How to Amend a DHA Healthcare Facility License in Dubai

Healthcare facilities in Dubai may need to modify their operations after receiving a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) facility license. A clinic may want to add a new specialty, expand its premises, change its layout, introduce an approved add-on service or change its facility category.

These changes cannot simply be implemented without considering the facility’s approved license. DHA provides an Amend Facility License service through the Sheryan portal for eligible active and inactive healthcare facilities.

Understanding the amendment process before making physical or operational changes can help healthcare facility owners avoid delays, unnecessary renovation expenses and compliance issues.

What Is a DHA Healthcare Facility License Amendment?

A DHA facility license amendment allows an existing healthcare facility to request approved changes to its healthcare facility license.

DHA currently permits amendments covering several areas, depending on whether the facility license is active or inactive.

For an inactive facility license, amendments include:

Adding or removing a specialty
Expanding the facility location
Changing the facility layout

For an active facility license, amendments include:

Adding or removing a specialty
Changing the facility category
Expanding the facility location
Changing the facility layout
Adding or removing applicable add-on services
Updating accreditation
Updating the FANR license

DHA notes that inactive-license amendments require design-modification review, while amendments to active licenses can involve initial approval, final approval and inspection.

When Do You Need to Amend a DHA Facility License?

A facility should consider a license amendment whenever the proposed operational or physical change affects information or services covered by its existing facility approval.

Common situations include the following.

Adding a New Medical Specialty

A clinic may want to introduce an additional specialty such as:

Dermatology
Paediatrics
Physiotherapy
Psychiatry
Orthopaedics
ENT
Ophthalmology
Occupational therapy
Other eligible healthcare specialties

DHA specifically lists Add/Remove Specialty as an amendment available for both active and inactive facility licenses.

Changing the Facility Category

Expansion of healthcare services can sometimes require a change in the facility’s approved category.

DHA allows Change Category as an amendment for active healthcare facility licenses.

Changing the Clinic Layout

If you plan to renovate or alter the approved layout—for example, by changing treatment or consultation areas—the proposed changes may require a facility-license amendment.

DHA lists Change Facility Layout among its amendment options.

Expanding the Healthcare Facility

A clinic may want to expand into additional space as its patient volume or range of services increases.

DHA’s amendment service provides an Expand Facility Location option for eligible facilities.

Adding Healthcare Add-On Services

Active healthcare facilities may also apply to add or remove eligible add-on services.

DHA’s current examples include services such as:

Home Healthcare
Telehealth
24-hour facility
Pharmacy delivery
Pharmacy drive-thru
Clinical training
Mobile healthcare unit

Availability depends on the facility category and applicable requirements.

How to Amend a DHA Healthcare Facility License

The application is completed through the DHA Sheryan system.

Step 1: Identify the Required Amendment

First determine exactly what is changing.

For example:

Adding a specialty → Add/Remove Specialty

Renovating clinical areas → Change Facility Layout

Increasing facility space → Expand Facility Location

Changing the facility classification → Change Category

Selecting the correct amendment is important because the documents, review process and inspection requirements can differ.

Step 2: Review the Facility Requirements

Before submitting the amendment, assess whether the existing premises can support the proposed change.

For a new specialty, consider:

Required clinical rooms
Minimum space requirements
Equipment
Patient flow
Staffing
Accessibility
Infection-control requirements
Specialty-specific standards

For a layout change, review the applicable DHA Health Facility Guidelines before starting major construction.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

DHA states that the documents required depend on the type of amendment.

Documents may include:

Floor plan or mobile-unit plan
Updated trade license
Required forms for applicable add-on services

Not every amendment requires every document.

Step 4: Update the Commercial License Where Applicable

Changes to healthcare operations can sometimes also affect the facility’s commercial license.

DHA states that applying for applicable changes with the relevant trade-licensing authority before requesting the DHA amendment is optional.

This means the sequence can depend on the amendment. If an updated trade license is required during DHA review, the applicant may need to complete that requirement before the amendment is finalized.

Step 5: Submit the Application Through Sheryan

The delegated healthcare facility representative can apply online.

The general process is:

Access the DHA website and log in.
Select Amend Healthcare Facility License.
Complete the online application.
Upload applicable documents.
Submit the application.
Pay the required fees.
Receive an application reference number.

The application is then reviewed by DHA.

Step 6: Complete DHA Review

DHA reviews the proposed amendment and supporting documents.

Depending on the amendment, the authority may assess:

Facility category
Existing approved layout
Proposed layout
Specialty requirements
Trade license
Proposed add-on service
Facility expansion
Other applicable requirements

If an inspection or trade-license update is necessary, DHA states that the application can be returned to the applicant to complete those requirements.

Step 7: Complete Facility Modifications

If the amendment involves physical changes, the clinic may need to complete the approved modifications.

These could include:

Additional consultation rooms
Treatment rooms
Procedure rooms
Therapy areas
Clinical support areas
Accessibility modifications
Equipment installation
Utility modifications

Healthcare facilities should avoid making significant alterations without first understanding the applicable DHA requirements.

Step 8: Prepare for DHA Inspection

Amendments to an active facility may be subject to inspection. DHA’s current licensing manual confirms that amendments can require an inspection and/or trade-license modification.

Inspection preparation may involve reviewing:

Approved layout
Clinical rooms
Equipment
Staffing
Infection-control measures
Patient safety
Facility policies
Specialty-specific requirements
Operational readiness

Any deficiencies identified should be addressed according to DHA requirements.

Step 9: Receive the Updated DHA Facility License

Once the amendment requirements are successfully completed and DHA approves the application, an updated healthcare facility license is issued.

The facility should then operate according to the scope and details of its amended license.

How Long Does a DHA Facility License Amendment Take?

DHA currently lists an average processing time of 5 working days for the Amend Healthcare Facility License service.

However, this does not necessarily mean the complete project will be finished within five working days.

The overall timeline can increase when the amendment involves:

Engineering design
Facility renovation
Additional documentation
Trade-license modification
Inspection
Re-inspection
Specialty-specific requirements

Therefore, healthcare businesses planning a major expansion should develop a realistic project timeline before committing to a launch date.

How Much Does It Cost to Amend a DHA Facility License?

DHA states that the service fee depends on the type of amendment and facility category.

Potential expenses can include:

DHA amendment fee
Inspection fee
Re-inspection fee where applicable
Add-on service fee
Engineering/design fees
Commercial license amendment
Renovation and fit-out
Equipment
Professional licensing

Because the applicable fee varies by facility and amendment type, confirm the current fee generated for your specific application rather than advertising a single universal amendment price.

Can a Clinic Continue Operating During the Amendment?

For an active healthcare facility, DHA’s current licensing manual states that the facility can continue operating under its existing license while the amendment is being processed until the amended license is approved.

However, this should not be interpreted as permission to begin providing the newly proposed specialty or service before it has been approved.

Continue operating according to the scope of the existing valid facility license until the amendment is approved.

Common Mistakes During a DHA Facility Amendment

Renovating Before Checking DHA Requirements

Changing clinical rooms or facility layouts before confirming the applicable requirements can result in expensive redesigns.

Adding a Specialty Without Amending the Facility License

Having a healthcare professional licensed in a particular specialty does not automatically add that specialty to the healthcare facility’s approved scope.

Confusing Professional and Facility Licensing

The healthcare facility license and healthcare professional licenses are separate regulatory requirements.

Selecting the Wrong Amendment

A facility expansion, category change, specialty addition and layout modification can involve different amendment requirements.

Ignoring Commercial License Changes

Some amendments may also require changes to the facility’s commercial license.

Underestimating Inspection Requirements

Active facility amendments may be subject to DHA inspection, depending on the type of amendment.

Why Get Professional DHA Facility Amendment Assistance?

Healthcare facility amendments can involve coordination between:

DHA facility licensing
Commercial licensing
Engineering design
Healthcare facility standards
Professional licensing
Fit-out contractors
Inspection preparation

Professional healthcare setup support can help determine the appropriate amendment and coordinate documentation and approval requirements before significant investments are made.

Amend Your DHA Healthcare Facility License

Whether you are adding a specialty, expanding your clinic, changing its category or modifying the facility layout, review the regulatory requirements before implementing the proposed changes.

Proper planning can reduce licensing delays, unnecessary construction changes and operational disruption.

Need assistance amending a DHA healthcare facility license? Contact our healthcare facility setup team for support with DHA amendments, documentation, layout coordination and inspection preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a new specialty to my existing DHA clinic?

Yes. DHA’s amendment service includes Add/Remove Specialty for both eligible active and inactive healthcare facility licenses.

Can I change my clinic layout after getting DHA approval?

Yes, but a change to the approved facility layout is one of the amendments covered by DHA’s Amend Facility License service.

Does DHA inspect a clinic after a license amendment?

It can. DHA states that active-license amendments require initial/final approval and inspection, while its licensing manual notes that amendments may be subject to inspection depending on the change.

What documents are required for a DHA facility amendment?

Depending on the amendment, DHA may require a floor plan, updated trade license and relevant add-on forms.

How long does the DHA amendment process take?

DHA currently lists an average processing time of 5 working days for the amendment service. More complex projects involving renovation, documentation or inspection can take longer overall.

Can an active clinic operate while its amendment is pending?

DHA’s current licensing manual states that an active healthcare facility can operate under its existing license until the amended license is approved.

Where do I apply to amend a DHA facility license?

Applications are submitted through DHA’s Sheryan portal using the Amend Healthcare Facility License service.