Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC)

The UAE’s Premier Healthcare & Wellness Free Zone

Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is a globally recognized medical free zone offering an integrated ecosystem of healthcare service providers, research centers, medical training institutions, wellness retreats, and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Located in the heart of Dubai and regulated by the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), DHCC is a purpose-built community that combines clinical excellence with holistic well-being, making it the preferred destination for medical tourism, specialty care, and wellness innovation in the region.

Why Choose Dubai Healthcare City?

• Two Distinct Phases: 
  • Phase 1 focuses on clinical services—hospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs, and specialist centers.
    
  • Phase 2 is dedicated to wellness, medical hospitality, and lifestyle medicine. 
• International Accreditation: All providers must meet international healthcare standards.
  
• Support for Medical Education & R&D: Dedicated space for medical universities and research institutes.
  
• No Local Sponsor Required: 100% foreign ownership allowed.
• Streamlined Licensing for Healthcare Professionals: Unified portal for doctors, nurses, and therapists.

Who Should Set Up in DHCC?

• Multi-Specialty Hospitals & Clinics
  
• Outpatient Diagnostic & Surgical Centers
  
• Dental, Dermatology, and Aesthetic Clinics
  
• Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centers
  
• Homeopathy, Ayurveda & Alternative Medicine Providers
  
• Wellness Centers, Spas & Medical Retreats
  
• Medical Training Institutes
• Healthcare Research Labs & Biotech Firms

Key Licensing Bodies in DHCC

• Dubai Healthcare City Authority – Regulatory (DHCR): Regulates clinical operations.
  
• Dubai Healthcare City Authority – Education (DHCE): Oversees medical and healthcare education.
• Dubai Healthcare City Authority – Investment (DHCI): Handles infrastructure and commercial activities.

Licensing Types Offered

• Clinical License – For hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and medical centers.
  
• Non-Clinical License – For service providers like management, wellness, HR, billing, and tech.
  
• Education License – For institutions offering medical and health sciences training.
• Retail License – For pharmacies, wellness shops, cafés, and medical equipment suppliers.

Steps to Set Up in DHCC

1. Submit Letter of Intent – Includes proposed business type, services, and structure.
   
2. Pre-Qualification by DHCR – Ensure compliance with healthcare regulatory standards.
   
3. Select Facility – Clinics, offices, or wellness space in Phase 1 or Phase 2.
   
4. Submit Legal & Financial Documents – Business plan, shareholder details, etc.
   
5. License Issuance & Regulatory Approvals – Includes permits for medical professionals.
6. Operational Launch – After site inspections and equipment approvals (if applicable).

Benefits of Operating in DHCC

• No Corporate or Income Tax
  
• 100% Repatriation of Profits and Capital
  
• Access to Dubai’s Booming Medical Tourism Market
  
• Professional Licensing Support for Healthcare Staff
  
• Built-in Patient Footfall and Visibility
• Customizable Space Solutions – Clinics, day hospitals, retail spaces, and training centers.

How We Support You

Whether you’re a doctor planning to open your own clinic, a wellness brand looking to enter the UAE, or a hospital expanding to the Middle East, our experts simplify the DHCC licensing process. We assist with:

• Activity selection and application strategy
  
• Facility sourcing in Phase 1 or 2
  
• Regulatory submissions and licensing
  
• Clinical staff licensing and visa processing
• Medical equipment import and registration