Hospital and Clinic Licensing in the UAE

Healthcare in the UAE is regulated at both facility and professional level. A clinic, medical centre, pharmacy or hospital needs approval from the health authority for its facility, licences for each medical professional and a commercial licence, all before it can see its first patient.

Dawn Consultancy supports healthcare investors and practitioners through set-up and beyond. We prepare feasibility studies and business plans, structure the company, coordinate the licensing process with your healthcare consultants and set up the accounting, insurance billing and compliance systems a medical business needs.

Health authorities

Dubai: the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for most of Dubai, and the Dubai Healthcare City Authority for facilities in Dubai Healthcare City
Abu Dhabi: the Department of Health
Northern emirates: the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)

Facilities we support

General and specialist clinics
Dental and dermatology clinics
Medical centres and polyclinics
Diagnostic centres and laboratories
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation centres
Pharmacies
Day surgery centres and hospitals

Our services

Feasibility studies and financial projections
Business plans for investors, banks and authorities
Company structuring and commercial licensing
Coordination of facility licensing applications with your healthcare consultants
Support with professional licensing documentation for doctors and staff
Accounting systems for patient billing and insurance claims
Management of insurance receivables and rejections
VAT treatment of healthcare services and Corporate Tax compliance

Typical stages

Feasibility and location assessment.
Initial approval from the health authority.
Premises and design approval meeting health facility guidelines.
Professional licensing for medical staff.
Inspection and facility licence.
Operations: insurance empanelment, billing and financial reporting.

Financial management for healthcare businesses

Clinics depend heavily on insurance payers, where rejections and delays can strain cash flow. We set up accounting that tracks claims, rejections and recoveries, and we reconcile insurer statements regularly. See also our business plan and bookkeeping services.

Frequently asked questions

Which authority licenses clinics in Dubai?

Most healthcare facilities in Dubai are licensed by the Dubai Health Authority. Facilities located in Dubai Healthcare City are licensed by the Dubai Healthcare City Authority.

Do doctors need separate licences?

Yes. In addition to the facility licence, each healthcare professional must be licensed by the relevant health authority.

Is healthcare subject to VAT?

Qualifying preventive and basic healthcare services are generally zero-rated, while other services and products may be standard-rated. We review your services to apply the correct treatment.

Can you manage our insurance receivables?

Yes. We set up processes to track claims, rejections and payments and reconcile insurer balances, improving cash collection.

Speak to our team

Tell us the type of facility and the emirate, and we will outline the approval path, timeline and costs.

Call +971 55 441 1036, email info@dawnconsultancy.com or visit us at Office 1509, Citadel Tower, Business Bay. Contact us to arrange a consultation.

Hospital & Clinic Licensing in the UAE | Dawn Consultancy