A therapeutic massage centre, the licensed facility providing specialist remedial massage services, serves a growing patient and consumer base in Dubai.¹
Dubai's population of over 3.6 million, projected to reach 5.8 million by 2040,³ combined with mandatory health insurance and a strong wellness positioning, drives demand for licensed therapeutic massage centre services.
For operators, a therapeutic massage centre benefits from specialist positioning, insurance and self-pay revenue streams, and DHA regulatory clarity.²
That sustained demand for quality healthcare, specialist capacity, and population growth is exactly where the opportunity lies.
The UAE has positioned healthcare as a strategic priority under We the UAE 2031, with explicit targets for capacity expansion, quality, Emiratisation, and medical tourism.
Who is this for?
| Audience Segment | Profile |
|---|---|
| Healthcare investors | Groups deploying capital into specialist health services in Dubai, targeting insurance-funded, self-pay, and government-referred patient flows. |
| Clinical founders | Physicians, therapists, and healthcare professionals establishing a licensed specialist practice or centre in Dubai. |
| International health brands | Global healthcare and wellness brands establishing a licensed Dubai operation or franchise. |
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone means 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax on qualifying income, full profit repatriation, and a fully digital licensing process, giving you a fast and cost-effective route into the Dubai market.
8690.94 - Therapeutic Massage Center
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed therapeutic massage centre providing remedial massage, deep-tissue therapy, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, and clinical massage therapy.
Services are delivered under DHA licensing and quality standards, with qualified practitioners and appropriate clinical or operational infrastructure.¹
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| Specialist Consultation | Assessment. Outpatient consultation, assessment, and treatment planning within therapeutic massage centre. |
| Core Treatment | Primary services. Remedial massage and related core treatment services. |
| Ongoing Management | Follow-up care. Multi-session treatment plans and chronic or recurring condition management. |
| Preventive Services | Screening and prevention. Preventive screening, early detection, and wellness services within therapeutic massage centre. |
| Corporate and Group | B2B services. Corporate wellness, group programmes, and institutional service contracts. |
There are some things this activity does not cover. Hospital inpatient services and general medical practice fall under separate codes.
Services outside the defined scope of therapeutic massage centre are classified under their respective activity codes.
In short: if you are operating a licensed therapeutic massage centre, you are in. If you are running a hospital, a general practice, or an unlicensed wellness service, you are not.
Third-Party Approval
This business activity requires third-party approval before the trade licence is issued. In practice, your facility, clinical or operational model, staffing, and regulatory documentation must be reviewed and cleared by the relevant authority before licensing.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
This business activity is exempt from AML compliance requirements.
References
- ¹ Dubai Health Authority. Strategic Plan and Healthcare Statistics — https://www.dha.gov.ae/
- ² UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. National Health Strategy — https://mohap.gov.ae/en
- ³ Dubai Media Office. Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan — https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/strategies-plans-and-visions/infrastructure/dubai-2040-urban-master-plan
