Dubai’s healthcare sector is expanding fast. Annual spending is expected to pass AED 180 billion within a few years, and private providers are opening new clinics and wellness centres across the city. Behind the scenes, consultancies are playing a bigger role, advising on everything from licensing and staffing to facility design and digital systems.
As the sector grows, so too does the need for consultants who understand how it works. This article walks through what it takes to set up a healthcare consultancy in the city—from the licensing and approvals to practical advice on running and expanding your business.
Healthcare consultancy industry in Dubai: Overview
Dubai spends more on healthcare each year than any other emirate. By 2025, UAE-wide spending is set to reach AED 78 billion, with most of the growth driven by private clinics, diagnostics, and digital health services. In this climate, consultancies have carved out a clear role, supporting providers with compliance, planning, recruitment, and strategy.
Across the city, there are now over 4,400 licensed health facilities and more than 55,000 healthcare professionals. That includes everything from solo clinics and home care providers to specialist hospitals and wellness centres. In parallel, medical tourism is rising. Dubai received more than 300,000 medical tourists in 2022, and that number is expected to keep climbing.
This pace of growth has created pressure. Facilities need help meeting Dubai Health Authority (DHA) standards, hiring qualified staff, and integrating with national health data platforms like NABIDH. Hospitals, clinics, and new entrants often rely on outside consultants when internal teams don’t have the time or specialist experience to manage planning, compliance, or systems.
The sector is also branching out. Mental health services, elderly care, fertility clinics, and preventive treatment are seeing more investment. At the same time, the country’s digital health market is expected to top USD 1.8 billion by 2030, which is pulling in consultants with IT, systems, or data backgrounds.
Regulation is tightening at the same time. The DHA is stepping up enforcement around licensing, facility design, insurance compliance, and data handling. That creates a steady stream of work for consultants who know the system and can help others get up to speed.
How to start a healthcare consultancy in Dubai: Step-by-step
Healthcare is a tightly regulated field in Dubai. If your consultancy touches anything clinical, directly or indirectly, you’ll need DHA clearance and a clear idea of how your business will operate. The steps below cover how to get started, from activity selection to licensing.
Define your service and company type
Will your consultancy focus on compliance, digital systems, clinical planning, or all three? That decision will shape the structure of your business. Most set up as LLCs, but free zone companies are also common, especially for solo consultants or advisory teams based outside the UAE. Ownership rights, visa allowances, and location requirements vary depending on the model.
Select your jurisdiction and licensing body
Healthcare consultancies can operate in mainland Dubai or from free zones like Dubai Healthcare City. If your service involves regulated healthcare work, such as facility setup, clinical training, or advisory on patient care, you’ll need clearance from the DHA. The jurisdiction you pick will shape the licence type and approval process.
Reserve your business name and secure initial approvals
Submit your chosen company name for approval through the relevant licensing authority. You’ll also need initial approval to proceed. For DHA-regulated services, pre-approval includes reviewing your qualifications, experience, and business scope.
Submit documents and apply for your licence
At this point, you’ll prepare and submit your full licence application. This typically includes the Memorandum of Association, office lease, passport copies of owners, initial approval letters, and any supporting documents requested by the DHA or your licensing body.
Finalise setup and apply for visas
Once your licence is issued, you can open your company bank account and begin applying for visas. Free zones offer fixed visa packages, while mainland licences give more flexibility with staffing and location.
Benefits of starting a healthcare consultancy in Dubai
The healthcare market in Dubai is expanding quickly and so is the need for qualified consultants. From new clinics to smart health initiatives, here are five reasons this is a strong space to build a business.
A growing private healthcare sector needs outside support
Nearly 80% of health facilities in Dubai are privately run. Many of them turn to consultants for help with licensing, operations, staffing, and tech systems. Demand is especially strong among new entrants who don’t yet have in-house teams.
Government spending is creating opportunities
Dubai’s healthcare investment is rising year on year. Programmes under the Dubai Health Strategy, plus wider UAE targets for 2031, are funding new infrastructure and digital upgrades. Many of these projects need external expertise to manage change and stay compliant.
Reach extends beyond the UAE
Dubai attracts healthcare investors and operators from across the region. A consultancy based here is well-placed to serve clients from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, India, and beyond. Some start in Dubai, others use it to expand across the Gulf.
Room to specialise in high-value areas
Whether it’s telemedicine, IVF, rehab, or health tourism, Dubai’s market supports niche consultancies. There’s growing demand for firms with a clear focus, especially in segments where regulation, tech, or staffing is complex.
Setup is straightforward, with full foreign ownership
You can open a healthcare consultancy in either a free zone or on the mainland. Both offer full ownership for foreign nationals. Free zones like Dubai Healthcare City provide a ready-made network, while general zones offer more flexibility on cost and location.
How to scale a healthcare consultancy in Dubai
Once your consultancy is up and running, growth depends on how well you build trust, focus your offer, and stay visible in the market. These three areas are key.
Build local connections
In this market, introductions matter. Consultants who collaborate with providers, suppliers, or insurers tend to see steady leads and recurring work. Industry events like Arab Health are worth attending, and networks inside Dubai Healthcare City can lead to long-term clients.
Focus on one area and do it well
Consultancies that specialise tend to grow faster. That might mean handling DHA licensing, working on NABIDH integration, or helping with facility planning. The clearer your offer, the easier it is for clients to trust you with complex or high-stakes work.
Show your track record
New clients want proof you know the space. Keep a few short case studies or client outcomes on hand. Use LinkedIn to share useful tips or common setup questions. You don’t need to post often, but what you say should show you’ve done the work and understand the rules.
About Worldwide Formations
Worldwide Formations has been helping businesses launch and grow in the UAE since 2008. In that time, the team has supported over 10,000 clients from more than 90 countries, covering a wide range of sectors and setup needs.
As an approved agent for 22 UAE free zones, we provide hands-on support with company formation, trade licensing, visas, corporate banking, and more. We also offer access to international tax and legal experts through our wider network.
If you’re setting up a healthcare consultancy in Dubai, we can guide you through every step—from DHA approvals to trade licence registration. For tailored help with your business setup in Dubai, get in touch with us today.
