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Certifying body

DHA — Dubai Health Authority

Emirate licensing body for Dubai

Accredited
18Accredited
Countries
1Countries

What this accreditation actually means

Understanding DHA

DHA licenses healthcare facilities and professionals operating in the Emirate of Dubai. JAWDA (Quality, Innovation, and Distinction in Healthcare) is the quality framework administered under DHA.

DHA licensing is mandatory; JAWDA-accreditation distinguishes quality leaders. Major Dubai hospitals (American Hospital Dubai, Mediclinic City Hospital, Saudi German Hospital Dubai) are DHA-licensed.

What it means for patients

  • Dubai-specific regulatory licensing required for all healthcare operations.
  • JAWDA-accredited facilities have additional quality assessments beyond baseline.
  • Often combined with JCI for international-patient-serving hospitals.

How it's awarded

Licensing application + on-site inspection. JAWDA accreditation involves additional quality framework assessment.

Signal strength

DHA licensing is baseline (required); JAWDA adds quality differentiation; JCI adds international recognition.

Honest limitations

  • Dubai-specific.
  • DHA licensing alone doesn't differentiate quality.

How to verify a hospital's claim

DHA maintains licensed facility register at dha.gov.ae.

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