your licensing path, the approvals you’ll need, and the documents to prepare.
Reserve a trade name
Choose a business name and submit it to the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) for approval. It must follow local rules and clearly reflect your chosen activity.
Choose a legal structure
Select a company type that suits your business. A limited liability company (LLC) is often used for healthcare facilities, though other options exist. You’ll need to finalise this before applying for any approvals.
Apply for initial approval
Once your name is confirmed and your structure is in place, submit a request to DET for initial approval. This confirms that the activity is permitted and lets you move forward with other steps.
Register with DHA
Create an account on the Dubai Health Authority’s Sheryan portal. This is where you’ll handle the full licensing process for your facility and staff.
Prepare your documentation
Submit a full set of documents. These may include a facility layout, a proposal letter, proof of ownership, and identification. If you plan to hire medical staff, include their credentials and malpractice cover.
Get DHA clearance
DHA will assess your application and may carry out a site visit. The inspection looks at safety, layout, and equipment. If everything is in order, you’ll be granted a facility license in inactive status.
Apply for your trade license
With DHA approval in place, return to DET and apply for a commercial trade license. You’ll need to provide your tenancy contract, IDs, and the DHA’s clearance letter.
Activate your facility license
Log back into the Sheryan portal to activate your facility license. You can’t begin operations until this step is completed.
Pass final inspection and open
If an inspection hasn’t been carried out yet, DHA will schedule one before you go live. Once passed, your business is ready to start seeing patients.
Legal and regulatory requirements for healthcare businesses
Running a healthcare facility in Dubai means meeting strict DHA rules. These cover everything from room sizes and hygiene standards to patient safety and staff qualifications.
The first step is registering your facility on the DHA’s Sheryan portal. You’ll need to upload your building layout, proposal, and other documents. The authority may inspect the premises to check compliance. Areas they assess include infection control, accessibility, emergency exits, ventilation, and privacy.
Once your documents and facility are approved, you’ll get an inactive license. You must activate this before accepting patients. If your business serves more than one emirate or provides certain services, you may also need approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).
In parallel, every healthcare professional working at your facility must be individually licensed. That process includes background checks, qualification review, and in many cases, exams or interviews. No one can practise in Dubai legally without a valid license from the DHA.
Benefits of starting a healthcare business in Dubai
Consistent demand from residents and visitors
Dubai’s healthcare sector serves a large, growing population with strong insurance coverage. The city also attracts patients from abroad for elective procedures, diagnostics and specialist care. This combination keeps clinics and hospitals busy throughout the year.
Clear licensing system and government backing
The regulatory process is structured and managed through centralised portals. The DHA provides a step-by-step framework for facility approvals and professional licensing. This clarity helps operators stay compliant and reduces delays.
No corporate tax and full capital repatriation
As long as your profit stays under the taxable threshold, your business pays no corporate tax. You can also repatriate 100% of your earnings and capital without restrictions, which helps with budgeting and growth planning.
Room for niche providers
You don’t need to run a large hospital to succeed. Dubai’s market has space for all types of providers, from fertility clinics and rehab centres to home care and diagnostics. This makes it easier to find a model that matches your skills and budget.
How to grow a healthcare business in Dubai
Offer services people actively look for
Keep track of what patients want. Some of the most in-demand areas include mental health, chronic care, dermatology and physiotherapy. These services tend to generate regular appointments and longer-term patients.
Make access easier with digital tools
Online booking, virtual consultations, and shared patient records improve convenience. These tools cut admin time and let you grow without needing more rooms. They’re also a simple way to increase patient satisfaction.
Build relationships with insurers and firms
Working with insurance companies, employers or schools gives you repeat patients. These partnerships can involve regular check-ups, screenings or onsite care. They offer a steady flow of bookings and help your clinic become known.
Hire staff who meet DHA standards
All healthcare professionals in Dubai need a valid DHA license. Experience and credentials matter too. Once hired, offer a good work setup. Staff who feel valued are more likely to stay, reducing turnover.
Stay organised with renewals and inspections
As your clinic grows, stay on top of admin. Keep licenses current, renew insurance and fix any issues flagged during inspections. This reduces risk and lets you focus on patient care.
Start your healthcare business with Creative Zone
Getting a healthcare business off the ground in Dubai involves careful planning and attention to detail. Every step, from licensing and inspections to staffing and compliance, needs to be handled properly. That’s where Creative Zone comes in.
We’ve supported thousands of businesses across Dubai, including clinics, labs, wellness centres and training providers. Our team will help you understand the process, prepare your paperwork, and deal with the right authorities at the right time. You’ll know exactly what to do and when to do it.
Whether you’re opening your first clinic or adding a new service to an existing facility, we can help you move faster and with fewer delays. For expert support with your business setup in Dubai, talk to Creative Zone today.
