Regulatory information is provided for editorial and research purposes and should be verified directly with the relevant authority.
Two entity structures exist: a mainland company or a free-zone entity. Free zones such as Dubai Healthcare City permit full foreign ownership and serve as regional headquarters, while mainland presence sits closer to public procurement and hospital supply.
Product registration runs federally through the Emirates Drug Establishment, with one certificate covering the country. Foreign manufacturers register through a UAE-based authorised representative acting as marketing authorisation holder. Facility licensing, formulary access and hospital procurement are emirate-level decisions taken by the Dubai Health Authority and the Department of Health Abu Dhabi.
The practical sequence is entity establishment, then authorised representative appointment and EDE registration, then emirate-level facility and procurement access.