How do you get a DOH facility licence in Abu Dhabi?

In two stages under DOH's Standard for Healthcare Facility Licensure, version 6, effective September 2025, starting with preliminary approval, decided within 20 working days and valid for 6 months. The permanent licence follows, decided within 25 working days, after inspection and approvals that include Malaffi.

The standard that governs it

DOH's Standard for Healthcare Facility Licensure, version 6, was published in June 2025 and took effect in September 2025. It sets two requests, preliminary approval and then a permanent licence. A permanent licence requires approvals that include Malaffi, the electronic medical record exchange, and passed inspections.¹

1. Request preliminary approval. Through the TAMM service for preliminary approval. DOH decides within 20 working days, and the approval lasts 6 months.
2. Build and equip. Fit out to the standard for your facility type, and appoint licensed staff.
3. Connect the systems. An approved medical record system, connected to Malaffi, and ADHICS controls in place.
4. Pass the inspections. DOH inspects before the permanent licence is issued.
5. Request the permanent licence. Through the TAMM service for a permanent licence. DOH decides within 25 working days.

1. Facility type ______
2. Preliminary approval requested on ______ Expires ______
3. Medical record system ______ Malaffi approval on ______
4. ADHICS owner ______
5. Inspections booked ______
6. Permanent licence requested on ______

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What also applies

The standard also requires ADHICS compliance, assessed through AAMEN, and Tawteen targets.¹ DOH ran 4,540 licensing audit rounds in 2025.²

Questions

How long does preliminary approval last?

6 months, per the licensure standard.

How long does DOH take to decide?

20 working days for preliminary approval, 25 for the permanent licence.

Do we need Malaffi before opening?

Yes, Malaffi approval is part of the permanent licence.

Sources

1. 1Department of Health Abu Dhabi, 2025Standard for Healthcare Facility Licensure, version 6, effective September 2025Read source
2. 2Department of Health Abu Dhabi, 2026DoH advances healthcare regulation, standards and community engagementRead source

Written by the wai team from Department of Health Abu Dhabi guidance, checked on 15 October 2026. This is guidance, not legal advice. DOH does not endorse wai or any software.