Professional and Facility Licenses for Private Hospitals and Clinics
What You Need to Know
Starting a private hospital or clinic in Dubai is an exciting venture. Whether you’re a seasoned healthcare provider or a new investor, there’s one thing you absolutely can’t skip — licenses. Think of these licenses as your official go-ahead to provide healthcare services. Without them, you’re not just bending the rules — you’re risking your business and your patients’ safety.
In this blog, we’ll break down the different types of licenses needed to run a healthcare facility in Dubai, why they’re important, and how to get them — all in simple, easy-to-follow language.
Why Licenses Matter in Healthcare
Let’s start with the basics. Why do you even need licenses?
Dubai has one of the most well-regulated healthcare systems in the world, overseen mainly by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). These licenses are not just a formality — they’re proof that you meet the required standards in safety, staffing, infrastructure, and hygiene.
Licenses serve three key purposes:
Ensure Safety: They confirm that your facility meets health, hygiene, and infrastructure standards.
Legitimize Your Practice: They prove you have qualified staff, certified doctors, and the right to operate.
Protect Patients and the Law: Without the right licenses, you could face legal trouble or even be shut down.
Two Main Categories of Licenses
When it comes to setting up a hospital or clinic, the licenses you’ll need fall under two broad categories:
1. Professional Licenses
These are tied to the qualifications of the individuals running the facility — mainly doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.
2. Facility Licenses
These relate to the hospital or clinic as a physical space and healthcare institution.
Let’s dive into each category.
1. Professional Licenses
Whether you’re running a single-doctor clinic or a multi-specialty hospital, every healthcare provider must hold valid licenses. Here’s what’s generally required:
A. DHA Professional License
All doctors must be registered with the Medical Council or Medical Council of India (now merged into the National Medical Commission – NMC). This license confirms you’re a certified medical practitioner.
For Ayurveda, Homeopathy, or other streams, you’ll need registration with their respective councils (e.g., CCIM for Ayurveda, CCH for Homeopathy).
B. Nursing Staff Licenses
Nurses also need to be registered with the Nursing Council. Without this, they are not legally allowed to practice.
C. Allied Health Professional Licenses
Physiotherapists, lab technicians, radiographers, and others need licenses from their respective councils or boards (like the Rehabilitation Council of India for physiotherapists).
D. Foreign Practitioners
If you’re hiring foreign doctors or nurses, they must get clearance from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and Indian Medical Council, as well as visa/work permits.
2. Facility Licenses
Now that the professionals are covered, let’s look at the licenses needed for the hospital or clinic itself.
A. DHA Health Facility License
This is probably the most important license for your facility. It’s mandatory under the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010.
You need to register your hospital or clinic with the district health authority or municipal health department. They’ll inspect the premises to check whether you meet the required standards.
B. Biomedical Waste Management Authorization
Hospitals generate a lot of waste — some of it hazardous. You must have authorization from the Pollution Control Board for proper disposal.
This includes:
Used needles/syringes
Expired medicines
Human tissue or samples
Without this license, you’re violating environmental laws.
C. Fire Safety Certificate
Safety first! You need to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Fire Department to show that your building has proper fire exits, extinguishers, alarms, and training.
D. Building Completion Certificate
This proves your hospital or clinic is built according to approved plans and zoning laws. You’ll need this from your municipal corporation or urban planning department.
E. Pharmacy License
Planning to run a medical store inside the clinic or hospital? You’ll need a Retail Drug License from the Drug Control Department. A registered pharmacist must be in charge.
F. Lab License
If your facility has a diagnostic lab or collection center, it needs to be registered with the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) or local health authorities.
G. Radiology License
If you’re offering X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, you’ll need approval from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) due to radiation safety norms.
H. Lift License & Electrical Safety Certificate
If you have a multi-story building with elevators, or high-powered equipment like surgical units or air-handling systems, make sure to get:
Lift Safety Certificate
Electrical Safety Certificate from your electricity board
Final Thoughts
Getting licensed in Dubai may seem complex, but it’s a well-defined process. These licenses protect your business, ensure patient safety, and give you credibility in one of the most competitive healthcare markets in the world.
Don’t hesitate to work with a local healthcare consultant who can help you navigate the DHA, DED, and other authorities. It’s an investment that will save you time, hassle, and legal trouble.
Whether you’re launching a boutique wellness clinic or a 100-bed specialty hospital, getting your professional and facility licenses is step one in building a successful healthcare brand in Dubai.
Faqs
1. What license is required to open a private clinic or hospital in Dubai?
You need approval from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to operate a private clinic or hospital. This includes both Facility Licensing and Professional Licensing for all healthcare providers. The process ensures your facility meets Dubai’s strict healthcare standards in safety, hygiene, and medical competency.
2. How do I apply for a DHA Facility License in Dubai?
You must apply through the DHA’s Sheryan portal, which is the official licensing and regulation system. Submit your facility layout, ownership documents, staff details, and required approvals. Once reviewed and inspected, DHA will issue your license if all compliance standards are met.
3. Do all healthcare professionals in my clinic need a DHA license?
Yes. Every healthcare professional — doctors, nurses, dentists, physiotherapists, lab techs — must hold an active DHA Professional License to legally work in Dubai. They must pass exams, verify qualifications, and meet experience criteria. Unlicensed professionals are not allowed to practice, even under supervision.
4. Is a separate license required for radiology or diagnostic labs in Dubai?
Yes. If your clinic offers diagnostic imaging like X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds, you need additional approval from DHA and sometimes the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR). The equipment, staff, and safety protocols must meet radiation safety and operational guidelines.
5. How long is a DHA facility license valid, and what is the renewal process?
A DHA facility license is usually valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Renewals are done through the Sheryan portal by submitting updated documents, inspection reports (if required), and paying the renewal fee. Ensure timely renewal to avoid penalties or disruption in services.