Opening a clinic in Dubai requires both a trade licence and DHA facility approval. The regulatory path usually begins with a New Facility Licence (often issued in inactive status), followed by fit-out to DHA clinical standards, staffing with licensed professionals, and an inspection before activation.
Key checklist items: valid mainland or free-zone trade licence with medical activity; appointed medical director holding an active DHA professional licence; floor plans and equipment list matching your specialty; infection control and waste-management protocols; EMR system compliant with DHA requirements; and a staffing roster with credential files ready for audit.
Budget for authority fees, fit-out, medical equipment, and professional licensing for your clinical team. Timelines vary from a few months for small clinics to longer for specialised centres. See our facility licensing service and fees page for indicative costs, or contact us for an inspection-readiness review.