Overview
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is the only free zone in the Middle East and North Africa dedicated entirely to the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Located between Bur Dubai and Oud Metha along the Dubai Creek, DHCC is regulated by the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA) and clinically overseen by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). The zone spans two phases with over 170 clinical and non-clinical partners.
License Types
DHCC offers clinical licenses for hospitals, clinics, diagnostic labs, and pharmacies; non-clinical licenses for healthcare consulting, medical device companies, pharmaceutical distributors, and health IT firms; and wellness licenses for fitness, alternative medicine, and spa establishments. Each clinical license requires additional DHA regulatory approval.
Costs
DHCC license fees start at approximately AED 20,000 for non-clinical activities. Clinical license fees are higher and vary depending on the facility type, size, and scope of medical services. Office and clinic spaces range from small consultation rooms to full hospital suites. Regulatory fees, DHA approval costs, and visa allocations are additional.
Setup Process
Setting up in DHCC involves selecting a license category, submitting a detailed application (including qualifications and facility plans for clinical applicants), obtaining DHA clinical approval where required, securing premises within the DHCC campus, and completing immigration formalities. Clinical setups require longer processing times due to regulatory review, typically four to eight weeks.
Benefits
DHCC offers 100 percent foreign ownership, zero percent corporate and personal income tax on qualifying activities, full capital and profit repatriation, access to a concentrated healthcare ecosystem, and proximity to major hospitals. The zone provides a regulatory framework specifically designed for healthcare operations.
Location and Infrastructure
DHCC is located in the Oud Metha area, accessible from Al Khail Road, Sheikh Rashid Road, and the Dubai Metro (Healthcare City station). The campus includes clinical buildings, office towers, a wellness centre, retail and dining outlets, and green spaces. Phase 2 of DHCC extends toward Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City.
Key Sectors
DHCC supports hospitals and clinics, diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, medical device firms, health IT and telemedicine, wellness and rehabilitation, dental practices, veterinary services, and healthcare consulting. The ecosystem is designed to serve the full spectrum of health and life sciences.
Ideal Setup Profile
DHCC is best suited for healthcare practitioners, hospital groups, pharmaceutical companies, medical device distributors, health-tech startups, and wellness providers that require a regulated healthcare-specific free zone with a built-in patient and provider community.