The UAE is well known for its healthcare facilities. Medical and healthcare technologies are so advanced that people from across the globe visit the country for various treatments. When it comes to investing in this industry, it is one of the most promising sectors in the country. The capital city Dubai boasts of offering prime medical services, private or public healthcare systems. This makes many foreign investors wonder how to start a healthcare business in Dubai.
If you would also like to explore a healthcare business setup in Dubai or set up clinics or hospitals, the Dubai Healthcare City can empower you. But before starting to plan anything, it’s essential to understand the types of healthcare business registration in the UAE and how to get a private clinic license in Dubai.
Is the Healthcare Sector in Dubai Worth Investing in 2025?
Yes, investing in Dubai's healthcare sector in 2025 presents a compelling opportunity, driven by strong government support, technological advancements, and increasing demand for quality healthcare services.Market Growth & Investment Potential
- Healthcare Infrastructure Expansion: Between 2019 and 2023, the number of healthcare facilities in Dubai grew from 3,431 to 4,922.
- Workforce Development: The healthcare workforce increased from 39,548 in 2019 to 58,788 in 2023, indicating a strong emphasis on human capital in the sector.
- Economic Contribution: Dubai Healthcare City contributed AED 2.8 billion to Dubai's GDP in 2021, underscoring the sector's economic significance.
Digital Health & Innovation
- Digital Health Market: The UAE's digital health market was valued at USD 619.3 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 23.3% from 2024 to 2030.
- Telemedicine Growth: The telemedicine market in the UAE is expected to reach USD 1.21 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 19.25%
- mHealth Expansion: The UAE's mHealth market is projected to grow from USD 186.3 million in 2024 to USD 858.8 million by 2033, at a CAGR of 17.6%.
Medical Tourism & Wellness
- Medical Tourism Revenue: In 2021, medical tourism sales in the UAE were estimated at AED 8.4 billion (USD 2.3 billion), with a projected CAGR of 17.1% between 2021 and 2025.
- Global Ranking: Dubai ranks first in the Middle East and North Africa and sixth globally for medical tourism, reflecting its appeal to international patients.
Government Initiatives & Policy Support
- Increased Health Funding: The UAE's 2025 federal budget allocates AED 5.74 billion (USD 1.56 billion) for healthcare and community prevention services, a 10.4% increase from 2024.
- Mandatory Health Insurance: Effective January 1, 2025, private sector employers in all emirates must provide health insurance coverage to their employees, expanding the addressable market for healthcare services.
Investment Opportunities
- Private Sector Participation: Private sector spending in the UAE's healthcare market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.5%, outpacing public sector spending.
- Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Dubai is promoting PPPs in new hospital projects to address future healthcare needs and offer avenues for private investment.
- Healthcare Free Zones: Dubai Healthcare City and Dubai Science Park offer incentives such as tax benefits and advanced infrastructure to attract healthcare companies and investors.
Why Start a Healthcare Business in Dubai?
Dubai has emerged as a global hub for healthcare innovation, offering top infrastructure, a prime location, and supportive government policies. If you’re considering setting up a healthcare clinic in UAE, particularly in Dubai, the city offers fertile ground for growth and success. Here’s why starting a healthcare business in Dubai makes sense:1. Dedicated Free Zones Like Dubai Healthcare City
One of the most attractive aspects of a business setup in Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is the access to a specialised ecosystem customised for medical professionals and organisations. DHCC offers 100% foreign ownership, tax benefits, and a streamlined licensing process, making it ideal for clinics, hospitals, and wellness centres.2. Strong Government Support & Regulations
Dubai’s Health Authority (DHA) ensures high healthcare standards, attracting international trust. The regulatory framework also makes setting up a healthcare clinic in the UAE straightforward, with clear guidelines and support for new entrants.3. Rising Demand for Quality Healthcare
The demand for specialised healthcare services is escalating with a growing population, increased medical tourism, and higher lifestyle expectations. Dubai provides a profitable market for general practitioners, specialists, dental clinics, wellness centres, and diagnostic labs.4. Advanced Infrastructure and Technology
Dubai encourages the integration of digital health solutions, AI, telemedicine, and innovative health devices. This creates a future-ready environment for healthcare entrepreneurs who wish to innovate.5. Access to Skilled Talent
As an international city, Dubai attracts top-tier medical professionals and support staff worldwide, helping new clinics offer high-quality care from day one.6. Medical Tourism Potential
Dubai is already a top destination for medical tourism, especially for cosmetic, dental, orthopaedic, and wellness treatments. Starting a clinic here will allow you to reach local and international patient markets. In conclusion, whether you're a doctor or investor, setting up a healthcare clinic in UAE, offers unmatched advantages. From supportive infrastructure to growing demand, Dubai is a prime choice for healthcare entrepreneurs.Types of Healthcare Business Setups in Dubai
People can invest in several types of healthcare and medical areas in Dubai. If you are willing to start a healthcare business in Dubai, below is a list of such healthcare fields you can choose to invest in:1. Ambulatory Centres
These are often referred to as outpatient clinics. This type of medical facility provides services that do not require overnight stays at the clinic or hospital, such as minor surgery, wound care, and physical therapy.2. Healthcare Investment Management
You can also consider starting a healthcare investment management firm in Dubai. You could manage the financial assets and investments of healthcare providers, hospitals, and clinics.3. Professional Development Training
It is critical to have a professional and skilled staff to ensure the quality of services provided by hospitals, clinics, or any medical facility. You can consider starting a company to provide short-term courses related to human resource training, social and behavioural training, professional development training, clinical skill development, etc.4. Higher Education Providers
The education sector is booming worldwide, and when it comes to education for the medical or healthcare sectors, the possibilities are endless. You can start a junior medical college, a technical healthcare education firm, or a medical university in Dubai.5. Medical Publishing
This industry targets both healthcare professionals and students. The medical publishing market encompasses various formats such as medical journals, clinical research papers, databases, online content, and medical books.6. Non-Profit Healthcare Organisation
You can also plan to establish a non-profit organisation in Dubai to help disadvantaged people or those in need nationwide.7. Private Clinics and Hospitals
Private clinics and hospitals are usually preferred because patients get quality services and individual care. Given that Dubai's population is particular about the quality of everything, be it lifestyle, education, career, or medical facilities, this type of healthcare business setup in Dubai will be very profitable. However, you will need the required approvals, permission, and a private clinic license in Dubai.8. Healthcare Consultancy
The medical and healthcare industry is rapidly evolving and advancing every day. The competition is high, and that’s where healthcare consultancy comes in. The experienced consultants in your firm can help these medical facility providers to stay a step ahead and achieve their goals. The DHCC mainly invests in two categories:- Wellness community that is spread over an area of nineteen million square feet.
- A medical community that is spread over an area of fourteen million square feet includes outpatient clinics, commercial and retail offices, and hospitals.
Step-by-Step Process to Start a Healthcare Business in Dubai
Starting a healthcare business in Dubai requires following a series of regulatory and administrative steps, depending on the type of facility (clinic, hospital, wellness centre, etc.) and the business jurisdiction (mainland, free zone, or offshore). Below is a detailed step-by-step guide for healthcare business setup in Dubai, including Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) and general UAE regulations.Step 1: Define the Type of Healthcare Business
Decide on the specific healthcare service you want to provide. Options include:- General clinic or specialised medical clinic (e.g., dental, dermatology, pediatrics)
- Hospital
- Diagnostic and laboratory services
- Day surgical center
- Physiotherapy or rehabilitation centre
- Alternative medicine (homoeopathy, ayurveda, TCM)
- Telemedicine or mobile healthcare services
- Wellness centers or medical spas
Step 2: Choose the Business Jurisdiction
You can choose between: Mainland Dubai (via Dubai Health Authority - DHA)- For businesses that want to operate across the UAE.
- Requires license from Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
- 100% foreign ownership allowed.
- Regulated by the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA).
- Ideal for international healthcare investors, clinics, and research institutions.
Step 3: Get Initial Approval from Regulatory Authority
For Mainland: DHA Initial Approval is required before you can proceed with business registration. For DHCC: Apply for a Clinical Operating License from DHCA – Regulatory (CPQ: Centre for Planning & Quality).Step 4: Choose a Trade Name and Register the Business
- Reserve your business name through Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or the free zone authority (e.g., DHCC).
- Ensure the name complies with UAE naming conventions and reflects the medical nature of the business.
- Register the business entity (LLC, sole proprietorship, branch, etc.)
Step 5: Get Professional License and Healthcare Activity Approval
For Mainland- DET issues the commercial license (e.g., "Clinic License") with approval from DHA.
- DHA grants facility and healthcare professional licenses (for doctors, nurses, etc.)
- DHCC issues a Professional License and a Facility License after inspection and compliance.
Step 6: Location and Facility Setup
- Lease or buy a facility approved by the health authority.
- Layout and interiors must meet healthcare facility standards, including hygiene, accessibility, waste disposal, patient safety, and fire safety.
- Submit blueprints for approval before construction/fit-out.
- Obtain Civil Defence Certificate, Municipality Approval, and Ejari (tenancy contract registration).
Step 7: Facility Inspection & Final Licensing
- DHA or DHCA will inspect the facility to ensure it complies with medical safety and operational standards.
- After a successful inspection, you will receive:
- Final Clinic License / Hospital License
- Permit to Operate
- Professional Licenses for all medical staff
Step 8: Hire Qualified Medical Staff
- All healthcare professionals must be licensed by:
- DHA (for mainland)
- DHCA (for DHCC)
- Each staff member must pass exams or credentialing requirements through the relevant licensing system (Sheryan for DHA, MASAAR for DHCC).
Step 9: Register with the Relevant Authorities
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) (if applicable)
- Emirates ID Authority for staff
- VAT Registration (if turnover exceeds AED 375,000/year)
Step 10: Go Live & Market Your Healthcare Business
- Set up systems for Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
- Implement medical waste management and safety protocols
- Promote your clinic/hospital with a compliant digital marketing strategy
Documents Required for Setting Up a Healthcare Clinic
To start a healthcare business in Dubai, you will need a license, and to get one for yourself, you must keep the following documents handy. Remember, the paperwork differs according to the business entity you choose.- Trade name reservation proof.
- Certificate of initial approval for the activities.
- Passport copies of all the shareholders and the manager.
- Copy of the manager’s resume.
- Personal information documents of each shareholder and the manager.
- Lease agreement proof.
- Notarised Memorandum of Association
- Power of attorney to appoint a business advisor.
- Articles of Association from the UAE Embassy at the current location.
- The physical address of your medical facility.
Cost of Opening a Healthcare Business in Dubai
Understanding the healthcare business setup cost in Dubai is crucial for investors and medical professionals aiming to establish a presence in the region. The cost of obtaining a healthcare business license typically ranges from AED 13,500* to AED 50,000, depending on the nature and scale of the facility. Key components of the setup cost include:- Initial approval: AED 235*
- Trade name registration: AED 735*
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) fee: AED 800*
