Healthcare Facility Licensing
From application to approval, we secure your clinic or hospital licence with DHA, DOH, or MOH, without the regulatory headache.
Overview
Every healthcare facility in the UAE must be licensed by the authority that governs its emirate before it can legally treat patients. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) licenses facilities in Dubai, the Department of Health (DOH) covers Abu Dhabi, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) regulates the northern emirates. Each authority sets its own facility classifications, layout standards, staffing requirements, and inspection process.
Bacora manages the entire facility licensing journey on your behalf, from the initial trade name and activity selection through space approvals, the regulatory inspection, and the issuance of your operational licence. We know what each authority expects at every stage, which means fewer rejections, fewer revisions, and a faster path to opening your doors.
What Bacora Handles
- Advise on the correct facility classification and medical activities for your emirate
- Prepare and submit the full DHA, DOH, or MOHAP facility licence application
- Coordinate layout and space approvals against authority design standards
- Compile staffing, equipment, and policy documentation required for approval
- Prepare your facility for the pre-opening regulatory inspection
- Follow up with the authority until your operational licence is issued
How We Work, Step by Step
A clear, structured process from first contact to final delivery.
Assessment
We review your facility type, location, and intended services, then map the exact licensing requirements for your emirate.
Documentation
We prepare the application, layout drawings, staffing plan, and policy documents to the authority’s standards.
Submission & Inspection
We submit to DHA, DOH, or MOHAP, respond to queries, and prepare your facility for the regulatory inspection.
Licence Issued
We secure your operational licence and remain available for amendments, activity additions, and annual renewals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which authority licenses my facility?
It depends on your emirate. DHA licenses facilities in Dubai, DOH in Abu Dhabi, and MOHAP in Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. Free zones such as Dubai Healthcare City have their own regulator (DHCA). We confirm the correct authority during the assessment.
How long does facility licensing take?
A typical clinic licence takes around three to six months from application to operational approval, depending on the authority, facility size, and readiness of your premises. Larger facilities such as hospitals and day-surgery centres take longer due to additional inspection stages.
Do I need to license the facility and the professionals separately?
Yes. The facility licence and the individual professional licences are separate processes, though they are linked. Your clinical staff must hold valid DHA, DOH, or MOH professional licences before the facility can operate. We can manage both in parallel to save time.
What happens after the inspection?
If the inspection identifies gaps, the authority issues observations that must be closed before the licence is granted. We help you address each observation quickly and arrange any required re-inspection, then secure the final operational licence on your behalf.
Ready to Get Started?
Book a free consultation. We will review your situation and tell you exactly what you need and how long it will take.
