What is DHA? Dubai Health Authority Explained

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) was established in 2007 as the government entity responsible for managing and overseeing the health sector in the Emirate of Dubai. DHA operates public hospitals and primary healthcare centres, licenses private healthcare facilities and professionals, and sets the regulatory framework for health insurance and patient safety standards across the emirate.

DHA maintains the Dubai Licensed Facilities Register, a public database of all licensed hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and other healthcare establishments. Every facility operating in Dubai must hold a valid DHA licence, and all healthcare professionals — physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health workers — must be individually licensed through DHA's professional licensing system. DHA also enforces mandatory health insurance through Dubai Health Insurance Law No. 11 of 2013. The authority oversees Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) through the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA).

In addition to regulation, DHA directly operates several major public hospitals including Rashid Hospital, Dubai Hospital, and Latifa Hospital, along with a network of primary healthcare centres serving UAE nationals and eligible residents. DHA has been a leader in digital health initiatives, including the Salama electronic health record system and various telemedicine programmes launched during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.