His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has issued Executive Council Resolution No 49 of 2024. This resolution regulates healthcare activities and professions across Dubai, including those in special development zones, free zones, and the Dubai International Financial Centre.
The resolution aims to create a comprehensive and high-quality healthcare system by regulating healthcare activities and professions. It seeks to enhance operational efficiency, service quality, and community protection by ensuring transparency, fairness, and legal accountability.
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is tasked with regulating, licencing, and overseeing healthcare providers. Responsibilities include developing policies and standards, processing applications, ensuring compliance, and investigating complaints. DHA is also responsible for monitoring health data quality, maintaining a professional and facility database, and coordinating with federal and local entities on healthcare issues.
Under the resolution, healthcare facilities and professionals must obtain DHA permits before operating. Unlicenced professionals or visiting doctors cannot be employed, and all healthcare activities require DHA approval. Licences are valid for one year and are renewable under DHA conditions. Facilities and professionals must seek DHA approval for licence transfers.
The resolution also grants the DHA Director General and the Medical Practice Committee the authority to close a healthcare facility, either fully or partially, for up to three months during investigations. Similarly, they can suspend professionals for up to three months, extendable, pending investigation.
The resolution will be published in the Official Gazette and will take effect 60 days from its issuance.