Short answer: to choose a clinic or medical centre in the UAE, confirm that the facility and the doctor are licensed by the health regulator, check that your insurance is accepted, ask for a written fee estimate before any procedure, and use the emergency number 998 for urgent cases rather than booking a clinic.
Key takeaways
- Healthcare facilities and doctors in the UAE are licensed by a health regulator: the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH) or the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), depending on the emirate.
- Ask to see the facility licence and the doctor’s licence, and verify them with the regulator.
- Health insurance is compulsory for residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, so check the clinic is in your network and whether direct billing, co-payment or pre-approval applies.
- Ask for an itemised estimate for tests and procedures and keep your receipts and reports.
What type of facility do you need?
| Situation | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Colds, minor infections, check-ups, vaccinations | General practice clinic or medical centre |
| Skin, dental, orthopaedic, women’s health and other specialist care | Specialist clinic, or a GP referral |
| Chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, serious injury | Emergency: call 998 for an ambulance or go to the nearest hospital emergency department |
How do you check that a clinic and doctor are licensed?
- Look for the facility licence and the doctor’s licence displayed at reception, and ask the clinic to confirm the doctor’s specialty.
- Use the regulator’s official licence search or call centre: the DHA in Dubai, the DOH in Abu Dhabi, and MOHAP in the northern emirates. Facilities inside special zones such as Dubai Healthcare City are licensed by their own authority.
- Make sure the procedure you want is within what that facility is licensed to do, especially for aesthetic, dental and surgical services.
Will your health insurance be accepted?
Health insurance is compulsory for residents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and many employers cover it in other emirates. Before booking, ask whether the clinic is in your insurer’s network, whether it can bill the insurer directly, what co-payment applies, and whether the treatment needs pre-approval. Check your policy for exclusions such as dental, maternity or pre-existing conditions.
What should you ask before you book?
- Which doctor will see me, and what are their qualifications and experience?
- What is the consultation fee, and what is not included?
- Are tests, scans and medicines done on site or elsewhere?
- Can I get a written treatment plan and cost estimate?
- How are my records stored, and can I get a copy?
How should you compare fees?
Compare like with like: the consultation, any tests or imaging, the procedure and follow-up visits. Ask for an itemised estimate, and be cautious about packages that bundle many services without explaining them. You are always entitled to ask questions, seek a second opinion and decline a treatment.
What are the red flags?
- The clinic cannot show a licence or avoids naming the treating doctor.
- Pressure to start expensive treatment immediately or to pay in full in advance.
- Promises of guaranteed results, especially for cosmetic or weight-loss treatments.
- No written estimate, receipt or medical report.
How do you find a clinic in the directory?
Browse healthcare clinics and medical centers in the UAE by emirate, compare their services and contact two or three with the same question. You can also explore the full Business Index.
Frequently asked questions
Do clinics in the UAE need a licence?
Yes. Healthcare facilities and healthcare professionals must be licensed by the relevant health authority before they can practise.
What number do I call for a medical emergency in the UAE?
Call 998 for an ambulance. Police is 999 and the fire service is 997.
Can I use my insurance at any clinic?
No. Most policies have a network of approved providers, so check the clinic is in your network and what you must pay yourself.
Can I get a second opinion?
Yes. You can ask for your reports and see another licensed doctor before deciding on a treatment.
Sources
This guide is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency call 998. Licensing and insurance rules change, so confirm current requirements with the relevant health authority.
Related businesses: Healthcare Clinics & Medical Centers in the UAE
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Emirates Hospital Jumeirah
379 Jumeirah Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, UAE