Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Approval
Facility licensing and fit-out approvals for clinics, medical centers, labs, and healthcare facilities in Dubai.
What Is DHA?
Overview
DHA (Dubai Health Authority) approval is required for all healthcare facilities operating in Dubai outside of Dubai Health Care City (DHCC). This includes obtaining a New Facility License or Activate Facility License via the Sheryan portal, and ensuring the physical space meets DHA Health Facility Guidelines. For fit-out and renovation projects, DHA reviews the facility layout, clinical workflow, MEP compliance, and infection control requirements before granting licensing approval.
Who Needs It
Who Typically Requires
This Approval
Healthcare Facility Types
- General practice and specialist clinics
- Dental clinics and polyclinics
- Diagnostic laboratories and imaging centers
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation centers
Additional Facilities
- Pharmacies and dispensaries
- Home healthcare service providers
- Aesthetic and dermatology clinics
- Optometry and ophthalmology centers
Project Scenarios
- New healthcare facility setup
- Relocation of existing facility
- Expansion or reconfiguration of licensed space
- Renovation works in operational clinic
The Process
Step-by-Step
Approval Process
Pre-Check & Facility Planning
Confirm facility type, DHA licensing category, and applicable Health Facility Guidelines for your specific healthcare activity.
Site Assessment
Assess the proposed space against DHA minimum area, room requirements, and clinical workflow standards.
Architectural & MEP Design
Prepare facility layout drawings meeting DHA requirements: clinical areas, infection control zoning, MEP specifications.
Sheryan Portal Application
Submit the New Facility License application via DHA's Sheryan portal with all required documents.
DHA Document Review
DHA reviews the application, facility drawings, and supporting documents for completeness.
Initial Approval
Receive initial approval to proceed with fit-out based on submitted plans.
Fit-Out Execution
Complete the fit-out in accordance with DHA-approved drawings and Health Facility Guidelines.
DHA Site Inspection
DHA inspector visits the completed facility to verify compliance with approved layout and guidelines.
Facility License Issuance
Receive DHA facility license upon passing inspection. Professional licenses for clinical staff can then be activated.
Documents Required
Documents Checklist
Core Documents
- Trade license (health sector activity)
- Tenancy contract for the facility space
- Medical director / owner Emirates ID and qualifications
- Ownership / partner documents
Technical & Facility Documents
- Architectural floor plans per DHA requirements
- MEP drawings (electrical, plumbing, HVAC)
- Infection control zoning layout
- Medical gas system design (if applicable)
Compliance Documents
- Civil Defense NOC (fire safety)
- DM building or fit-out permit (if required)
- Equipment list and specifications
- Waste management plan
Timeline
How Long Does It Take?
DHA facility licensing timelines depend on facility type, completeness of submission, and the DHA review queue. Initial Sheryan application review typically takes 2–4 weeks. If additional information or design revisions are requested, timelines extend accordingly. The fit-out execution period and scheduling of the DHA inspection add further time. Complete, well-coordinated first submissions minimize total project duration.
Common Issues
Rejection Reasons & Fixes
Facility space doesn't meet DHA minimum area requirements
Review DHA Health Facility Guidelines for minimum room sizes and total area requirements before signing a lease.
Clinical workflow doesn't meet infection control standards
Design clean/dirty zoning, patient flow, and decontamination areas per DHA infection control requirements.
Missing MEP specifications for clinical systems
Include medical gas, specialized HVAC, and clinical-grade MEP specifications in the submission.
Incomplete or incorrect Sheryan application
Carefully complete all Sheryan portal fields and attach all required supporting documents.
Unqualified medical director or ownership structure issues
Confirm all clinical and ownership qualifications meet DHA licensing requirements before applying.
Site doesn't pass DHA inspection due to deviation from approved plans
Ensure fit-out execution strictly follows DHA-approved drawings. Any changes must be pre-approved.
FAQs
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Everything you need to know about the DHA approval process in Dubai.
Ask Us AnythingYes. DHA regulates healthcare facilities across Dubai (outside DHCC). DHCC (Dubai Health Care City) is a separate authority with its own approval process for facilities within its zone.
The initial application can be submitted during the design phase, but the final facility license is only issued after DHA inspects and approves the completed fit-out.
Sheryan is DHA's online platform for healthcare facility licensing, professional registration, and related applications.
Yes. DCD fire safety approval is required for healthcare facilities and is typically needed before or alongside the DHA process.
Yes. We prepare facility layouts meeting DHA Health Facility Guidelines and coordinate with the DHA application process.
DHA will provide a snag list of items requiring correction. Once addressed, a re-inspection is scheduled. Works must be rectified before the license is issued.
Including design, application, fit-out, and inspection, the full DHA licensing process typically takes 2–5 months depending on complexity and responsiveness.
Any changes to the licensed facility layout or scope typically require DHA approval before works commence.
Ready to Get Your
DHA Approval?
Our team handles the entire process — from document preparation to submission and final approval. No stress, no delays.