Starting a Dental Clinic in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone

A smile is often the first thing people notice, and in a city like Dubai, dental care is more than just a medical service, it’s a booming industry. From children’s routine check-ups to cosmetic smile makeovers, the demand for high- quality dental care is on the rise.

The UAE’s dental services market recorded over USD 195 million in market value last year, with Dubai leading the way thanks to its fast-growing expat population and steady inflow of medical tourists. That means real opportunity for entrepreneurs ready to invest in healthcare.

You can open a family-friendly clinic offering preventive and cosmetic dentistry, or a premium practice in Downtown Dubai specialising in smile makeovers for high-end celebrities and professionals. You could even build a surgical clinic equipped for complex procedures, serving both residents and international patients flying in for trusted care.

For entrepreneurs exploring how to start a dental clinic in Dubai, this business activity gives you the trade license to create your large base of clientele in one of the fastest-growing healthcare markets in the world.

Medical And Dental Practice Activities - 8620.00

This main business activity group covers the operation of medical and dental clinics run by licensed healthcare professionals.

Under this, you can establish practices that provide direct patient care from check-ups and treatments to specialised services. It sets the foundation for dental clinics in Dubai, whereas, you can choose to go with the general or surgical path.

General Dental Clinic - 8620.68

A General Dental Clinic allows you to operate a practice that delivers everyday dental care like preventive, restorative, and cosmetic treatments.

In simple terms: you’re running a clinic that handles everything from routine check-ups and cleanings, to fillings, orthodontics, whitening, and smile makeovers.

This business activity is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to serve Dubai’s broad demand for accessible dental care. You could build a kids-friendly clinic with play areas and colourful interiors where children actually look forward to their check-ups. You could even branch out to a wellness-style dental lounge, pairing advanced cosmetic treatments with spa-like comfort. Or run a busy neighbourhood clinic for people needing everything from regular cleanings to braces, all under one roof.

But there are limits. You cannot manufacture prosthetics or dentures yourself, run inpatient hospital services, or offer non-dental paramedical care like nursing or physiotherapy under this license.

Think of yourself as the go-to clinic that makes dental care approachable, modern, and tailored to Dubai’s lifestyle, from everyday family visits to regular whitening.

Third Party Approval:

You’ll need Dubai Health Authority (DHA) approval before your business license is issued. This is mandatory and handled at the pre-licensing stage.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance:

Business activity 8620.68 is exempt from this requirement.

Dental Surgery Clinic - 8620.80

A Dental Surgery Clinic license allows you to operate a specialised dental practice offering advanced consultations and treatments.

In simple terms, you can run a clinic where specialists perform surgical procedures such as wisdom tooth removals, implants, corrective jaw surgeries, and advanced endodontic or pediatric dental surgeries.

This would be a clinic that restores smiles with full-mouth implant work, treats patients needing complex extractions or corrective surgery, and provides specialist pediatric or oral pathology care through surgeries for children with developmental dental issues, teens needing corrective treatments, and adults requiring specialist care.

You can even branch into multidisciplinary centres where orthodontists, endodontists, and surgical specialists work together under one roof.

This business activity is ideal for entrepreneurs who want to build modern clinics that go beyond routine care with centres trusted by families, professionals, and even medical tourists who come to Dubai for specialist dental treatment.

But there are boundaries. You can’t manufacture dentures or prosthetic appliances, run inpatient hospital services, and provide non-dental paramedical care such as nursing or physiotherapy.

Third party Approval: You’ll need Dubai Health Authority (DHA) approval before your business license is issued. This is mandatory and handled at the pre-licensing stage.

Anti-Money Laundering Compliance: Business activity 8620.80 is exempted from this requirement.