Medical Malpractice Law in the UAE
Medical malpractice in the UAE is governed by Federal Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability, which establishes the standard of care expected of healthcare professionals, the Medical Liability Committees that adjudicate complaints, and the grounds for civil and criminal liability.
A medical professional in the UAE is liable when their treatment falls below the standard of a reasonably competent practitioner in the same specialty, and that failure causes harm to the patient. This can arise from surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication mistakes, failure to obtain informed consent, birth injuries, and many other situations.
Common Types of Medical Negligence Claims in Dubai & UAE
Surgical Errors
Wrong-site surgery, retained surgical instruments, anaesthesia errors, and post-operative complications arising from substandard care are all actionable under UAE medical liability law.
Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis
A delayed or incorrect diagnosis that allows a condition to worsen can cause devastating and irreversible harm. Where a UAE doctor fails to identify a condition that would have been apparent to a reasonably competent practitioner, you may have a claim.
Medication Errors
Prescribing the wrong medication, wrong dosage, or failing to warn of drug interactions are among the most preventable forms of medical negligence. Both the prescribing doctor and dispensing pharmacy may be liable.
Birth Injuries
Injuries to a mother or child during labour and delivery caused by failures in obstetric care — including improper use of delivery instruments, failure to perform a timely caesarean, and inadequate foetal monitoring — give rise to serious and high-value claims.
Failure to Obtain Informed Consent
UAE law requires that healthcare providers obtain the patient's informed consent before any procedure, disclosing material risks in a language the patient understands. Treatment performed without valid consent, or where inadequate risk disclosure causes harm, constitutes medical negligence.
The UAE Medical Malpractice Claims Process
Step 1 — Medical Records & Expert Review
Our lawyers obtain your full medical records and engage independent medical experts to review the standard of care provided. A strong expert opinion is the foundation of any successful medical malpractice claim.
Step 2 — DHA or HAAD Complaint
Most UAE medical malpractice cases proceed through a formal complaint to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD). A Medical Liability Committee of specialised physicians examines the case and issues an opinion on whether the standard of care was breached.
Step 3 — Civil Court Proceedings
Where the Medical Liability Committee finds in your favour (or where you wish to challenge a contrary finding), we file civil proceedings before the Dubai Courts or relevant UAE court seeking full compensation — including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and Diya in fatal cases.
Step 4 — Criminal Prosecution
In cases of gross negligence or fatality, our lawyers work alongside public prosecutors to pursue criminal charges against the responsible healthcare provider, which can run in parallel with your civil compensation claim.
