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Dubai · UAE Free Zone

Dubai Healthcare City

The World's Largest Healthcare Free Zone

Established2002
CompaniesOver 600
Area4.1 million square feet
LocationDubai
Official website

Zone at a glance

Cost efficiency
Setup speed
Flexibility

Relative rating across UAE free zones, scored out of five.

Overview

About Dubai Healthcare City

Dubai Healthcare City is the world's first and largest healthcare free zone, designed to be a comprehensive healthcare destination offering world-class medical facilities, education, and research opportunities. It serves as a hub for healthcare professionals, medical institutions, and pharmaceutical companies.

Governing Authority:Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA)

Location & Connectivity

Nearest Airport

Dubai International Airport

8 km away

Address

Dubai Healthcare City, Oud Metha Road, Dubai, UAE

Total Area

4.1 million square feet

Nearby Landmarks

Dubai CreekOud Metha Metro StationWafi MallAmerican Hospital DubaiDubai Festival City

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Sectors

Key Industries

Healthcare Services
Medical Education
Pharmaceutical
Medical Research
Biotechnology
Medical Equipment

Ideal For

Medical practitionersHealthcare institutionsPharmaceutical companiesMedical device manufacturersResearch organizationsMedical education providers

Licensing

License Types & Costs

Healthcare Professional License

For individual medical practitioners and healthcare professionals

Starting from
25,000AED

Activities Allowed

Medical practice, consultation, specialized healthcare services

Healthcare Institution License

For hospitals, clinics, and medical centers

Starting from
75,000AED

Activities Allowed

Hospital operations, medical center management, healthcare facility operations

Pharmaceutical License

For pharmaceutical companies and drug manufacturers

Starting from
50,000AED

Activities Allowed

Pharmaceutical manufacturing, drug distribution, medical supply

Medical Education License

For educational institutions and training centers

Starting from
60,000AED

Activities Allowed

Medical education, healthcare training, professional development

Processing Time

4-6 weeks

Annual Renewal

Same as initial license fee

Validity

1 year, renewable

Need help choosing the right license type?

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Residency

Visa Information

Available for license holders, employees, and their dependents

1-2 visas

Flexi Desk

3-5 visas

Private Office

5-15 visas

Custom Office

10-25 visas

Clinic Space

Investor VisaEmployee VisaDependent VisaDomestic Helper Visa
Processing:2-3 weeks
Golden Visa Eligible

Investment

Estimated Costs

License Fee
From 25,000 AED
Visa (per person)
~3,500 AED
Office Space
From 15,000 AED/year
Estimated First Year Total
From 43,500 AED
Approximate, starting estimate

Costs vary significantly based on license type and office requirements. Medical equipment and facility setup costs are additional.

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Assessment

Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • World's largest healthcare free zone with comprehensive facilities
  • Access to advanced medical technology and equipment
  • Strong regulatory framework ensuring high healthcare standards
  • Proximity to major hospitals and medical centers
  • Excellent connectivity to Dubai International Airport
  • Tax-free environment for healthcare businesses
  • Access to medical education and research facilities
  • Strategic location serving regional and international patients

Considerations

  • Higher setup costs compared to general free zones
  • Strict regulatory requirements and compliance standards
  • Limited to healthcare-related activities only
  • Complex licensing process for medical practitioners

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Advantages

Why Choose Dubai Healthcare City?

100% foreign ownership with no local sponsor required
Zero corporate tax on qualifying income
Full repatriation of capital and profits
No currency or exchange restrictions
World-class infrastructure and connectivity
Streamlined business registration process

Best For

  • Healthcare professionals
  • Medical institutions
  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Medical education providers
  • Healthcare technology companies

Not Ideal For

  • Non-healthcare businesses
  • General trading companies
  • Manufacturing unrelated to healthcare
  • Financial services
  • Real estate developers

Last reviewed: December 2025. Figures are indicative and confirmed in a tailored quote.

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