International doctors can now practice in Dubai without opening their own clinics

Dubai is changing how healthcare works in the region. International doctors can now see patients in the emirate without dealing with the usual headaches of setting up a clinic - no staff hiring, no license paperwork, no billing systems to manage.

The shift comes through C37, a new platform from Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) that works like a medical coworking space. Doctors get access to fully equipped clinics, administrative support, and all the regulatory compliance they need to practice legally in Dubai.

How does it work?

C37 operates on a membership model that handles the operational side of running a medical practice. Doctors pay for access and get a complete package of services:

• Ready-to-use clinical facilities
• Administrative and nursing staff
• Patient scheduling and management systems
• Billing and payment collection
• IT infrastructure and medical records
• Medical malpractice insurance
• Visa and licensing support
• Legal, banking, and marketing services

According to Dr. Mohamed Elbaz, Medical Director of C37, the platform lets doctors choose daily, weekly, or monthly arrangements based on their schedules and patient demand. "Healthcare delivery has traditionally been centered around fixed hospitals and clinics, but there is a growing need for more flexible models that can connect patients with specialized expertise more efficiently," he said.

The system works for both international specialists flying in for consultations and UAE-based doctors who want to practice part-time without the overhead of running their own clinic.

Why does it matter?

This model addresses two major problems in healthcare: access to specialists and the barriers doctors face when trying to practice internationally.

For patients, it means access to world-class medical expertise without traveling abroad. Someone in Dubai seeking a second opinion or specialized treatment can now see internationally recognized experts locally. The platform also helps maintain continuity of care for patients whose doctors practice across multiple countries.

For doctors, C37 removes the biggest obstacles to international practice:

• Complex licensing procedures
• Visa applications and legal requirements
• Staff hiring and training
• Facility setup and maintenance
• Billing and insurance management

"Platforms like C37 help bring international expertise closer to patients in the UAE and the wider region, reducing the need to travel overseas for specialist consultations or medical opinions," Dr. Elbaz explained.

The context

Dubai's flexible medical workspace reflects broader changes in global healthcare delivery. Medical systems worldwide are moving toward more patient-centered, accessible models that can respond quickly to demand.

The timing is significant for Dubai's healthcare ambitions. The emirate has invested heavily in becoming a regional medical hub, competing with destinations like Singapore and Thailand for medical tourism. C37 gives Dubai a competitive edge by making it easier to attract top international talent without requiring long-term commitments.

This trend toward "on-demand" healthcare isn't unique to Dubai. Similar models are emerging globally as healthcare systems look for ways to improve access while controlling costs. The difference is Dubai's regulatory environment, which allows for this kind of flexible practice while maintaining clinical standards.

Dr. Elbaz emphasized that platforms like C37 aren't meant to replace traditional hospitals or clinics. "Flexible medical workspaces can help doctors practice more efficiently, support patient access to specialized care and allow healthcare systems to respond more quickly to changing demand, while maintaining the standards required in a clinical setting," he said.

The model also supports Dubai's broader economic strategy. By making it easier for international professionals to work in the emirate, even temporarily, Dubai strengthens its position as a global business hub while building expertise in high-value sectors like healthcare.