How to Check If a Doctor or Clinic Is Licensed in Dubai

Practicing medicine or operating a healthcare facility without an active health authority license is illegal in the United Arab Emirates.

Verifying a practitioner's credentials ensures that your physician has recognized medical qualifications, completed accredited residency training, and adheres to mandatory clinical safety guidelines. It also ensures insurance claims submitted for their services will be recognized by your insurer.

The Dubai Health Authority provides an open online registry called **Sheryan** (Dubai Medical Registry):

1. Navigate to the official DHA portal at `dha.gov.ae` and select **Sheryan / Medical Registry**.

2. Choose whether you want to search for a **Professional** (physician, dentist, nurse, allied health) or a **Facility** (hospital, polyclinic, day surgery center, pharmacy).

3. For doctors, search by entering the practitioner's full legal name or their unique DHA license number.

4. For clinics, enter the facility name or search by geographic area and specialty.

5. The system displays the active licensing scope, registered facility affiliation, and validity period.

When reviewing a professional's record on Sheryan, look for these key statuses:

- **Licensed (Active):** The practitioner holds a valid, in-force license to consult, diagnose, and treat patients at their registered healthcare facility.

- **Part-Time Permit:** The doctor has permission to practice at secondary clinics outside their primary employer.

- **Registered Only:** The professional has verified their educational credentials and passed DHA exams, but does not currently hold an active practice permit tied to a healthcare facility.

- **Suspended / Revoked:** The license has been administratively withdrawn; the practitioner cannot legally perform medical procedures.

Dubai Healthcare City is an independent medical free zone with its own regulatory framework, the Dubai Healthcare City Authority - Regulatory (DHCR).

If a hospital or clinic is located inside DHCC (such as Mediclinic City Hospital or specialized specialty clinics in Buildings 37, 64, etc.), verify the practitioner's credentials through the official DHCR registry at `dhcr.gov.ae` rather than the main DHA Sheryan portal.