Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does this activity cover?
It covers medical and dental clinics run by licensed clinicians. That takes in general practice, specialist practice and dental care.
2. Is this the right code for a dental clinic?
It is the parent group a dental clinic sits under. Most operators also pick a more specific code beneath it.
3. Can I admit patients overnight?
No. Inpatient hospital care is a separate activity under class 8610.
4. Can I make dentures on site?
No. Making dentures and other dental appliances is dental laboratory work under a separate code.
5. Do I need third-party approval?
Yes. The Dubai Health Authority must approve this activity before Meydan Free Zone can issue the license.
Topic Summary
Dubai's Medical Tourism Market Is Booming
The UAE medical tourism market was valued at USD 1.09 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.30 billion by 2033. This growth creates a strong patient pipeline for new clinics opening in Dubai.
Dental Care Demand Is Steady and Growing
The UAE dental services market stood at USD 195.3 million in 2024 and is forecast to hit USD 290.5 million by 2030. A growing population and wider insurance coverage keep demand consistent for both general and specialist dental practices.
One Licence Code Covers Both Medical and Dental
The parent activity code applies to general practice, specialist care, and dental work including orthodontics. Whether you are a solo doctor or a multi-clinician dental group, this is the starting point for your licence.
Know What This Activity Does Not Cover
Making dentures or dental appliances falls under a separate laboratory code, and admitting patients overnight sits under a different hospital classification. Paramedical services such as physiotherapy and nursing also require a distinct licence.
DHA Pre-Approval Is a Required First Step
Before Meydan Free Zone can issue a business licence, operators must obtain pre-approval from the Dubai Health Authority. Planning this step early prevents delays in getting your clinic operational.
Dubai Healthcare City Offers a Built-In Ecosystem
With more than 168 health facilities in Dubai Healthcare City alone, new clinics gain immediate access to staff, suppliers, and referral networks. This concentration of healthcare providers accelerates growth for practices at any stage.
How to Open a Medical and Dental Practice in Dubai with Meydan Free Zone
Medical and dental practice activities cover clinics run by licensed doctors and dentists. The group takes in general practice, specialist practice and dental care. It is the parent code that most clinic operators start from. Everything from a routine check-up to specialist treatment sits inside it.
Dubai draws patients from well beyond its own residents. The UAE medical tourism market was worth USD 1.09 billion in 2024 and should reach USD 2.30 billion by 2033.1 Dubai Healthcare City alone holds more than 168 health facilities.2 That cluster gives a new clinic a ready pool of staff, suppliers and referrals.
Dental care is a large slice of this demand. The UAE dental services market was worth USD 195.3 million in 2024 and is forecast to reach USD 290.5 million by 2030.3 Growth here is steady rather than sharp. A growing population with wider insurance cover keeps the pipeline of patients full.
Why Dubai attracts medical and dental patients
Whether you plan a single-doctor practice, a dental clinic or a larger group, this code is where the licence starts. The figures below show the size of the market and what feeds it.
Sources: Custom Market Insights (June 2026), Mordor Intelligence (2025), Research and Markets (2026)
Who is this activity for?
What this activity covers
This code covers medical and dental practice carried out by licensed clinicians. The class guidelines set a wide scope across both fields.
- Medical advice and treatment from doctors, specialists and surgeons
- Dental practice of a general or specialist kind
- Orthodontic work such as braces and aligners
- Dental treatment carried out in operating rooms
- Private consultant services to patients staying in hospital
Product scope
What falls outside this activity
This activity does not cover making artificial teeth, dentures or other dental appliances. That work belongs to dental laboratories under a separate code. Inpatient hospital care sits under class 8610 and falls outside this activity. Paramedical care such as nursing and physiotherapy sits under class 8690.
In short, you can treat patients in a clinic, but you cannot admit them overnight or make dental appliances.
Compliance
THIRD-PARTY APPROVAL
This activity requires pre-approval from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) before a business license can be issued by Meydan Free Zone.
ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING COMPLIANCE
This business activity is not subject to AML compliance requirements.
Citations
1. Custom Market Insights, UAE Medical Tourism Market Size, Trends and Share to 2033, June 2026.
2. Mordor Intelligence, UAE Dental Devices Market Analysis, 2025.
3. Research and Markets, UAE Dental Services Market Size, Share and Forecast to 2030, 2026.
