DHA Licensing: What Every Beauty Professional Needs to Know

If you provide or intend to provide beauty and wellness services in Dubai, understanding the Dubai Health Authority's regulatory framework is essential. The DHA oversees the licensing of healthcare and health-related services, including a growing number of beauty and aesthetic treatments. Operating without the appropriate DHA licence carries significant legal and financial penalties, and more importantly, puts clients at risk. Which Services Require DHA Licensing? The DHA regulates services that involve direct intervention with the skin or body beyond basic cosmetic application. This includes, but is not limited to, laser hair removal, intense pulsed light treatments, chemical peels, microneedling, microdermabrasion, dermaplaning, and any procedure classified as an aesthetic or medical-aesthetic treatment. Even some advanced facial treatments that involve active ingredients or mechanical exfoliation may fall under DHA oversight. It is important to note that the scope of DHA-regulated services evolves as new treatments and technologies enter the market. Professionals have a responsibility to stay informed about regulatory updates and ensure that their practice remains compliant at all times. The Licensing Requirements To obtain a DHA professional licence, practitioners must present recognized qualifications from an accredited institution, demonstrate relevant clinical experience, and pass DHA assessment criteria. Qualifications from CIBTAC, City & Guilds, and other internationally recognized awarding bodies are accepted by the DHA, which is why choosing an accredited training provider is so critical to your licensing pathway. The DHA also requires practitioners to maintain current knowledge through continuing professional development. Licence holders must demonstrate ongoing learning to renew their credentials, reinforcing the importance of career-long education. How Accredited Training Simplifies the Process Graduates of accredited programmes benefit from a streamlined licensing pathway. Because CIBTAC and City & Guilds qualifications are pre-recognized by the DHA, graduates avoid the additional evaluation steps that holders of non-accredited certificates must undergo. At Holistique Harmony Training, our DHA-aligned curriculum covers infection control, contraindications, client consent, professional ethics, and all of the regulatory knowledge components that the licensing process demands. Compliance as a Competitive Advantage DHA compliance is not merely a legal obligation; it is a mark of professionalism that clients actively seek. In an increasingly informed market, consumers research practitioner credentials before booking treatments. Displaying a valid DHA licence signals competence, accountability, and a commitment to client safety. For beauty businesses, employing only DHA-licensed professionals protects the organization's reputation, reduces liability, and builds the trust that underpins long-term client relationships.