Abu Dhabi’s regulative body of the healthcare sector, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) continues to work closely with investors to encourage high-quality investments that will meet the healthcare sector’s future needs and expectations.
This investment strategy complies with the UAE Federal Law on Foreign Direct Investment No.16 for 2020, which allows foreign investors to own up to 100 percent of a company.
According to the DoH, foreign investors can own or co-own private healthcare facilities in the UAE, based on certain regulations, including general hospitals with a capacity of no less than 50 beds and specialized hospitals with a capacity of no less than 50 beds within the scope of specialties determined by the health department.
Furthermore, the ownership of healthcare centers and clinics with rare specialties, as well as hotel clinics, academic institution clinics, and clinics within construction firms, whereby the clinics may be 100 percent owned by the owner of the hotel, academic institution, or company.
Dr. Jamal Mohammed AlKaabi Undersecretary – DoH
“Abu Dhabi has succeeded in positioning itself as an attractive and unique global investment hub and through the strong vision and efforts of the Department of Health, current investment opportunities also extend to the healthcare sector. The Emirate’s position today is the result of strong infrastructure, advanced regulatory frameworks, and exceptional healthcare facilities. including the private sector that makes up 80 percent of the total healthcare facilities in the Emirate. Offering investment opportunities with 100 percent ownership in the healthcare sector is a significant step forward in the Department of Health’s ongoing efforts to stimulate high-quality investments in Abu Dhabi. We are confident that these ongoing investment initiatives will improve the overall quality of healthcare services while contributing to a more sustainable healthcare sector. As such, DoH remains committed to providing integrated and continuous care in line with our vision to promote ‘A Healthier Abu Dhabi’.”
The DoH assists investors by identifying present and future strategic investment opportunities as well as current gaps in the Emirate’s healthcare industry. The department identifies specialties in the healthcare sector that are undersupplied and are necessary for meeting local needs.
In addition, the Department of Health is actively stepping up its efforts to encourage an open market for outpatient facilities such as hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, dental clinics, and other non-insurance-based cosmetic services.
