Dubai’s New Public Health Law to Transform Work, Residency, and Driving License Procedures from July 2025

Dubai: A new comprehensive health law—Law No. (5) of 2025 on Public Health—will come into effect in late July 2025 across the Emirate of Dubai. Issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the law introduces a wide-ranging framework to safeguard public health and reform medical examination protocols linked to employment, residency, and driver’s licenses.

Key Provisions of the Law:

The law mandates new medical examination regulations for:

• Pre-employment screenings
• Residency applications
• Driving license and professional driver permit issuance
• Health cards for professionals

Healthcare providers will be legally required to follow approved standards and provide services such as vaccinations and lifestyle-related health programs.

DHA Assigned 14 Core Responsibilities

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) will oversee implementation in coordination with other competent bodies. Its responsibilities include:

• Establishing health policies, standards, and procedures
• Promoting physical and mental well-being across age groups
• Combatting high-risk behaviors and supporting substance abuse awareness campaigns
• Ensuring elderly care through integrated healthcare services
• Supporting medical research and enforcing patient rights and privacy
• Raising public awareness of disease prevention and early screenings

Strengthening Family Health Programs

The law places a strong emphasis on maternal and child health, with 10 specific mandates including:

• Programs for pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care
• Educational initiatives for optimal birth spacing and safe pregnancy planning
• Child immunization campaigns and monitoring
• Premarital screening to prevent hereditary diseases
• Psychological and social support during key family life stages

DHA will also implement preventive screening programs, including:

• Newborn and early childhood checks
• School and prenatal health assessments
• Preventive screenings for adults, including for non-communicable diseases

Law Objectives:

The new law aims to:

• Enhance individual and public health across Dubai
• Raise awareness of health risks and preventive practices
• Promote sustainable and healthy lifestyles
• Foster individual responsibility for community health
• Make Dubai a more attractive destination for living, working, and investment

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violators of the law face fines ranging from AED 500 to AED 1,000,000, with repeat offenses subject to penalties of up to AED 2,000,000. Specific violations and fines will be detailed in a resolution by the Chairman of the Executive Council.