Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) Free Zone

Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) is a free zone dedicated to healthcare excellence and innovation. Established in 2002 under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, DHCC is the leading healthcare hub in the UAE and the Middle East. It provides a robust platform for healthcare providers, professionals, and businesses to operate and grow.

Key Features of Dubai Healthcare City

1. Specialized in Healthcare:

   • DHCC is focused on medical services, wellness, education, research, and related industries.

2. Strategic Location:

   • Situated in the heart of Dubai, with easy access to key areas such as Dubai International Airport, Dubai Metro, and major highways.

3. World-Class Infrastructure:

   • State-of-the-art medical facilities, research centers, and wellness clinics.

4. Medical and Wellness Cluster:

   • Includes hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, pharmacies, and rehabilitation centers.

5. Education and Research:

   • Home to healthcare education institutions and research facilities.

6. Regulatory Authority:

   • The Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA) ensures compliance with healthcare standards and regulations.

7. Free Zone Benefits:

   • Offers 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and full repatriation of profits.

Benefits of Setting Up in Dubai Healthcare City

1. Access to Growing Healthcare Market:

   • DHCC connects businesses to the rapidly expanding healthcare and wellness market in the UAE and the Middle East.

2. Networking Opportunities:

   • A thriving healthcare community with global and regional healthcare providers.

3. Comprehensive Support:

   • DHCA provides streamlined licensing, visa processing, and regulatory support.

4. Diverse Business Activities:

   • Open to healthcare providers, wellness centers, medical equipment suppliers, and education and research institutions.

5. Proximity to Talent:

   • Access to highly qualified medical professionals and healthcare specialists.

Business Activities Allowed in DHCC

1. Medical Services:

   • Hospitals, clinics, diagnostic centers, dental services, and specialty medical services.

2. Wellness Services:

   • Physiotherapy, rehabilitation centers, spas, and alternative medicine centers.

3. Pharmaceuticals:

   • Pharmacies, medical equipment suppliers, and pharmaceutical companies.

4. Education and Research:

   • Healthcare training institutes, research facilities, and medical colleges.

5. Support Services:

   • Insurance companies, healthcare consultancies, and IT services related to healthcare.

Types of Licenses Offered

1. Healthcare Service License:

   • For hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic centers.

2. Wellness License:

   • For physiotherapy centers, spas, and wellness facilities.

3. Commercial License:

   • For businesses in medical equipment trading, pharmaceuticals, and support services.

4. Education License:

   • For training institutes and medical colleges.

Facilities in DHCC

1. Medical Facilities:

   • Fully equipped hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic labs.

2. Office Spaces:

   • Customizable office spaces for healthcare providers and businesses.

3. Education and Research Centers:

   • Advanced facilities for training and research in healthcare.

4. Accommodation:

   • Onsite housing options for medical professionals.

5. Retail and Dining:

   • Restaurants, cafes, and retail outlets for convenience.

Steps to Set Up a Business in DHCC

1. Choose a Business Activity:

   • Select your healthcare or related business activity.

2. Submit Application:

   • Fill out the business application form and submit the required documents.

3. Obtain Initial Approval:

   • Receive preliminary approval from the DHCA.

4. Lease Office Space:

   • Choose a suitable office or facility for your business.

5. Submit Legal Documents:

   • Provide required legal documents, including MOA and AOA.

6. Pay Fees:

   • Pay licensing, registration, and office leasing fees.

7. Obtain Final License:

   • Receive your business license to start operations.

Documents Required

1. Completed application form.
2. Passport copies of shareholders and managers.
3. Business plan (if applicable).
4. Proof of address.
5. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current sponsor (if required).
6. Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA).
7. Proof of financial resources (for certain activities).

Costs of Setting Up

1. License Fee:

   • Starting from AED 15,000 per year, depending on the activity.

2. Office Rent:

   • Small office spaces start at AED 20,000 per year, with larger spaces costing more.

3. Visa Costs:

   • Approximately AED 4,000 to AED 6,000 per visa.

Advantages of DHCC

1. Reputation:

   • DHCC is a trusted name in the global healthcare industry.

2. Business Growth Opportunities:

   • Offers access to regional and international healthcare markets.

3. Government Support:

   • Backed by Dubai’s vision for innovation and healthcare excellence.

4. Focus on Innovation:

   • Encourages adoption of new healthcare technologies and practices.

5. Community Engagement:

   • Regular healthcare events, conferences, and networking opportunities.

Dubai Healthcare City is the ideal destination for healthcare businesses, medical professionals, and innovators aiming to establish a strong presence in the Middle East. With its world-class infrastructure and supportive ecosystem, DHCC enables businesses to thrive in a competitive market.