Professional Directory Guide
Medical Specialties in Dubai: Complete Guide
An overview of every major medical and dental specialty available in Dubai
99,520
Total professionals
24,186
Physicians
5,505
Facilities
46
Specialties
Understanding Medical Specialties in Dubai
Dubai's healthcare system recognizes 35 physician specialties and 11 dental specialties through the UAE healthcare regulator licensing framework. Each specialty represents a distinct area of medicine with its own training pathway, qualification requirements, and scope of practice.
Below is a guide to the major specialty categories, what they treat, and how many practitioners are available in Dubai.
Primary Care Specialties
Primary care physicians are the first point of contact for most patients. They handle general health issues, preventive care, and referrals to specialists.
Surgical Specialties
Surgical specialties involve operative procedures to diagnose or treat conditions. Dubai has a full range of surgical disciplines from general surgery to highly specialized microsurgery.
Medical Specialties (Non-Surgical)
Medical specialties focus on diagnosis and non-surgical treatment. These cover organ systems, age groups, and disease types.
Dental Specialties
Beyond general dentistry, Dubai offers 11 dental specialties covering everything from orthodontics to oral surgery.
Full Specialty Directory
Browse all specialties and their licensed professionals through the Zavis Professional Directory. Each specialty page lists every licensed practitioner with their grade, license type, and facility affiliation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many medical specialties are available in Dubai?
Dubai has 35 recognized physician specialties and 11 dental specialties licensed by the UAE healthcare regulator. This covers everything from general practice and family medicine to highly specialized fields like interventional cardiology, neurosurgery, and reproductive medicine.
What is the difference between a GP and a specialist?
A General Practitioner (GP) provides primary care and treats a wide range of conditions. A specialist has completed additional years of training in a specific area of medicine. Dubai has 6,922 GPs and thousands more specialists across 34 other disciplines.
Which specialty should I see for back pain?
For back pain, start with your GP or an Orthopedic Surgeon. Depending on the cause, you may be referred to a Neurosurgeon (for disc or nerve issues), a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation specialist (for conservative management), or a Rheumatologist (for inflammatory conditions). Pain management clinics also treat chronic back pain.
What is the rarest medical specialty in Dubai?
Among physician specialties, the less common specialties include Reproductive Medicine & IVF (53 professionals), Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (53), and Pediatric Surgery (61). These niche specialties have fewer practitioners but serve critical roles.
Can I see a specialist without a referral in Dubai?
In most cases, yes. Dubai allows direct access to specialists without a GP referral. However, some insurance plans require a referral for coverage, and seeing a GP first helps ensure you're directed to the right specialty. For clear-cut needs (e.g., pregnancy, eye problems, dental issues), going directly to a specialist is common.
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Data Source
99,520 healthcare professionals across 5,505 facilities. Last updated 2026-04-03. Source: DHA Sheryan Medical Registry.
Source: the UAE healthcare regulator (Dubai) Sheryan Medical Professional Registry. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Verify professional credentials directly with the UAE healthcare regulator before making healthcare decisions.