Dubai’s population growth and increasing wealth provide a lucrative opportunity for healthcare operators and investors. Rapid urbanization and fast-paced lifestyles have contributed to a rise in chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Compared to countries like the US, UK, and Germany, Dubai has a low ratio of doctors, nurses, and hospital beds per 1,000 population, attracting international healthcare players in recent years.

This article provides insight for investors looking to enter the healthcare segment by establishing a medical clinic or polyclinic in Dubai.

Regulation of the Health System in Dubai

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA), formed in 2007, is responsible for regulating medical professionals and healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. The Ministry of Health and Prevention oversees the licensing of drug stores.

Setting up a Clinic/Polyclinic

The process of establishing a clinic/polyclinic in Dubai is as follows:

Step 1 – Reservation of Trade Name

Reserve a name for your limited liability company through the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED) online portal and pay the applicable fee. After reservation, obtain initial DED approval for incorporating the clinic under the relevant activity, e.g., "family medicine clinic."

Step 2 – Initial Approval from the DED

Submit the DED application form along with documents such as passport and UAE visa pages. Approval requires intended facility use approval from the DED Planning Department, including a draft lease agreement and detailed design layout approved by Dubai Municipality.

Step 3 – Initial Approval by the DHA

Obtain DHA approval by submitting a proposal letter or feasibility report to the DHA licensing section, including required documents for the proposed clinic.

Step 4 – Execution of Documents

Execute the memorandum of association and lease agreement for formal registration of the clinic.

Step 5 – Final Approval from the DED Planning Department and Issue of DED Licence

Register the lease with the Real Estate Regulatory Agency to obtain the Ejari certificate. Submit the executed lease, Ejari certificate, DED licence application form, initial DED approval, and planning department approval to request the final DED licence. Required documents include:

• Signed and notarized memorandum of association
• Initial approval from DED
• Lease agreement
• Ejari certificate
• Planning department approval for clinic use
• Initial approval by DHA

Step 6 – DHA Application and Final Licence

Register on the DHA online portal to begin the formal application process. Upload required documents including request letters, passports, UAE visa pages, Emirates ID of the Medical Director, and schematic floor plans. A final inspection by DHA inspectors will be conducted before issuing the licence. Preconditions include:

• All medical equipment installed and operational
• Appointment of a medical director
• Qualified and licensed consultants/specialist physicians
• Other healthcare professionals in sufficient numbers

Conclusion

The Dubai Government is committed to developing the healthcare sector, evidenced by the Dubai Healthcare City Free Zone and initiatives to create a health and wellness destination while attracting investment and promoting medical tourism. Recent plans include new medical colleges and nursing schools to meet future healthcare needs. Mandatory health insurance and urbanization are creating further investment opportunities, with private equity entering the sector through mergers and acquisitions.