WHY SET UP A TELEMEDICINE BUSINESS IN THE UAE IN 2025?
Recent advancements in the UAE healthcare sector, including government-led programs such as the Dubai Health Strategy 2021–2026, along with government funding for new medical technologies, help propel the healthcare sector into its next evolution: telemedicine.
There is strong demand for telemedicine as it increasingly gains prominence, including teleconsultation, telemonitoring, and telepharmacy.
The UAE telehealth market is projected to increase from US$29.9 million in 2019 to US$536.5 million by 2025. Factors and indicators evident in Dubai, including mandatory health insurance for expatriates, private sector companies innovating in the field, and a somewhat fragmented (yet progressive) regulatory framework throughout the emirates, positively influence telehealth growth in the UAE. Therefore, ensuring full compliance is critical for new market entrants in the telehealth space.
STEP 1: CHOOSING THE RIGHT BUSINESS STRUCTURE
The first step towards setting up a telemedicine business in the UAE is to carefully seek guidance from qualified experts to guide you towards choosing the correct and most suitable legal structure for your company. In the UAE, there are two main options for business setup: the UAE Mainland and UAE Free Zone, each possessing distinct characteristics:
- Mainland: This business setup option is licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) of the respective emirate. It enables the company to perform and conduct business throughout the UAE and engage directly with UAE government and private clients. This is likely the best option for a telemedicine provider aiming to operate in the broadest possible market in the UAE.
- Free Zone: Free zones (e.g., Dubai Healthcare City) operate and have their own set of regulations designed specifically for healthcare businesses. Free zones allow for 100% foreign ownership. Setting up a company in Dubai Healthcare City may be a suitable option for telemedicine providers, as it has developed regulations focused on healthcare.
For telemedicine providers, both a mainland company and a free zone company are suitable options; however, it depends on your business needs. Dubai Healthcare City is a popular choice in the UAE due to its established business regulations and its robust healthcare ecosystem in Dubai.
STEP 2: APPLYING FOR LICENSES
Telemedicine services fall into the professional license category in the UAE as they provide healthcare services:
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP): MOHAP has approved telehealth services in the Northern Emirates, and as such, telehealth service providers must comply with the Federal Telehealth Regulations.
- Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH): It is important to note that all healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi, regardless of whether telehealth is the primary service or an additional unsought service (for example, telepsychiatry), require a DOH license. Furthermore, stand-alone telemedicine providers cannot provide telediagnostic or teleintervention services without a formal contractual arrangement with a DOH-licensed facility.
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA): Telemedicine services are regulated by the DHA in Dubai. If a service provider is licensed with the DHA, they must comply with their Standards for Telehealth Services.
- Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCC): DHCC has its own set of regulations, including the Healthcare Data Protection Regulation No. 7 of 2013. This addresses the primacy of data security and the requirement for patient consent.
To obtain a license, you must provide a detailed business plan, proof of professional qualifications, and evidence of meeting technical and data protection obligations.
STEP 3: MEETING TECHNICAL AND OPERATIONAL STANDARDS.
Telemedicine providers must comply with strict operational and technical standards that govern patient safety and data security:
- Technology Requirements: Your telehealth platform should use only clinically approved technology and systems with international regulatory certifications (e.g., MOHAP-recognized standards). Only assistive technologies are permitted in telehealth services, and no autonomous system that replaces the healthcare professional is permitted.
- Data Security: The UAE has broad data security requirements. You must have servers located in the UAE for patient data storage/archiving, ensure the use of secure internet technologies, and limit access to patient data to authorized individuals only. Adhering to the DHCC’s Health Data Protection Regulation or Abu Dhabi’s DOH Standards is imperative.
- Patient Consent: You must obtain express consent for the cost/benefit of telemedicine services, in part, in case of audio or video recording. In some situations, verbal consent is sufficient; for example, no written consent is required under DOH’s Telemedicine Standard if you document it in the patient’s medical records.
There are other conditions under this standard you must follow in addition to acquiring express consent. Telemonitoring services must be provided in Arabic and/or English, telemonitoring services shall be integrated into the patients’ electronic medical records, and members of the telemonitoring team must be available to provide their services 24/7.
STEP 4: CREDENTIALING HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS.
Healthcare professionals do not need to have a separate telemedicine license but must be credentialed or privileged by a licensed healthcare facility. This facility is charged with verifying that rules, skills, training, and technology to deliver telemedicine services are sufficient for professional practice. For example, DHA and DOH both require a facility to not only verify a practitioner’s qualifications but also confirm ongoing training programs. If your telemedicine company intends to utilize foreign practitioners, they must be working under the supervision of practitioners with a UAE-based license, and services performed on behalf of the practice must be delivered following any local liability laws.
STEP 5: NAVIGATING MEDICAL LIABILITY AND INSURANCE.
Medical liability should be a serious concern for any telemedicine program. In the UAE, it is safe to say that medical liability is generally going to be with the licensed healthcare facility where the telemedicine originated, and not the healthcare provider.
Medical liability is governed by:
- Federal Law No. 10 of 2008.
- Cabinet Decision No. 33 of 2009.
However, the laws do not fully define the situation for cross-border practitioners, which may put the business in a legal grey area.
Therefore, you should implement strong telemedicine policies for your company, support developments in staff training, and implement at least basic structured programs.
It is important to note that many of the insurance providers in the UAE have now recognized telemedicine as a reimbursable service, but insurance coverage varies. Engage with insurers early in the process and review reimbursement-type schemes to include your services.
STEP 6: REGISTERING MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (IF APPLICABLE)
If your telemedicine platform includes medical devices (i.e., telemonitoring devices), you must register those devices with MOHAP. The registration process requires:
- Proper registration of the medical device.
- Device specifications.
- Supporting documents.
Creation Business Consultants can assist in preparing the documentation, processing the paperwork, and submitting it to ensure full compliance.
STEP 7: Obtain Residency Visas and Work Permits
Securing the necessary residency visas and work permits for your team is vital to meet UAE’s stringent regulations. Failure to comply can disrupt your business operations.
- Free zones like DHCC provide a simplified visa process.
- Mainland operations in Abu Dhabi require coordination with the Department of Economic Development (DED) and immigration authorities.
WHY CHOOSE CREATION BUSINESS CONSULTANTS TO SUPPORT YOUR BUSINESS IN THE UAE?
At Creation Business Consultants, we are experts in the processes, rules, and regulations governing telemedicine in the UAE. We have supported many telemedicine companies with UAE market entry, ongoing business, and compliance support. The blog post is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you’re playing with the idea of setting up a telemedicine company in the UAE, we can assist with everything from tax structuring, corporate setup, licensing, external approvals, and regulatory compliance, ensuring your company is properly and legally established.
Whether you need guidance on selecting the best jurisdiction, company structure type, obtaining licenses from relevant medical and other authorities, or support with laws related to personal data protection, we tailor our support to meet your specific business needs.
CONCLUSION:
Starting a telemedicine company in the UAE offers many great opportunities, but it is important to pay attention to the evolving laws, regulations, and updates. Choosing and selecting the right business structure, obtaining the right licenses, and ensuring compliance with technical and liability requirements can give you a head start over your competition.
Are you ready to start your telemedicine company in the UAE? Contact our expert team of consultants today for an initial free consultation at [email protected] or or call: UAE: +971 4 878 6240 | Saudi Arabia: +966 56 865 2329
