Dubai is rapidly becoming one of the top global hubs for health and wellness ventures, attracting entrepreneurs who want to launch spas, fitness centers, wellness studios, and medical aesthetics clinics.
The city’s mix of a high-income population, steady tourism, and advanced infrastructure makes it a prime location for growth.
However, success here requires more than just a great business idea; you must understand the legal process, meet specific facility standards, and follow the right sequence of steps.
In this guide, you’ll discover how to navigate the process of health and wellness business setup in Dubai so you can open your doors smoothly and operate with confidence.
TL;DR
- Decide on your jurisdiction: Mainland or Free Zone
- Identify your precise business activity
- Lease a suitable commercial space and register it through Ejari
- Get the necessary facility approvals from the relevant authorities
- Secure your trade license, recruit staff, and complete visa processing
Step 1: Choose Your Jurisdiction
Mainland License (Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism – DET)
A Mainland license allows you to trade across Dubai and the UAE without restrictions on client type or location. It’s a flexible choice for brands that want maximum reach and the option to bid on corporate or government contracts.
Free Zone License (Dubai Healthcare City – DHCC)
A Free Zone license, such as from DHCC, is best suited for businesses providing medical or clinical services. You’ll operate within a specialized healthcare ecosystem with streamlined regulation and support services.
Step 2: Define Your Business Activity
Your business activity determines which approvals you need.
Medical Clinic or Aesthetics Center
Requires a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) facility license and professional licensing for all practitioners.
Spa, Massage, or Non-Medical Wellness Center
Falls under Dubai Municipality Public Health & Safety, with inspections to ensure hygiene and safety standards.
Gym, Fitness Studio, or Sports Facility
Needs a DET trade license with correct activity listings, and in many cases, additional sports activity approval.
Step 3: Secure and Register Your Location
Select a premises that meets technical and safety guidelines, such as treatment room layouts, ventilation systems, and sterilization areas. Once your lease is signed, register it via Ejari to move forward with licensing.
Step 4: Complete Company Formation & Licensing
Mainland Setup
This involves securing initial approval, reserving a trade name, preparing a Memorandum of Association (MoA) or Local Service Agent (LSA) agreement, registering your lease (Ejari), obtaining external approvals, and then receiving your DET license.
Free Zone (DHCC) Setup
Submit your application via the MASAAR portal, obtain your commercial license, complete your facility planning and fit-out, and get the necessary regulatory clearances.
Step 5: Obtain Facility Approvals & Build Your Team
Facility Approvals
- Clinics: DHA facility activation plus practitioner licensing
- Spas: Dubai Municipality inspection for hygiene, water quality, and equipment standards
- Gyms: Verification of activities on license and any required sports authority approvals
Staffing and Visas
Apply for work permits through MoHRE and then issue residence visas via GDRFA. You should also implement payroll, employee health insurance, and operational compliance systems.
Compliance Checklist
- Jurisdiction and business activity match your service scope
- Ejari registration is complete and current
- All required facility approvals obtained
- The trade license is active and renewed annually
- Staff visas and work permits are valid
- Documented health, hygiene, and safety procedures in place
- Marketing content compliant with your license permissions
Conclusion
Setting up a health and wellness business in Dubai requires careful planning and precise execution. From choosing the right business activity to passing facility inspections, each step matters for your success.
Quickplus Business Consultants takes care of every stage-licensing, authority coordination, compliance, and staffing- so you can focus on building your brand and delivering outstanding services.
Book your free consultation today and start your journey toward a smooth, stress-free business setup in Dubai.
