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Start a Healthcare Business in Dubai
  • By Business Consultant
  • August 16, 2024

Being in the healthcare sector feels incredibly rewarding, doesn’t it? The sense of fulfilment and contentment that comes from knowing you are making a positive impact on someone’s life is profound. Whether you are a doctor improving lives directly or running a university that is shaping the doctors of tomorrow, contributing to society, either directly or indirectly, brings immense satisfaction and joy. Now, imagine having such a business in a city like Dubai. Dubai’s healthcare sector is out of this world. People from all over the globe come here specifically to access the latest healthcare facilities and technologies to treat various diseases. You can start a healthcare business in Dubai and open opportunities you never knew existed!  

In fact, there is a fully dedicated and renowned free zone in Dubai, known as Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), where you can set up your healthcare business. 

But how do you start and get your business up and running in this fabulous city? You are in the right place to find out. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to start a healthcare business in Dubai, including its benefits, paperwork, and exclusive advantages. 

Is the healthcare sector in Dubai worth investing in? 

You might be working is it even worth to invest and start a healthcare business in UAE. Let us tell you that the healthcare sector in UAE is witnessing extraordinary growth and revenue boost. According to Dubai Chamber, UAE healthcare revenue is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% and reach whopping AED 39.4 billion ($10.7 billion) by 2025. Huge market promises huge profits! 

Besides that, let us remind you of the exciting benefits that you get if you start a healthcare business in Dubai: 

  • You can enjoy full ownership of your business setup in Dubai. 
  • Government support and incentives for foreign entrepreneurs and investors are unmatched. 
  • There are very favourable tax rates, meaning you get to keep most of what you earn. 
  • Dubai’s economy is flourishing, and its members are bound to thrive as well. 
  • Dubai is a central global hub, offering international exposure for your business. 
  • The innovative healthcare technology and facilities elevate the ease of doing business to the next level. 
  • You can choose from many business activities, each better than the next. 

Types of healthcare business in Dubai: 

One important thing to know about the healthcare sector in Dubai is its vast scope. The city offers business options that cater to every budget and requirement. You can easily find a choice that fits your capacity and budget. Here are some profitable business ideas in Dubai for the healthcare industry: 

1. Private clinic and hospitals:

If you have sufficient resources and capabilities, you might consider establishing your own facility, such as a hospital or specialized clinic in Dubai. This venture can open up numerous opportunities, as the residents of the city are highly attentive to their health and often seek out comprehensive, high-quality medical care. However, starting such a facility is not as straightforward as it may seem; you will need to obtain the necessary authorizations, licenses, and permits to begin operations. 

2. Ambulatory centers: 

Ambulatory care, also known as outpatient care, includes medical services provided to patients who need treatment without requiring an overnight stay in a hospital or facility. It encompasses a wide range of services, including diagnosis, observation, consultation, and treatment.  

3. Medical publishing: 

Medical publishing is an intriguing business idea. You can start as a medical publisher, focusing on medical journals, clinical research papers, databases, online content, and medical books. The target market for this business can be quite promising, as it will attract both students and medical professionals. 

4. Healthcare college/universities:

How about exploring the education aspect of healthcare? You can start a higher education institution, such as a junior medical college or even a full-fledged medical university successfully in Dubai. Believe it or not, the sky is the limit in this field, offering immense potential for growth. 

5. Professional training services:

No mistakes are allowed in the healthcare sector, as it directly involves people’s lives and health. All clinics, facilities, and medical care centers must maintain skilled and professional staff to deliver flawless services. You can target this need with your training business, offering short courses in areas such as HR training, social and behavioural skills, and skill development, among others. 

6. Healthcare investment management company:

If you have a keen eye for investments, you can start a healthcare business in Dubai as an investment management firm. This venture allows you to plan and manage the financial resources and investments of healthcare providers, such as hospitals and clinics.  

7. Non-profit healthcare organization:

Starting a healthcare business is fundamentally about contributing to the well-being of others. If you wish to take this mission even further, consider starting a healthcare NGO. This would give you the opportunity to serve the underprivileged and those in need. The level of self-fulfilment that comes from making a meaningful impact on lives is unmatched. 

8. Healthcare consultancy:

Dubai is home to thousands of medical centers and facilities. In fact, many more are continuing to establish themselves here. With the rise in healthcare businesses, the need for consultancy services follows. You can provide top-notch consultancy to these centers and make a name for yourself. 

Documents needed for healthcare business in UAE: 

Here are the documents you will generally need to start a healthcare business in Dubai: 

  • Physical address details of business 
  • Passport copies for all shareholders and managers. 
  • Trade certificate or proof of reserved trade name. 
  • Articles of Association from the UAE Embassy. 
  • Lease or rental agreement (actual premises is required).
  • Initial approval or certificate for the business activity. The manager of the license should be a medicine degree holder
  • Resume of the manager. 
  • Proof of owners’ finances and account balances. 
  • Power of attorney to appoint a business advisor. 
  • Notarized Memorandum of Association. 

Remember, additional documents may be asked for depending on your specific case. You do not want any issues with paperwork, right? You won’t have them with Dubiz business setup by your side.  

Easy steps to start healthcare business in Dubai: 

Now that we have explored the types of healthcare businesses in Dubai and paperwork needed, lets now talk about its process. Here are the steps that need to be followed to start a healthcare business in Dubai, such as a clinic or hospital, in Dubai smoothly: 

Step 1 – Decide your business and make a plan: 

Any business starts with proper research, and the same goes for a healthcare business setup in Dubai. To enter this field, you must first identify the medical activities you are going to carry out, assess the demand, understand who your competitors are, and become familiar with the regulatory landscape. Remember, well-planned is half done. Set targets and goals and develop a concrete plan that includes how you will deliver services, your target market, projections, and operational details. This plan will be your guiding star a roadmap ahead.  

Step 2 – Trade name reservation: 

Next, decide on your business name and get it registered with the DED (Department of Economic Development). Do not forget to follow the naming rules carefully to avoid any problems. 

Step 3 – Select legal entity: 

You need to decide on an appropriate business structure in UAE for your healthcare business, such as an LLC (Limited Liability Company), a branch of an international company, or a sole proprietorship. Each structure has its own unique features and implications. Choose the one that best meets your business needs. 

Step 4 – Initial approval by DED: 

To run any business in Dubai, you need to get a green signal from the DED. Similarly, for your healthcare business, you must secure a No Objection Certificate (NOC) before you can proceed further. 

Step 5 – DHA approval and licensing: 

For a healthcare business in Dubai, you specifically need to obtain consent from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the primary regulator of healthcare sector in the city. You will need to apply for a license with them as well. The manager of the license should be a medicine degree holder. 

Step 6 – Prepare the documentation: 

Here you have to be careful. All the paperwork needs to be appropriate and complete to ensure a smooth license application process. Mistakes can lead to cancellation and delays, which you want to avoid. That is why it is best to reach out to healthcare business setup consultants UAE who can help with all the paperwork, ensuring it is complete and accurate with nothing missed.  

Step 7 – Apply for trade license: 

By now, you should know that to operate a healthcare business legally in Dubai, you need specific UAE trade licenses and permits. The type of license you need depends on your activity. For example, it could be a healthcare facility license (for hospitals or clinics) or a service license (for consulting, etc.). You must approach Dubai Health City Authority (DHCA) or other relevant regulatory bodies and apply for the appropriate licenses. This will also include paying the required fees. Once everything is reviewed and approved by the authorities, you will receive your license. 

Step 8 – Open bank account 

Do not forget to open a business bank account in Dubai for your company. Choose a bank that aligns with your needs. The process to start a healthcare business in Dubai for foreigners also includes visa application. As a foreign entrepreneur you will need to arrange visas for yourself, your family and even your employees if required.  

Healthcare business setup in Dubai Healthcare City freezone: 

Dubai is home to amazing free zones, including Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC), which specializes in the healthcare sector. You can start a healthcare business in Dubai in this freezone and unlock unlimited opportunities for yourself. 

The infrastructure, technology, and network here are outstanding. It hosts more than 4,000 healthcare professionals, 10 hospitals, 36 recreational facilities, and 168 clinical facilities. That is why it needs a separate mention. The benefits you can enjoy here are limitless: tax advantages, 100% ownership, top-notch facilities, and more. You can start your company as a free zone limited liability company, a branch of a UAE or foreign company, or a free zone establishment. Healthcare business activities in DHCC are extensive and include: 

  • Hospitals and clinics 
  • Medical colleges and universities 
  • Pharmacies 
  • Medical equipment suppliers 
  • Wellness and fitness centers 
  • Research centers 
  • Consulting services 

In DHCC, you get two options where you can start a healthcare business in Dubai: 

  1. Wellness community: This area spans around 19 million square feet and includes centers for dietary and health consultations, therapeutic treatments, and health maintenance. 
  2. Medical community: Covering about 4 million square feet, this area is dedicated to healthcare and medical facilities, including clinics, hospitals, and others. 

Remember, in this zone you need to obtain the necessary permits and licenses from Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA) which is the freezone’s governing body. 

Cost of starting a healthcare business in Dubai: 

The cost of a healthcare business setup in Dubai typically includes: 

  • Cost of healthcare business license in Dubai is AED 13,500*. 
  • Initial approval cost: AED 235* 
  • Tradename registration fees: AED 735* 
  • Memorandum of association: AED 800* 
  • DHA inspection and registration fees: AED 9,000* 

The cost basically depends on your required facilities, location, and other factors. Our experts at Dubiz business setup can assist you with accurate costing. Reach out to them for more details. 

Get your healthcare business setup with ease! 

Starting a healthcare business in Dubai is not rocket science. With the right knowledge and assistance, you can obtain your required licenses smoothly. Given the many advantages of such a business in Dubai, your success will know no bounds. If you are still unsure how to proceed with the business setup, do not worry. Dubiz is here to guide you through it all. 

Whether it is obtaining necessary approvals and documentation from the relevant government authorities, including the authorization of in-house equipment, business location, and medical practice licenses or your UAE company registration, our experts handle it all from A to Z. We strive to make your company formation in Dubai not just easy but enjoyable. 

So, we encourage you to take action and call us. We don’t want you to delay your success any longer. 

Contact DUBIZ today at +971 562986853 or WhatsApp us at +971 569973630. You can also drop an email at info@dubiz.co for any inquiries.   

FAQs 

1. Is the healthcare business profitable in Dubai? 

Yes, healthcare is a profitable business in Dubai. Residents here value their health, have strong purchasing power, and are willing to invest in both treatment and preventive care. Additionally, Dubai offers unmatched tax incentives. 

2. What healthcare businesses can I carry out in Dubai? 

Here are popular healthcare businesses you can start in Dubai: 

  1. Ambulatory centers 
  2. Private clinics and hospitals 
  3. Medical publishing 
  4. Healthcare colleges/universities 
  5. Professional training services 
  6. Healthcare investment management 
  7. Non-profit healthcare organization 
  8. Healthcare consultancy 

3. Who regulates the healthcare sector in Dubai? 

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) oversees and regulates the healthcare sector in Dubai. It sets health policies and standards, and is responsible for regulating, licensing, and monitoring both public and private healthcare services in the city. 

4. How to obtain DHA license in Dubai? 

All healthcare professionals in Dubai must obtain a DHA license to start their careers legally. Follow these simple steps to get your DHA license: 

  1. Use the self-assessment tool to check your eligibility. 
  2. Create an account on the DHA Sheryan portal. 
  3. Pay the fee and complete the CBT (Computer based test) assessment and verification on the portal. 
  4. Pass the oral exam. 
  5. Activate your license once registered. 

5. What license do I need to start a healthcare business in Dubai? 

Remember, you need two licenses to start a healthcare business in Dubai. One is from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), which oversees the regulation and governance of the healthcare sector within the emirate. The second license can be obtained from the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the respective free zone authority.  

6. What are the benefits of starting a healthcare business in the UAE? 

The benefits you can enjoy if your start a healthcare business in UAE include: 

  • Growing market demand 
  • Global exposure and access 
  • Easy business setup and expansion 
  • Top-notch technologies and facilities 
  • Wide range of healthcare business activities 
  • Tax incentives and benefits 
  • Strong network of medical professionals 

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