Breaking Down the Cost of Dental Clinic Setup in Dubai – Arnifi
byMaheeka C Apr 01, 2025 6 MIN READ
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The healthcare sector in Dubai is experiencing exponential growth and is fueled by a growing population and a booming medical tourism industry.
Amongst the various healthcare services, dental services have met the growing demand of not only the residents but also the foreigners living in Dubai.
They are driven by a focus on dental health, cosmetic dentistry, and global access to world-class facilities.
All of these would not have been possible without the government support for various healthcare initiatives followed by a high standard of living thereby leading Dubai to become an ideal healthcare destination for medical practitioners and dentists.
If you want to set up a dental clinic in Dubai, you would need to carefully outline the requirements along with a carefully articulated financial plan.
It involves securing necessary licenses, investing in high-end medical equipment, the process involves multiple factors to be taken into consideration. Understanding these aspects are crucial for establishing a clinic in Dubai.
Read more to learn more about how you can set up a dental clinic in Dubai.
The dental industry in Dubai is flourishing and is backed by a rising demand for high-quality dental services.
In addition to the growing population, the growing awareness of dental hygiene has led to the surge in demand for general dental services, cosmetic procedures, orthodontics, etc.
The UAE government has introduced various policies aimed at pulling in healthcare investors, such as efficient licensing processes and tax benefits.
The Dubai Health Authority is central in maintaining high standards of dental care, thus the industry is highly regulated but rewarding.
The dental industry in Dubai is competitive with many clinics covering the spectrum of boutique specialty to large multi-specialty dental hospitals.
To become competitive, the clinics have to emphasize providing leading-edge treatments, state-of-the-art technology, and high-level patient care. In spite of the competition, the growth prospect for this market is still good, and this makes it an appealing business proposition for professionals as well as investors.
Factors Influencing the Establishment Cost of a Dental Clinic
Various factors establish the general cost of opening a dental clinic in Dubai. These factors impact the initial establishment cost as well as the regular operational cost.
Location & Clinic Size: The cost of renting also differs according to the location. High-demand locations such as Business Bay and Jumeirah have expensive rents, while cost-effective areas such as Al Qusais and Dubai Silicon Oasis provide low-cost options.
Type of Dental Practice: An ordinary dental clinic might be less expensive to establish than a specialty cosmetic dentistry clinic, which involves sophisticated equipment and specialists.
Regulatory & Licensing Fees: Licensing with DHA and the Department of Economic Development (DED) involves various costs, including professional licenses and trade name registration.
Staffing & Salaries: Hiring qualified dentists, dental assistants, and administrative staff requires a competitive salary structure. Visa fees and employee benefits also contribute to the overall expenses.
Marketing & Branding: Creating a robust brand image by using online marketing, social media, and offline advertising is very important in attracting patients.
Licensing and Regulatory Fees
Before launching a dental clinic in Dubai, obtaining the necessary licenses and regulatory approvals from the relevant authorities is essential.
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) oversee licensing procedures, ensuring compliance with local healthcare regulations.
Licensing Authorities & Requirements
Dubai Health Authority (DHA): Issues professional licenses for dentists and medical approvals for clinics.
Department of Economy and Tourism (DET): Grants trade licenses to operate a business legally in Dubai.
Cost Breakdown for Setting up a Dental Clinic in Dubai
Dubai’s healthcare industry is thriving, making it an attractive destination for dental clinics.
However, establishing a clinic requires a comprehensive financial plan to cover licensing, real estate, equipment, staffing, and marketing. Below is a detailed breakdown of the associated costs.
1. Licensing & Regulatory Costs
Before opening a dental clinic, practitioners and business owners must obtain various licenses and approvals from Dubai’s regulatory authorities.
Mandatory Licenses & Fees:
Professional License (for Practitioners): Every dentist must secure this license from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), costing between AED 10,000–15,000.
Clinic Business License: Required to operate a medical center, with costs ranging from AED 12,000–20,000.
Trade Name Registration: Charged at AED 600–2,000, depending on the originality and exclusivity of the name.
DHA Approvals & Eligibility Test Fees: Licensing exams, approvals, and permits amount to AED 5,000–7,000.
Medical Malpractice Insurance: A legal requirement for practitioners, costing AED 3,000–10,000 per year, based on coverage.
Annual Renewal Fees: License renewals typically cost AED 5,000–10,000 per year.
Additional licensing costs may include approval for specialized treatments such as orthodontics, oral surgery, and pediatric dentistry.
2. Clinic Space & Rental Costs
Securing the right location is critical, as it determines patient accessibility and operational efficiency.
Choosing the Right Location:
Premium Areas (Business Bay, Jumeirah): AED 200–300 per sq. ft.
Mid-Range Areas (Al Barsha, Dubai Healthcare City): AED 150–200 per sq. ft.
Affordable Areas (Al Qusais, Dubai Silicon Oasis): AED 100–150 per sq. ft.
Estimated Annual Rental Prices:
Small Clinics (500–1000 sq. ft.): AED 50,000–150,000