The Dubai healthcare industry has been booming for many years. Not only does it provide world-class services to residents, but the emirate’s clinics are also hugely popular among medical tourists.
So much so that the healthcare industry is estimated to generate over USD 4.6 billion every year, while annual medical tourism revenues exceed USD 600 million. This presents an opportunity for those with the skills and business acumen to open and operate healthcare clinics within the UAE.
From general health centres to specialist therapy and diagnostic services, there are numerous types of clinics in demand in Dubai. And with the right support, opening one out here is fast and straightforward.
In this article, we’ll look at the key considerations and processes involved.
How to open a clinic in Dubai: step-by-step
Although opening a clinic in Dubai is straightforward, it requires some knowledge of local authorities and customs. That’s why it’s always a good idea to partner with a local expert before starting the process.
When you set up your UAE company with Creative Zone, your dedicated contact will guide you through every step of the process.
Step 1: Choosing your company name
One of the most important early steps when starting any business in Dubai is to choose a company name. When making this decision, you will need to comply with a few naming conventions.
In short, you should avoid any offensive or blasphemous language. Avoid names of well-known organisations, and avoid abbreviations if naming your company after yourself – i.e., Dave Mann Consulting, rather than D Mann Consulting. You must also check that your chosen name is available to register.
Step 2: Gather documentation
Next, the expert team at Creative Zone will help you gather all the documents required for your license application. This usually includes your business plan, a completed application form and copies of your passport.
Step 3: Making your trade license application
You are now ready to apply for your license to open a clinic in Dubai. The process will differ slightly depending on whether you opt to set up in a free zone or in the mainland.
When setting up in the mainland, applications are made directly to Dubai’s Department of Economic Development (DED) or equivalent. When setting up in a free zone, applications are managed by the governing authority. In either case, we’ll manage your application on your behalf, liaising with all relevant stakeholders along the way.
Step 4: Gain approvals
As well as obtaining a trade license, you will need approval from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). You can apply for this via the DHA’s online portal. Depending on the types of services you intend to offer, you may also need to ensure that your staff, such as doctors, nurses and technicians, are correctly licensed by the DHA.
Step 5: Making your visa application
You will also need to apply for a visa if you intend to live and work in the UAE. This is a multi-step process involving a blood test, x-ray and biometric scanning. First, you must apply for an entry permit, which must be activated. After this stage, you can submit your passport to immigration in several ways to receive your visa stamp.
As a UAE trade license holder, you can sponsor others for their visas. This could be a spouse, parent or child, or a domestic worker such as a housekeeper.
Understanding legal and regulatory requirements
When opening a clinic in Dubai, it is important to understand that you will be governed by strict regulations as set out by the various authorities.
As well as complying with DHA licensing and services regulations, you must ensure your medical policies adhere to Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) best practices. Your business must also comply with the environmental, waste management and public health standards of the Dubai Municipality.
These guidelines and regulations exist to ensure that your business meets the emirate’s rigorous standards for everything from hygiene and accessibility to licensing and patient privacy. Failure to comply with these standards can lead to fines, suspension, license revocation and, in worst cases, legal proceedings.
How to hire staff for a new clinic in Dubai
There are several key strategies to keep in mind when staffing a clinic in Dubai, including:
Determining your needs
The first step to any successful new hire is determining the position that needs filling. While this sounds obvious, many businesses go to the talent market without a clear idea of the skills and qualifications they require. So, before advertising any vacancies, take the time to assess your operation and prioritise your hires. As well as medical staff, you are likely to require administrative support, cleaning teams, management, and more. With a clear picture of your needs, you’re ready to begin your search.
Advertising vacancies
There are many ways to advertise vacancies in Dubai. By far, the most popular is online recruitment portals. Sites such as Bayt and GulfTalent are visited by millions of job seekers looking for their next role. Others, such as medacs, are tailored to the medical sector. Word of mouth is another great way to discover talent out here. By networking with other industry professionals, you are likely to hear about employees between jobs or those looking for a new challenge.
Onboarding and training
The training process is just as important as the hiring process. It is little use uncovering a great hire, only to throw them in the deep end where they are likely to struggle. By ensuring that your new staff are equipped with everything they need to thrive, you can be confident that new starters will hit the ground running.
How to grow your clinic in Dubai
Build your online presence
The fastest way to create a presence in Dubai is to build a compelling website listing the services offered by your clinic and promote it via social media. LinkedIn and Instagram offer many tools to help you build a following and get your message in front of your target audience. It is also vital that your business is listed in all local directories and any relevant industry listings.
Work with partners
Working with complementary partners is a great way to get your business in front of the right people. This could mean working with insurers on a referral basis or cross-promoting with other healthcare providers. This approach allows you to engage with people likely to be interested in your offering.
Delight your customers
There is no better advertisement for your business than word of mouth. That’s why it’s vital that you deliver exceptional experiences to every customer. You should also consider putting incentives in place to encourage your customers to refer friends and family or leave you a review.
About Creative Zone
Selecting the right partner when opening a clinic in Dubai is a critical step toward ensuring its success.
As the most trusted business setup advisor in the Middle East, our company has been empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs with comprehensive support since 2010. With a strong reputation for assisting businesses locally and globally, we offer a complete range of solutions for all your business setup needs.
From choosing the right business structure and navigating the regulatory landscape to maximising compliance and operational efficiency, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact us today to kickstart your business in Dubai.
