​In Dubai, if a company or individual wants to pursue a professional practice, they will need to obtain a professional licence. Like a trade or industrial licence, a professional licence is provided by the Department of Economic Development. Unlike a trade or industrial licence, which requires the use of capital to do business, a professional licence allows companies or individuals to provide services that utilise trained skills. Individuals that require professional licences include accountants, advertising professionals, architectural consultants, auditors, teachers, lawyers, and doctors and nurses. The long list of trades that require a professional licence can be picked up from any Department of Economic Development office. You can also use the Activity Search feature on the Department of Economic Development website to determine whether or not your trade requires a professional licence. Like trading and manufacturing companies, professional companies require a local service agent to practice in the emirate. Holders of professional licences can employ a limited number of workers who will also be covered under the professional licence.

Medical professionals in Dubai must obtain their license through Dubai Health Authority (DHA).  The procedure involves payment of fees, training courses, exams and ministry approvals. Doctors in Dubai must obtain specific licenses from DHA depending on whether they are interns, general practitioners, specialists, consultants or resident doctors. Similarly, dentists must obtain specific licenses from DHA depending on whether they are interns, general dentists, specialists, consultants or resident dentists. Nurses too must obtain their license from DHA depending on whether they are applying for registered nurse, registered midwife, nurse practioner, mental health nurse, paediatric nurse, community nurse or assistant nurse. It is to be noted that even alternative medical practioners such as ayurveda, chiropractic medicine, homeopathy, naturopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and Unani medicine must obtain the required license from DHA.

Those physicians wishing to start a clinic within Dubai can also take advantage of the services of Dubai Healthcare City, which assists in both obtaining a permit and setting up a healthcare practice within its free zone.

License and fees for medical professionals in Dubai - DHA
License and fees for dentists in Dubai - DHA
License and fees for nurses/midwives in Dubai - DHA
License and fees for alternative medicine in Dubai - DHA
Computer and oral assessments of medical professionals in Dubai - DHA
Renewal of licenses for medical professionals in Dubai-DHA
Healthcare professionals evaluation System UAE - DHA & Prometric