Day Surgery Center License in the UAE: DHA, DOH and MOHAP
Short answer: A day surgery center is a freestanding ambulatory surgery facility for patients who do not need an overnight stay. Every regulator treats it as a higher complexity license than a clinic: higher fees, prequalified consultants for the drawings, more inspections and a longer build period.
Last verified: October 2026 against the DHA licensing manual (v1.1) and Sheryan fee page, DOH Standard V6 and MOHAP facility license page.
Key Takeaways
- DHA classifies day surgery centers as Class A, B, C-M or C under the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Center classes.
- DHA lists the license in the AED 20,000 range a year with inspection in the AED 3,000 range.
- DOH requires a prequalified consultant to submit the engineering drawings and to conduct the 90 percent inspection for day surgery.
- MOHAP requires a facility site assessment report and lists a final license fee in the AED 20,000 range.
- Higher complexity than a clinic: fees, inspections and design requirements are all greater.
What Counts as a Day Surgery Center
DHA defines it as a freestanding ambulatory surgery center mainly providing surgical procedures and services for patients who do not require hospitalization or overnight stay. It may also provide outpatient services for other specialties including diagnostics, and must be classified as Class A, B, C-M or C.
Regulator Comparison
| DHA (Dubai) | DOH (Abu Dhabi) | MOHAP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| License fee, 1 year | About 20,000 AED | Shown on TAMM | About 20,000 AED (one-day surgery) |
| Inspection | About 3,000 AED; re-inspection about 1,500 | 90 percent and 100 percent inspections | Initial inspection fee depends on facility group; confirm the day surgery amount with MOHAP |
| Design | Floor plan from prequalified consultant | Prequalified consultant for drawings and 90 percent inspection | Facility site assessment report; MOHAP engineers approve the plan |
| Build period | Inactive license valid one year | Preliminary approval 6 months, extendable up to 2 or 3 years for centers | Initial approval valid 6 months |
| Related services | Ambulatory pharmacy for DSC patients is a separate category | Pharmacy and specialties are registered on TAMM | Final license needs FANR and Civil Defence clearances |
Planning Points
- Choose the AAAASC class early. It drives staffing, equipment and anesthesia arrangements.
- Budget for a prequalified design consultant and for a longer build and approval period than a clinic.
- Confirm your premises can be licensed: DOH extension limits and DHA layout rules both depend on whether the building is dedicated or newly constructed.
- Plan staff licensing early: surgeons, anesthetists and nurses must all hold licenses before final inspection.
- Allow for radiology licensing if you install imaging equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Is a day surgery center the same as a clinic?
No. It is a separate category for surgical procedures without an overnight stay, with higher fees, additional inspections and design requirements.
How long can I take to build?
DHA gives an inactive license valid for one year. DOH gives 6 months extendable by facility type, up to 2 or 3 years for centers in dedicated or new buildings. MOHAP initial approval is valid for 6 months.
Do I need a prequalified consultant?
DOH requires one for day surgery drawings and the 90 percent inspection. DHA requires a floor plan from a prequalified design consultant for its facilities.
Can I add a pharmacy?
Yes. DHA lists an ambulatory pharmacy category for pharmacies that serve the day surgery center’s patients only.
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.
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