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Do Free Zones Have Medical Services Licenses in the UAE
The UAE’s healthcare sector is booming, offering many opportunities for medical professionals and businesses. However, if you’re considering starting a medical service, it’s essential to understand the differences between setting up in a free zone and in the mainland. The type of license you need will depend on the nature of the medical services you want to offer.
Medical Services in Free Zones
Free zones in the UAE are popular for their business-friendly benefits like tax advantages and 100% foreign ownership. They offer a variety of licenses for healthcare-related activities, but these are mostly limited to non-invasive services. For example, free zones typically allow activities such as medical consulting, trading in medical equipment, and telemedicine services. These activities usually do not involve direct physical contact with patients.
Limitations of Medical Services in Free Zones
One of the key limitations of operating a medical business in a free zone is that you cannot engage in direct patient care. Free zones are better suited for medical businesses that do not require a physical clinic or hospital. If your focus is on health tech, consulting, or online medical services, then a free zone license might meet your needs. However, if your services involve physical examinations, treatments, or surgeries, you’ll find that a free zone license won’t cover these comprehensive medical services.
Why Dubai Mainland is Better for Comprehensive Medical Services
If you plan to open a fully operational medical facility, such as a clinic or hospital, where you will have direct interactions with patients, a Dubai Mainland license is a better option. The mainland provides more flexibility and fewer restrictions, allowing healthcare professionals to offer a wide range of services. With a mainland license, you can run a clinic, diagnostic center, or hospital and have the ability to physically examine and treat patients. This is especially important for services that require direct patient care, such as surgeries or in-depth medical treatments.
Regulatory Environment in the Mainland
In the mainland, medical services are overseen by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), depending on where your facility is located. These regulatory bodies ensure that healthcare providers meet high standards in terms of facilities, equipment, and professional qualifications. Although the process of obtaining a license in the mainland can be more detailed, the ability to offer a full range of medical services is a significant advantage.
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How Can Choose UAE Help
At Choose UAE, we can help you navigate the licensing process, whether you’re looking to start a medical consultancy in a free zone or a full-scale clinic in the mainland. Our team of experts will guide you through the steps to ensure your business is set up correctly and meets all necessary regulations. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you in obtaining a medical services license in the UAE.
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