🏥 How to Open a Medical Clinic in Dubai
Opening a medical clinic in Dubai isn’t just about renting a space and hiring staff. There are several legal, technical, and operational requirements that must be met before you can open your doors.
In this article, we explain the exact steps required before launching a clinic in Dubai—so you can avoid delays and stay fully compliant. Whether you’re a healthcare investor, doctor, or entrepreneur, Aura Health Solutions can support you every step of the way.
📋 Step 1: Finalize Your Legal Business Structure
Before anything else, you must decide how your clinic will operate legally. You can choose between:
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A sole proprietorship
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A limited liability company (LLC)
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A branch of an existing entity
Each option has different implications for ownership, liability, and licensing.
💼 Aura helps you choose the best structure for your goals and streamlines the legal setup.
🧾 Step 2: Get Initial Trade Name & Activity Approval
Next, submit your proposed clinic name and services to Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED). The name:
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Must follow medical naming guidelines
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Cannot include restricted terms like “hospital” or “center” unless approved
➡️ Need help navigating the naming rules? Aura takes care of it for you.
🏥 Step 3: Apply for DHA Facility Licensing
Once the name is approved, you’ll apply for a DHA facility license through the Sheryan system. This step requires:
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Layout/floor plans
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Medical director information
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Staff proposal list
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Civil defense clearance
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Trade license draft
🗂️ Aura prepares and submits all documents correctly, so you don’t have to worry about errors or delays.
🔧 Step 4: Comply With Technical & Design Guidelines
Your clinic layout must follow DHA’s technical specifications, which cover:
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Minimum room dimensions
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Handwashing stations and medical waste disposal
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Disabled access routes
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Waiting area sizes
🏗️ Aura’s design consultants review your floor plans to ensure they’re DHA-compliant before inspection.
💻 Step 5: Set Up EMR & NABIDH Integration
DHA requires all clinics in Dubai to connect with NABIDH, Dubai’s health data exchange system. Therefore, you must:
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Install a DHA-approved Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system
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Ensure your system integrates with NABIDH
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Train staff to use the EMR correctly
🖥️ Aura provides full NABIDH and EMR support, including vendor selection and integration.
👨⚕️ Step 6: Hire DHA-Licensed Medical Staff
Before your final inspection, you must recruit licensed healthcare professionals, such as:
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A licensed Medical Director
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DHA-approved Nurses and Allied Health Professionals
Each professional must have: For Example
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A valid DHA license
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Good Standing Certificate
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Basic Life Support (BLS) training
✅ Aura assists with staff credentialing, licensing, and HR onboarding.
✅ Step 7: Final DHA Inspection & Facility Licensing
When your clinic setup is complete, DHA will conduct a site inspection. If your: For Example
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Documentation
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Facility design
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Staff licensing
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EMR system
…all meet requirements, you will receive your official DHA facility license and can open your doors.
📅 Aura coordinates with DHA and prepares your team and facility to pass inspection on the first try.
🟢 Final Thoughts: Open Smart, Open Compliant
Opening a clinic in Dubai is an exciting business opportunity. However, missing even one requirement can cause costly delays or licensing failures.
By following each of these 7 steps—and getting expert help from Aura Health Solutions—you can launch your clinic faster, safer, and with full confidence.
👉 Let Aura handle your clinic setup from A to Z.
