How do you get a DHA facility licence for a new clinic?

Apply through Sheryan for initial approval, which issues an inactive licence valid for one year. Activate it with a medical director, a record system that meets the NABIDH minimum data set and passes connectivity, and a passed DHA inspection, and the licence then runs for one, two or three years.

Two steps, set in DHA's manual

DHA's Manual for Licensing Health Facility, version 1.1, effective 20 November 2024, sets the steps. Initial approval needs a trade licence or proposed trade name, a facility proposal with its clinical programme, the location and a layout by a prequalified consultant, and the fee. It issues an inactive licence for one year, during which the facility may not treat patients or advertise.¹ Sheryan issues approved requests as inactive licences in an average of five working days.²

1. Open a Sheryan account. And apply for a new facility licence.
2. Submit the proposal. Trade name, clinical programme, location and layout.
3. Receive the inactive licence. Valid for one year, with no patients treated and no advertising until activation.
4. Appoint a medical director. And recruit DHA-licensed staff.
5. Connect to NABIDH. A record system that meets the minimum data set, and a connectivity approval.
6. Pass the DHA inspection. On site or remotely through RASED.
7. Activate the licence. For one, two or three years.

1. Trade name ______ Facility type ______
2. Initial approval on ______ Inactive licence expires ______
3. Medical director ______
4. Record system ______ NABIDH approval on ______
5. Inspection on ______ Licence term ______

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Questions

Can we see patients on an inactive licence?

No, the facility may not treat patients or advertise until the licence is active.

How long does an active licence last?

One, two or three years.

Is NABIDH needed before activation?

Yes, the record system must meet the NABIDH minimum data set and pass connectivity.

Sources

1. 1Dubai Health Authority, 2024Manual for Licensing Health Facility, version 1.1, effective 20 November 2024Read source
2. 2Dubai Health Authority, 2026Sheryan, new facility licence serviceRead source

Written by the wai team from Dubai Health Authority guidance, checked on 15 October 2026. This is guidance, not legal advice. DHA does not endorse wai or any software.