Business Setup

How to Open a Medical Clinic in Dubai: Setup Guide

Published 26 Jul 2026 · 1 min read

Opening a medical clinic in Dubai involves Dubai Health Authority (DHA) approval on top of the standard trade licence through DET, since medical practice is a regulated activity requiring facility inspection and practitioner licensing.

Licensing and DHA approval

A medical clinic needs a healthcare activity licence through DET, alongside DHA approval covering facility standards and practitioner licensing. Every practising doctor, dentist or specialist at the clinic must hold their own individual DHA professional licence, separate from the clinic's business licence.

Facility and staffing requirements

DHA approval typically covers equipment, hygiene standards, and space requirements specific to the medical specialty offered — a materially more involved process than a standard trading licence's premises approval. Staffing requirements also vary by the specific medical services offered.

Costs and timeline

Costs vary enormously by clinic specialty, equipment needs and facility size. Engage DHA directly for facility-specific requirements once your medical specialty and scale are defined, and model your base licensing cost with this site's Business Setup Cost Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a single doctor open a clinic in Dubai?

Yes, though the doctor still needs their own individual DHA professional licence in addition to the clinic's business and facility approvals.

How long does DHA approval typically take?

DHA approval, including facility inspection, generally takes longer than a standard trade licence given the additional compliance and safety checks involved — confirm current timelines directly with DHA.

Does a physiotherapy clinic face the same requirements as a general clinic?

Allied-health services are generally regulated, though specific facility and staffing requirements can differ from a general medical clinic — confirm the exact requirements for your specialty with DHA.

Can a clinic operate from a free zone in Dubai?

Medical practice is generally licensed as a mainland activity given the health authority approval and patient-facing nature of the business — confirm with DHA whether any specific arrangement applies to your case.

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