Department of Health – Abu Dhabi Closes Five Healthcare Facilities and Suspends Staff Pending referral to Public Prosecution

27 Mar, 2026:

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), the regulator of the healthcare sector in the Emirate, has announced the temporary closure of five healthcare facilities and the suspension of their staff, pending referral to the Public Prosecution for investigation. The action follows the detection of serious violations during the Department’s routine inspection and monitoring activities.

The Department confirmed that these measures are part of an integrated regulatory framework aimed at ensuring all healthcare facilities comply with the highest standards of quality and transparency. The violations were addressed promptly and decisively to safeguard the health and safety of the community.

The violations included issuing sick leave certificates without proper medical examination or patient attendance in exchange for payment, as well as manipulating medical records and official documents and transmitting them through unauthorised channels. Additional breaches involved employing unlicensed healthcare practitioners to practice within healthcare facilities, alongside non-compliance with licensing requirements, including failure to adhere to approved medical record-keeping systems and other professional procedures.

The Department noted that the temporary closure will remain in effect pending the outcome of criminal and administrative proceedings. Licenses of all staff involved have also been suspended in accordance with Articles 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 of the disciplinary regulations governing the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi.

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi urged community members to report any violations or concerns related to healthcare services through its official channels, reaffirming its commitment to taking all necessary measures to ensure healthcare services are delivered in line with global best practices, and enhancing the overall quality of the healthcare system in the Emirate.

The Department also called on all healthcare facilities operating in Abu Dhabi to comply with its regulations and standards, in order to protect public health and safety, and to continue delivering care in accordance with the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and reliability.