Table of Contents
Topic Summary
Dubai's Population Growth Fuels Unani Demand
Dubai's population is projected to grow from 3.6 million to 5.8 million by 2040, expanding the patient base for specialist services like unani medicine. Mandatory health insurance further strengthens consistent demand for licensed practitioners.
Meydan Free Zone Offers Key Ownership Benefits
Setting up through Meydan Free Zone gives operators 100% foreign ownership, zero corporate tax on qualifying income, and full profit repatriation. The fully digital licensing process also makes market entry faster and more cost-effective.
Know Exactly What Services Are Covered
Activity code 8690.77 covers outpatient unani consultation, herbal prescribing, hijama integration, dietary therapy, and preventive wellness services. Hospital inpatient care and general medical practice fall under separate activity codes.
Corporate Wellness Opens a B2B Revenue Stream
Beyond individual patients, licensed unani medicine centres can offer corporate wellness programmes and institutional service contracts. This diversifies income beyond self-pay and insurance-funded patient flows.
Third-Party DHA Approval Is a Required Step
Before a trade licence is issued, your facility, staffing, and clinical model must be reviewed and cleared by the Dubai Health Authority. Preparing thorough regulatory documentation early will help avoid delays in this process.
UAE Healthcare Strategy Backs Long-Term Growth
The UAE has designated healthcare as a strategic national priority under We the UAE 2031, with targets covering capacity expansion, quality improvement, and medical tourism. This policy environment provides a stable and supportive backdrop for new clinical operators.
How to Start an Unani Medicine Centre Business in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
An unani medicine centre, the licensed facility providing specialist unani consultation 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 unani medicine centre services.
For operators, a unani medicine 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.
Sources: Dubai Health Authority. Strategic Plan and Healthcare Statistics, UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. National Health Strategy, Dubai Media Office, Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan launch
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 Dubai's hospital and clinical infrastructure, targeting medical tourism, insurance-funded, and government-referred patient flows. |
| Clinical founders and medical directors | Physicians, surgeons, and healthcare executives establishing licensed hospital or clinic operations in Dubai. |
| International hospital groups | Global healthcare brands and hospital chains establishing a licensed Dubai facility or joint-venture operation. |
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.
8690.77 - Unani Medicine Center
Under this activity, you are in the business of operating a licensed unani medicine centre providing unani consultation, herbal prescribing, hijama integration, dietary therapy, and traditional unani treatment methods.
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 unani medicine centre. |
| Core Treatment | Primary services. Unani consultation 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 unani medicine 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 unani medicine centre are classified under their respective activity codes.
In short: if you are operating a licensed unani medicine 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.
