In the UAE’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, operating a medical facility legally requires securing the appropriate license from the relevant health authority. Whether you’re opening a clinic, hospital, pharmacy, or diagnostic center, obtaining a medical facility license is a mandatory step that ensures quality, safety, and compliance with healthcare standards. Blogs
This guide will walk you through the essentials of health facility licensing, healthcare administrator requirements, medical device authorization, and agency licensing—particularly within Abu Dhabi and the broader UAE.
Health Facility Licensing and Certification
The health facility licensing process in the UAE is regulated by three major authorities, depending on the emirate:
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Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH)
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Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
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Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) – for Northern Emirates
Licensing ensures that healthcare establishments—such as hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and labs—meet strict infrastructure, equipment, and staffing requirements.
Key steps to obtain a facility license:
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Initial Approval – Submit a business plan and initial application.
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Location and Layout Review – Floor plans must meet safety and space standards.
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Inspection – Health authorities inspect fire safety, infection control, and accessibility.
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Final Licensing – Once standards are met, a full operating license is issued.
Each facility must also comply with certification requirements, including data privacy, hygiene protocols, and staff licensing. Non-compliance can lead to suspension or revocation of the license.
Healthcare Facility Administrator License
A healthcare facility administrator plays a pivotal role in managing day-to-day operations and ensuring the facility adheres to regulatory frameworks. To legally hold this position in the UAE, one must obtain a facility administrator license from the local health authority.
Basic requirements include:
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Bachelor’s or Master’s in healthcare management, hospital administration, or a related field.
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Minimum 3–5 years of experience in healthcare operations.
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Clean legal record and good standing certificate.
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Possibly passing a healthcare management or ethics exam, depending on the emirate.
Administrators are responsible for compliance, staff performance, budgeting, and liaising with regulatory bodies. Without this license, an individual cannot be officially designated as the head of a medical facility in the UAE.
What Is a Medical Device License?
A medical device license is a certification that allows a company or facility to import, distribute, or sell medical devices in the UAE. These can include equipment like surgical instruments, imaging machines, diagnostic kits, and assistive devices.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) oversees the licensing of medical devices, ensuring that all products meet international safety and efficacy standards.
To obtain a medical device license:
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The company must be UAE-based and registered.
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Submit product documentation, safety certifications, and technical specifications.
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Gain MOHAP approval after an evaluation of risk and compliance.
For manufacturers or distributors, this license is crucial to legally operate and sell medical equipment across the UAE.
How to Get a Medical Agency Licence
If you’re planning to represent or distribute healthcare products or services in the UAE, you’ll need a medical agency license. This license authorizes an individual or company to act as an agent for medical suppliers, pharmaceutical brands, or medical device manufacturers.
Here’s how to apply:
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Register the agency with the Department of Economic Development (DED).
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Obtain approval from MOHAP or the relevant health authority.
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Submit partnership agreements and proof of exclusive or authorized distributorship.
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Meet warehousing, labeling, and importation standards.
A medical agency license enables access to public and private healthcare tenders and expands your network in the UAE’s growing medical market.
Medical License Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, all healthcare professionals and facilities must be licensed by the Department of Health (DoH). This applies to:
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Hospitals and clinics
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Diagnostic centers
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Pharmacies
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Wellness centers
To operate legally, facilities must undergo a stringent inspection process, submit comprehensive documentation, and hire licensed professionals only.
Doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals must individually pass the DoH exam, undergo DataFlow verification, and submit malpractice insurance before practicing.
Abu Dhabi also ensures that licensed facilities participate in continuous quality improvement programs, making it one of the most tightly regulated healthcare jurisdictions in the region.
Facility Medical License
A facility medical license is an umbrella term for the legal authorization granted to operate any healthcare establishment in the UAE. Whether you’re setting up a polyclinic, rehabilitation center, or cosmetic surgery facility, this license validates your operations..
Requirements generally include:
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Legal ownership documents
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Premises layout and safety compliance
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Healthcare professional staffing plan
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Infection control and emergency preparedness protocols
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Final inspection and approval from the relevant health authority
It is important to remember that the facility license must be renewed annually, and any structural changes or service expansions must be pre-approved by the health authority.
Operating without a valid facility medical license is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including closure and legal action.
Montgo Health – Your Partner in Medical Licensing
Navigating the complexities of facility and healthcare licensing in the UAE can be overwhelming without expert support. That’s where Montgo Health comes in.
Montgo Health offers end-to-end licensing and consulting services for:
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Medical facility licensing (clinics, hospitals, labs)
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Professional licensing for doctors, nurses, and administrators
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MOHAP and DHA compliance consulting
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Medical device and agency registration
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Staffing and recruitment for licensed facilities
Whether you’re an investor launching a new medical center or a doctor establishing your private practice, Montgo Health streamlines the licensing process—saving you time, money, and stress.
Contact Montgo Health today to schedule a consultation and turn your healthcare vision into a licensed, compliant reality in the UAE.
The UAE is a hub for healthcare innovation, but licensing is the foundation of operating within this highly regulated sector. From health facility certification to medical agency licensing, understanding each step is essential for success.
Whether you’re starting a medical practice or expanding your healthcare business, ensure you’re properly licensed—and let Montgo Health be your trusted guide on that journey.
Frequently Ask Questions
Q. How to get a UAE medical licence?
A. To get a UAE medical licence, apply through the relevant health authority (DoH, DHA, or MOHAP), verify your credentials via DataFlow, pass the licensing exam, and submit required documents like experience certificates and malpractice insurance.
Q. How much does it cost to get a medical license in the UAE?
A. The total cost of obtaining a medical license in the UAE typically ranges from AED 5,000 to AED 10,000, including DataFlow verification, exam fees, application charges, and malpractice insurance.
Q. What is a MOH license in the UAE?
A. A MOH (Ministry of Health and Prevention) license allows healthcare professionals to work in the Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah). It is one of the three main health authority licenses in the UAE.
Q. What is a No. 8 license in the UAE?
A. A No. 8 license is a specific business license category issued by the UAE’s Department of Economic Development (DED) that allows medical professionals to open a private clinic or practice. It is commonly associated with medical facility ownership.
Q. How to convert DoH license to DHA in UAE?
A. To convert a DoH license (Abu Dhabi) to a DHA license (Dubai), you must:
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Cancel your current DoH license
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Reapply via DHA’s Sheryan portal
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Submit DataFlow verification (if not already shared)
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Possibly retake the licensing exam (exemption may apply based on criteria)
Q. What is the cost of a DHA license in Dubai?
A. A DHA license in Dubai generally costs between AED 6,000 to AED 10,000, depending on the profession. This includes exam fees, application processing, DataFlow verification, and malpractice insurance.