Digital health in the United Arab Emirates
11.3M
inhabitants (2024)
7
Emirates
(Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah)
4.6%
share of healthcare expenditure in GDP (2022)
An efficient healthcare system combining public funding, private provision, and compulsory health insurance.
The United Arab Emirates operates a high‑quality, government-supported healthcare system blending public funding and private provision. There are both Federal and Emirate-level authorities: the Ministry of Health and Prevention is responsible for all seven emirates, except Abu Dhabi and Dubai which have specific authorities overseeing care delivery (the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi (DoH) and the Dubai Health Authority).
Mandatory health insurance covers all citizens and most residents, with employers required to provide coverage for expatriate workers and dependents in line with regional regulations. The UAE have achieved near‑universal sanitation and water access and reduced maternal and infant mortality rates. The country continues to expand health infrastructure, foster public‑private partnerships, and develop centers of medical tourism and excellence.
Demographic, technological, and health challenges
- Demographic profile: with a young demographic profile, with 16.2% of its population under the age of 15 in 2022 and only 1.8% aged 65 and above – also note a significant demographic increase is driving new healthcare needs.
- Innovation and technology are driving the shift toward specialized medicine. The UAE is investing in research and health data to better understand its population (notably through initiatives such as the Human Genome Project or implementing fast-track procedures for innovative medicines)
- The UAE has a very high dependence on foreign labor in the healthcare sector, with approximately 80% of doctors and 90% of nurses being expatriates,
- The UAE is facing a growing burden of non-communicable diseases, with record-high rates of obesity and diabetes.
- The UAE relies heavily on imports for medical devices.
An ambitious digital health strategy
The UAE is also advancing an ambitious digital health strategy under its broader Digital UAE and “We the EAU Vision 2031” initiatives, making innovation for the benefit of health a national priority. The cornerstone is the National Unified Medical Record system known as Riayati, integrating electronic records from Abu Dhabi (Malaffi) and Dubai (NABIDH) into one secure, interoperable platform across thousands of health facilities. Telemedicine and virtual care are rapidly scaling, enabled by platforms like Doctor for Every Citizen and supported by robust legislations.
How to access the UAE digital health market?
Digital medical devices are often referred to as "software as a medical device" (SaMD).
To enter the market in all emirates (except Abu Dhabi and Dubai), the competent legal authority is the Ministry of Health and Prevention:
1. Appoint a UAE-based Local agent
This local agent will act as importer and legal entity submitting applications.
2. Register your marketing office or medical warehouse (if applicable) by the Ministry of Health and Prevention
Before registering your medical devices, the Marketing Authorization Holder company must have a valid license.
Classify the device according to relevant legislation.
3. Register the medical equipment to the Ministry of Health and Prevention
Required documents include : an application form ; a copy of valid registration certificate of the factory ; a certificate of registration in the country of origin certified by the Embassy of the UAE ; a certificate a quality/market authorization (such as CE marking, 510k, PMA, depending on the classification of the equipment : Class I, II, III IV) ; product’s information ; laboratory analysis ; samples ; safety and efficacy data ; etc.
Service fees are 100AED for the application and 5000AED for the registration of a medical device.
The process can take up to 45 days.
If the committee approves the request, a certificate and identification number will be issued, allowing the import and sale of the device in the UAE. Registrations certificates are valid for 5 years except if there are significant changes to the product.
4. Comply with post-market obligations
Marketing authorization holders and healthcare providers must report serious adverse events and quality, safety or fraud issues related to medical products to the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE) within strict statutory timelines (from immediate notification up to 90 days, depending on severity and type of issue).
The EDE sets up and manages the national electronic system for receiving and documenting reports, currently accessible via a link from the MOHAP portal. This e-service should be fully integrated and available directly on the EDE website from January 2026. In addition, some emirates, such as Abu Dhabi, already have their own e-services (or forms) for reporting incidents via local platforms.
To enter the market in Abu Dhabi :
Submit your DMD to the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) by the Department of health
Send a pre-evaluation form to the the DoH before submitting HTA application.
A company address in the UAE is necessary, as well as a UAE local agent and further documents also need to be sent by email.
Use the mobile application service to register as a company providing healthcare services
Required documents must be sent to this address: hfld@doh.gov.ae . They include the ADGM/DED license (commercial license to operate in Abu Dhabi Global Market), technical registration form, emirates ID.- Evaluation from DoH
The DMD is being evaluated by the DoH under specific security standards such as ADHICS. After approval, DMDs are registered in the Health Technology Registry.
To enter the market in Dubai:
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) handles regulation of medical devices specifically in the emirate of Dubai. MoHAP registration is mandatory.
Submit to local registration by the DHA (here), paying additional applicable fees.
Government authorities and platforms
Ensure efficient operation and cooperation within the healthcare system
French government agencies in the United Arab Emirates
Business France supports French companies' international growth, including healthcare exports via the French Pavilion at WHX (formerly Arab Health) with over 100 exhibitors. It maintains a strong Middle East presence through its Dubai regional office, seven PMO offices (four in GCC), and extensive partners.
Contacts:
Associations
They bring companies together and facilitate their incubation
Hubs and innovation clusters
They bring together and facilitate the incubation of new technologies
Training courses
Universities and their groups that offer training and support for digital health innovations
Events
WHX Dubai (Formerly Arab Health): World Health Expo Dubai is a major international healthcare trade event that brings together global stakeholders to showcase innovations in medical technology, digital health, and healthcare systems.
- Next edition: February 9-12, 2026
- The French Pavilion, organized by Business France at WHX Dubai 2026, showcases French expertise in medical devices and healthcare innovation, offering a strategic showcase for international networking and market engagement
- Business France regularly organizes immersive missions in the healthcare sector, centered around major events. The most recent mission took place in April 2026, in collaboration with local healthcare institutions