Clinic Inspection Readiness Checklist for the UAE
Short answer: Every UAE health regulator inspects a clinic before the final license is issued, and each asks for broadly the same evidence: an approved layout, licensed staff, a medical director, equipment list, contracts, civil defence clearance and connectivity to the health information exchange. This checklist combines what DHA, DOH, MOHAP and SHA list.
Last verified: October 2026 against DHA licensing manual (v1.1), DOH Standard V6, MOHAP Issue a Health Facility License page and SHA Permanent License service page.
Key Takeaways
- Inspection happens after build-out and before the final license, so documents must be ready before you book it.
- DHA activation needs a NABIDH connectivity approval email, a Civil Defence certificate and waste and insurance contracts.
- DOH has a 90 percent and a 100 percent inspection, and contracts must be valid for 13 months.
- MOHAP checks a site self-assessment and a final inspection against its checklist.
- SHA asks for a stamped layout, WEQAYA registration, building completion certificate and emergency plan approval.
Master Checklist
| Evidence | DHA | DOH | MOHAP | SHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approved layout or engineering drawings | Yes | Yes, stamped by DOH or a prequalified consultant | Plan with final MOHAP approval | Stamped layout |
| Trade license | Yes | Valid DED license | DED license | Yes |
| Medical director appointed | Yes | Facility profile and director | Required | Registration form |
| Licensed professionals in place | Yes | Registered staff | Staff licensing before final inspection | Per facility type |
| Equipment list | Yes | Specialties and beds ready for inspection | Yes | Yes |
| Civil Defence certificate | Yes | Not listed in the standard | Preventive safety certificate | Emergency Operation Plan approval |
| Waste management | Contract | Not listed in the standard | Medical waste agreement | WEQAYA registration |
| Insurance | Third party contract | Malpractice contract | Not listed on the service page | Malpractice insurance for professionals |
| Health information exchange | NABIDH connectivity approval email | Malaffi approval | Riayati and Tatmeen registration | Per SHA requirements |
| Radiology licensing | FANR registration | Not listed in the standard | FANR radiation protection license | FANR license if applicable |
DHA Inspection Day
- Approved engineering layout, enough licensed professionals and an assigned medical director.
- List of all medical equipment.
- Civil Defence certificate, approved policies and procedures, third party insurance contract and waste management contract.
- Trade license and the NABIDH connectivity approval email.
- If amendments are required, you apply to amend and pay for a re-inspection.
DOH Inspections
- Hospitals, day surgery, fertility, dialysis and oncology services use a prequalified consultant for the 90 percent inspection.
- For the 100 percent inspection, only the specialties, services and beds that are ready go forward. Suspend the rest on TAMM.
- Malpractice insurance and pest control contracts plus a valid DED license, with contracts valid for 13 months.
- Monitor and Control Center and Malaffi approvals before the final inspection.
MOHAP and SHA
MOHAP: complete the site self-assessment checklist for your category, apply for initial inspection, then final inspection after Civil Defence and other clearances. Final approval needs the external billboard, medical waste agreement, equipment list, price list, trade license, safety certificate, partner names and internal rules.
SHA: schedule the technical inspection in the SHA system once the layout is built. You need the stamped layout, WEQAYA registration, trade license, medical director form, building completion certificate, emergency plan approval and equipment list.
Common Reasons Inspections Fail
- Layout built differently from the approved plan.
- Staff licenses still pending, so the minimum team is not in place.
- No tested connection to the health information exchange.
- Contracts missing or with the wrong validity period.
- No medical director registered, or the director is registered elsewhere.
- Policies and procedures not finalised or not facility specific.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Who books the inspection?
The facility representative books it through the regulator portal: Sheryan for DHA, TAMM for DOH, the MOHAP system and the SHA system.
What happens if the inspection fails?
You fix the gaps, apply for any needed amendment and pay for a re-inspection. DHA lists re-inspection fees by facility type.
Do I need all staff licensed before inspection?
Regulators expect enough licensed professionals to deliver the approved services. Professional licenses activate when the facility license activates.
Is the checklist the same for every clinic?
No. Facility type changes the requirements, for example radiology, day surgery and pharmacy have extra items. Use this as a base and check your category.
How long should I allow?
Regulators publish processing days, not total time. Allow time for the inspection date, fixes and a possible re-inspection.
Where This Comes From.
How OzaniX Partners Can Help.
We prepare the application, coordinate the drawings and approvals, and run the renewal calendar so nothing lapses, then set up empanelment, bookkeeping and cash planning. See licensing and regulatory advisory or book a discovery call.
Book a Discovery Call