Hijama Clinic License in Dubai: Cost, Requirements & DHA Approval 2026
Dubai has a growing market for complementary and alternative healthcare services, including Hijama or cupping therapy. However, opening a Hijama clinic in Dubai requires proper healthcare facility licensing, qualified professionals, an approved facility design and compliance with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulations.
Under DHA’s current healthcare facility classification, Hijama is included among the services that may be provided through a Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine (TCAM) Centre. Other TCAM services include Ayurveda, acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopathy, naturopathy, homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Unani medicine.
If you are planning to start a Hijama centre, this guide explains the Hijama clinic license cost in Dubai, DHA requirements, therapist eligibility, approval procedure, documents and facility setup process in 2026.
What Is a Hijama Clinic in Dubai?
Hijama, commonly known as wet cupping therapy, is a complementary healthcare practice provided by appropriately qualified and licensed professionals.
In Dubai, Hijama cannot simply be operated as an ordinary wellness or massage business when it is being offered as a regulated healthcare service.
DHA’s healthcare facility licensing manual lists Hijama under the TCAM Centre category, meaning investors planning a dedicated facility generally need to follow DHA healthcare facility licensing requirements.
DHA’s 2025 Professional Qualification Requirements also state that Hijama clinical practice must be conducted in a health facility and that the Hijama title must be added to an appropriate authority-issued professional licence, subject to the applicable rules and exceptions.
Do You Need a DHA License to Open a Hijama Clinic in Dubai?
Yes. A healthcare facility operating under DHA jurisdiction must obtain the relevant DHA healthcare facility licence before beginning regulated healthcare operations.
The process generally includes:
- Selecting the appropriate healthcare facility activity
- Applying for a new healthcare facility licence
- Submitting the proposed engineering layout
- Obtaining the relevant commercial/trade licensing approvals
- Completing the facility according to DHA standards
- Hiring appropriately licensed healthcare professionals
- Applying to activate the facility licence
- Passing the required DHA inspection
- Receiving the active facility licence
DHA states that an approved New Facility License is initially issued as an inactive facility licence. The facility must subsequently complete the activation and inspection process before it can begin operations.
Hijama Clinic License Cost in Dubai
The total Hijama clinic setup cost in Dubai cannot be represented by one fixed amount because it depends on the facility size, location, lease, fit-out, professional staffing, design requirements and services being offered.
Major Hijama Clinic Setup Costs
| Cost Component | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| DHA Initial Approval | New healthcare facility licensing application |
| Commercial License | Business registration and permitted activity |
| Clinic Rent | Annual tenancy cost based on location and size |
| Healthcare Facility Design | Architectural and engineering drawings |
| Fit-Out | Treatment rooms, reception, plumbing, electrical and other works |
| DHA Inspection & Activation | Facility inspection and licence activation requirements |
| Professional Licensing | Hijama therapist and other healthcare professionals |
| Medical Equipment | Treatment beds, clinical equipment and consumables |
| Infection Control Setup | Sterilisation, clinical waste and safety arrangements |
| EMR / IT System | DHA-compliant electronic medical record requirements |
| Additional Approvals | Depending on building, activity and facility requirements |
DHA’s current New Facility License service page lists an initial approval fee of AED 2,000, with applicable Knowledge and Innovation Fees added at checkout. Other licensing, fit-out, commercial and operational expenses are separate.
Therefore, investors should calculate the project based on the actual premises, services and staffing model rather than relying on a generic advertised package price.
DHA Requirements for a Hijama Clinic in Dubai
A Hijama facility must comply with applicable DHA healthcare facility standards.
1. Appropriate Facility Classification
A dedicated facility offering Hijama may fall under the Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine – TCAM Centre category.
DHA defines a TCAM Centre as an outpatient health facility providing one or more approved traditional and complementary medicine specialties, including Hijama.
2. DHA-Compliant Clinic Layout
The clinic’s architectural and engineering design should follow the applicable DHA Health Facility Guidelines.
These guidelines establish minimum standards for healthcare facility planning, design, accessibility, infection control, engineering and patient safety.
Depending on the facility and approved scope, the premises may require areas such as:
- Reception and waiting area
- Consultation or assessment area
- Hijama treatment room(s)
- Handwashing facilities
- Clinical storage
- Clean and waste management areas
- Staff facilities
- Patient toilets
- Appropriate infection-control arrangements
The final requirements should be determined from the applicable DHA Health Facility Guidelines and the approved facility design.
3. Qualified Hijama Therapist
A facility must use healthcare professionals who meet the relevant professional qualification and licensing requirements.
DHA’s current PQR provides several qualification pathways for a Hijama Therapist.
These include specified Hijama training qualifications or, for certain licensed healthcare professionals, an approved Hijama training programme with the required clinical training cases.
The PQR currently specifies two years of post-qualification experience in the related field for the Hijama Therapist title.
The exact eligibility of an individual practitioner should always be verified through the applicable DHA professional licensing process.
Hijama Therapist License Requirements in Dubai
According to the current Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements, possible qualification routes include:
Route 1
A high school qualification together with an accredited Hijama certificate meeting the prescribed course-duration and curriculum requirements, including specified practical Hijama cases.
Route 2
A bachelor’s qualification in a healthcare-related field along with the required Hijama education and clinical training.
Route 3
An eligible healthcare professional holding a valid UAE health-authority licence with the required academic qualification, combined with an authority-approved Hijama training programme and documented clinical cases.
The current PQR provides more detailed conditions for each pathway, so applicant qualifications should be assessed individually before proceeding with professional licensing.
Documents Required for a Hijama Clinic License in Dubai
DHA’s New Facility License service currently identifies core documentation including:
- Valid passport copies of owners/partners
- Emirates ID copies where applicable
- Engineering layout prepared by an engineering/design company
- Facility proposal submitted through the application
- Trade licence, where already available
Additional documentation may be required depending on the facility’s structure, location, services and stage of approval.
For the overall project, investors should also be prepared for documentation relating to the lease, commercial licensing, facility design, healthcare professionals, IT/EMR systems and other regulatory requirements.
Step-by-Step Process to Open a Hijama Clinic in Dubai
Step 1: Decide the Facility Structure
Determine whether you want to establish:
- A dedicated Hijama/TCAM Centre
- A multi-service TCAM facility
- Hijama alongside another permitted healthcare activity
Your activity selection affects the design, staffing and approval requirements.
Step 2: Select a Suitable Location
Choose commercial premises that can reasonably accommodate healthcare facility requirements.
Avoid signing a long-term lease without first confirming that the premises can support the proposed healthcare facility layout.
Step 3: Prepare the Healthcare Facility Layout
Work with an appropriate healthcare facility design consultant to prepare the required engineering and architectural drawings.
DHA’s Health Facility Guidelines form the basis for minimum facility planning and design standards.
Step 4: Apply for the New DHA Facility License
The application is made through the DHA Sheryan portal.
The general process includes submitting the application, uploading the required documents, paying applicable fees and undergoing DHA review.
Step 5: Obtain Commercial Licensing Approvals
Complete the relevant business licensing procedure with the appropriate Dubai commercial licensing authority.
DHA currently states that obtaining the trade licence before applying for the New Facility License is optional, although it will ultimately be required as part of establishing the operating business.
Step 6: Complete Clinic Fit-Out
Once the proposed design and other relevant approvals are in place, complete the facility according to the approved layout and applicable health facility requirements.
Step 7: Complete Professional Licensing
Ensure the Hijama therapist and any other healthcare professionals meet the appropriate DHA professional licensing requirements.
Step 8: Apply for Facility Activation
After construction, fit-out and operational preparations are complete, request facility activation and inspection.
DHA’s Health Facility Guidelines state that activation can proceed once construction is completed and operational commissioning is in place.
Step 9: Pass DHA Inspection
DHA will inspect the premises for compliance.
If deficiencies are identified, they must be corrected before the facility can receive final approval.
Step 10: Receive the Active Facility License
Once the inspection requirements are successfully completed, the facility licence can become active and healthcare operations may begin.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Hijama Clinic License in Dubai?
The overall project duration depends considerably on:
- Premises selection
- Facility design
- DHA review
- Commercial licensing
- Fit-out work
- Professional licensing
- Inspection readiness
- Correction of any non-compliance
The DHA New Facility License service currently displays an average processing time of around five working days for that specific application service, but this should not be confused with the total time required to design, construct, license, inspect and activate an entire Hijama clinic.
Planning the facility correctly from the beginning can help reduce redesigns and approval delays.
Can Foreign Investors Open a Hijama Clinic in Dubai?
Foreign investors can establish healthcare businesses in Dubai subject to the relevant commercial ownership rules and healthcare regulatory requirements.
However, owning the business and being permitted to personally provide Hijama treatment are separate matters.
The facility requires the appropriate healthcare licence, while anyone performing regulated clinical services must independently satisfy the applicable professional qualification and licensing requirements.
Can a Hijama Clinic Offer Other TCAM Services?
Potentially, yes, subject to DHA approval, appropriately licensed professionals and the approved facility scope.
DHA’s TCAM classification includes services such as:
- Hijama
- Ayurveda
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic
- Osteopathy
- Naturopathy
- Homeopathy
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Traditional Korean Medicine
- Herbal/Oriental Medicine
- Unani
This makes a multi-service TCAM concept potentially attractive for investors who want to expand beyond a standalone Hijama offering.
Why Proper Planning Matters for Hijama Clinic Setup
Healthcare business setup is different from establishing a normal commercial company.
A poorly selected premises or incorrect facility design can result in additional costs, modifications and delays.
Before committing substantial funds, investors should review:
- Correct facility classification
- Permitted clinical activities
- Premises suitability
- DHA design requirements
- Professional eligibility
- Commercial licensing requirements
- Facility fit-out
- Inspection requirements
- Estimated capital investment
Handling these elements in the correct sequence can make the Hijama clinic licensing process in Dubai considerably smoother.
Start Your Hijama Clinic Setup in Dubai
Planning to open a Hijama clinic or TCAM Centre in Dubai?
Professional healthcare business setup support can assist with the process from initial activity assessment and documentation through facility licensing, layout coordination, commercial setup and DHA approval procedures.
Contact our healthcare business setup team to discuss your Hijama clinic requirements, estimated setup costs and licensing process in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hijama legal in Dubai?
Yes. Hijama is recognised within DHA’s Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine framework and must be practised within the applicable healthcare regulatory and professional licensing requirements.
What license is required for a Hijama clinic in Dubai?
A dedicated Hijama facility may be licensed under the relevant DHA TCAM Centre healthcare facility classification, depending on its approved scope of services.
How much does a Hijama clinic license cost in Dubai?
There is no single fixed total project cost. DHA currently lists AED 2,000 as the initial approval fee for the New Facility License service. Commercial licensing, rent, design, fit-out, inspection/activation requirements, equipment, staffing and professional licensing add to the overall investment.
Do I need a DHA license to practise Hijama?
Healthcare professionals providing Hijama in Dubai must meet the applicable professional qualification and licensing requirements. DHA’s PQR specifically states that Hijama clinical practice must take place in a health facility.
Can I open a Hijama centre without being a Hijama therapist?
Facility ownership and clinical practice are separate matters. An investor may establish a healthcare business subject to the relevant regulations, but Hijama treatment must be carried out by appropriately qualified and licensed healthcare professionals.
Can I provide Hijama from a normal massage centre?
Hijama is treated as a regulated healthcare service under DHA’s TCAM framework. A standard wellness or massage business should not be assumed to authorise the provision of clinical Hijama services.
Can I add Ayurveda or acupuncture to my Hijama centre?
Potentially yes. DHA’s TCAM Centre classification includes Hijama, Ayurveda, acupuncture and several other complementary medicine specialties. Each service must be approved within the facility’s scope and supported by appropriately licensed professionals.