DHA Approval
Due to the increasing population, the demand for medical practitioners is on the rise. Dubai, a rapidly growing economy, has a substantial need for qualified professionals. The city, known for its progressive culture and work environment, welcomes numerous doctors, nurses, and medical interns annually, offering them opportunities to advance in the healthcare industry.
However, obtaining a license to practice medicine in the United Arab Emirates involves essential guidelines under the DHA Approval. Unlike other countries, the UAE doesn’t have a universal license for all healthcare professionals. Instead, there are four distinct licenses: MOH, DHCC, DHA, and HAAD. These licenses are valid during clinical practice and must correspond to the specific field overseen by the Dubai Healthcare Authority (DHA).
DHA Approval:
The DHA, responsible for licensing on Dubai’s mainland (excluding Dubai Healthcare City free zone), functions as a health regulator and operates four government hospitals in Dubai.
Securing DHA approval in Dubai requires a DHA license to work on the mainland. However, obtaining healthcare approval is intricate unless you engage with the correct licensing authorities. The process involves extensive paperwork and precise documentation, which can be alleviated by partnering with an established company in this domain.
Healthcare professionals in Dubai can pursue two types of DHA licensure:
- Full license
- Provisional license: For those who don’t meet full license requirements, this option allows them to work under specialist or consultant supervision.
DHA issues licenses to doctors in three categories:
- General practitioners
- Specialists
- Consultants
Initiating a clinic entails multiple steps, beginning with trade name registration through an online application to the Department of Economic Development (DED). To gain DED approval, certain factors should be considered, including obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the owner to appoint a Medical Director, a building contract, a list of healthcare professionals for the clinic, and a valid passport copy. Given that Dubai’s visa requirements can change unexpectedly, staying informed about the latest regulations is crucial.
The DHA approval process in Dubai aligns with the UAE’s sophisticated healthcare infrastructure, delivering high-quality care across government and private sectors. The primary purpose of DHA approval is to ensure the safe and superior delivery of healthcare services to the country’s citizens.
The DHA approval process is conducted online and follows a step-wise approach. While the average approval duration is around 2 months, it could extend to 1 year in some cases. The overall cost, considering all steps, is approximately AED 5000. Applicants can manage the process independently or hire a company to streamline it.
Initial requirements involve outlining your plan to the relevant authority, attaching the layout plan approved by the Dubai Municipality, and providing a copy of the trade name reservation letter from DED. Dubai Municipality’s approval for your layout plan is integral to obtaining departmental approval. Additionally, proposal letters from partners, if applicable, and accurate document submission are essential.
A crucial aspect to note during the DHA approval application is a comprehensive understanding of the licensing process before establishing your clinic in Dubai. Listing all medical professionals and consultants who will work in your hospital is necessary as well.
The DHA approval process scrutinizes each document meticulously, verifying compliance with its established procedures. Applicants aged 65 and above may undergo a medical fitness assessment if applicable.
Upon completion of the process, you can obtain your DHA Approval in Dubai and commence your clinic operations.