Opening a longevity centre in the UAE: licensing pointers

Which regulator applies

• Dubai: the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulates healthcare facilities. Centres inside Dubai Healthcare City are regulated by the Dubai Healthcare City Authority.
• Abu Dhabi: the Department of Health (DoH). DoH has published a standard for Healthy Longevity Medicine Centres.
• Northern emirates: the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).

Wellness business or licensed healthcare facility?

Whether a service counts as a regulated healthcare activity depends on what is offered and who delivers it. Some longevity services are run as wellness offerings, others fall under healthcare licensing. The answer decides the licence you apply for, the staff you need and, often, the equipment you can use. Confirm this with the relevant regulator before you commit to a fit-out or an equipment order.

Equipment points to confirm

• Whether a given device needs registration or approval for your type of facility
• Technical documentation and operator training for each system
• Any site safety requirements, for example for pressure equipment, gas storage or electrical load

Premises approvals

Separately from health licensing, the fit-out needs the usual building approvals. These typically involve the building authority or master developer, Civil Defence and the utility providers. Your fit-out contractor or consultant usually leads these, and we supply the equipment information they need.

What we do, and what we do not

We supply equipment, specifications, room requirements and technical documentation to support your application and your contractor. We do not provide licensing or legal advice, and we cannot confirm that a particular activity is permitted in your facility. Operators are responsible for the licences that apply to them.

Start with the equipment list, or see the commercial fit-out page and the overview.