DHA Medical License

DHA License for Orthopaedic Surgeons in Dubai: Titles and Facility Class (2026)

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. Please consult official government websites or professionals for reliable information.

An orthopaedic surgeon working in Dubai needs a DHA professional license for the title of Specialist or Consultant in orthopaedic surgery, activated against a facility licensed for the specialty. The licensing route is the standard one. What decides whether you can actually operate is the facility: DHA classifies standalone day surgery centres by the depth of anaesthesia they may use, the service has to be consultant or specialist led, and the treating surgeon stays on site until the patient is discharged. Arthroscopy, fracture work under general anaesthesia and joint replacement all sit on different sides of those lines. This page covers both halves.

What is a DHA license for orthopaedic surgeons?

A personal license from the Dubai Health Authority for a title in orthopaedic surgery, tied to a licensed facility. It applies inside Dubai Healthcare City as well, because professional licensing in the free zone is managed by DHA.

Titles: Specialist and Consultant

Title	Basis
Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon	A recognised orthopaedic qualification with the experience required for your qualification tier
Specialist under supervision	Recognised qualification, experience requirement not yet met
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon	The qualification plus the longer experience required at consultant level
Subspecialty, for example spine, sports or hand surgery	Assessed on the recognised subspecialty qualification

The tier of your qualification decides the years of experience DHA asks for. Check it in the professional qualification requirements and apply for the title you can evidence, not the one you want.

The facility class decides what you may operate

Class	Anaesthesia permitted	Setup required
Class A	Local anaesthesia and minimal sedation	A surgeon and a nurse
Class B	Moderate sedation, conscious sedation	Team plus a part-time anaesthetist for narcotic procedures
Class CM	Deep sedation and analgesia, spinal and epidural	Two operating theatres, full-time anaesthetist, surgery capped at two hours
Class C	General anaesthesia, spinal and epidural	Two operating theatres, full-time anaesthetist, surgery capped at three hours

What that means in practice for orthopaedics:

Injections, aspirations and minor soft tissue work fit the lower classes.
Arthroscopy and anything needing regional blockade, deep sedation or general anaesthesia needs Class CM or Class C, or a hospital.
The three hour cap in Class C is a real constraint for longer reconstructive cases, which belong in a hospital.
The service must be consultant or specialist led and the treating surgeon stays on site until discharge, so a visiting surgeon model has to be built around that.

If you are building the facility rather than joining one, this is the most expensive decision in the plan. See the DHA facility license guide and, for a free zone address, the DHCC facility license and operating permit.

Imaging, implants and the rest of the setup

Imaging. X-ray, ultrasound and MRI are licensable diagnostic imaging services with their own requirements and staff. They are not automatically included because you are an orthopaedic surgeon.
Implants and devices. Regulated products need registration, see medical device registration in the UAE.
Physiotherapy. A separate licensed service with its own licensed professionals, if you want rehabilitation under the same roof.
Records. Connection to the Dubai health information exchange, see NABIDH.

The licensing route step by step

Confirm the tier and the title you can evidence.
Submit the application and documents, with a complete surgical logbook.
Primary source verification, the slowest step.
Receive the eligibility letter.
Sit the assessment, or the interview where that applies.
Job offer from a facility licensed for orthopaedics, at a class that covers your operations.
Good standing certificate, timed so it does not expire.
Activation against the facility.

Why orthopaedic plans stall

Joining a clinic whose class does not permit the anaesthesia your list needs.
Assuming imaging comes with the clinic license.
An incomplete logbook, so the experience for Consultant cannot be verified.
Planning longer reconstructive cases in a day surgery centre with a three hour cap.
Good standing certificate expiring before activation.

Frequently asked questions

Can an orthopaedic surgeon do arthroscopy in a clinic in Dubai?

Not in an ordinary outpatient clinic. Arthroscopy needing deep sedation, regional blockade or general anaesthesia belongs in a Class CM or Class C day surgery centre or a hospital.

Do I need a separate license for X-ray in my clinic?

Diagnostic imaging is a licensed service with its own requirements and staff, and the equipment needs approval. It is not included by default.

How long does the license take?

Plan in months. Verification depends on third parties, then the assessment and activation follow.

Is the license valid in Abu Dhabi?

No. Abu Dhabi licenses through DOH and the Northern Emirates through MOHAP.

Related guides

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or professional advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy, regulations may change. Readers are encouraged to verify information with official government sources or consult qualified professionals for personalized advice. Happich Consulting assumes no liability for decisions made based on this content.