Who can administer Botox and fillers in the UAE?

Botox and filler treatments in the UAE should be performed by a licensed healthcare professional who is permitted and appropriately privileged to perform that specific procedure.

A medical licence alone does not automatically mean that a practitioner may perform every type of cosmetic injectable. Their professional title, training, clinical privileges, treatment area and the rules of the relevant UAE health authority can all matter.

For example, Dubai Health Authority standards specify which professional categories may perform Botox and filler procedures and require relevant training or privileges in many cases. Abu Dhabi also uses procedure-specific clinical privileging requirements.

Before treatment, check both the practitioner's active professional licence and whether their scope of practice covers the injectable procedure you are considering.

Who can perform Botox and filler treatments?

The exact answer depends on the emirate, the practitioner's licensed professional title and the procedure being performed.

In Dubai, current DHA standards allow cosmetic Botox and filler procedures for defined categories of licensed professionals. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons are included, while other physicians may require documented relevant training. Certain dental specialists may perform defined facial Botox and filler procedures within the permitted scope.

The permitted practitioner can also differ according to the treatment area. For example, the requirements for facial injections are not necessarily the same as those for the nose or body.

This is why checking only whether someone is a “doctor” is not enough. You should also check whether the practitioner is permitted to perform the specific treatment and anatomical area you are considering.

For information about the treatment itself, see the Botox guide.

Can dentists perform Botox or fillers in the UAE?

Certain dentists may be permitted to perform specific cosmetic injectable procedures, but this depends on their licensed specialty, training, privileges and the rules of the relevant health authority.

For example, DHA standards permit specified dental specialties to perform certain facial Botox and filler procedures, while other procedures are restricted.

Abu Dhabi's DoH standard also permits specialty dentists to perform defined facial Botox and filler procedures when the required training and privileges are in place.

A dental licence by itself should therefore not be treated as proof that a dentist can perform every type of cosmetic injectable.

For a broader explanation of dermal filler treatment, see the fillers guide.

Which medical licence should an injectables practitioner have?

The relevant licence depends on where the practitioner works.

Common UAE healthcare regulators include:

• Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for healthcare professionals licensed within its jurisdiction in Dubai;

• Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) for healthcare professionals practising under its jurisdiction in Abu Dhabi;

• Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) for healthcare professionals and facilities under its licensing jurisdiction.

Other competent local or healthcare-zone authorities may apply in particular locations. Therefore, do not judge a licence only by expecting every UAE practitioner to have a DHA, DoH or MOHAP number.

The most important check is that the practitioner has a current licence from the authority responsible for the facility where they practise, and that the proposed procedure falls within their permitted scope and privileges.

How can you check a practitioner's licence?

Ask the clinic for the practitioner's full name, professional title and licence details. Then compare those details with the relevant health authority's official records.

Dubai

DHA provides an online professional licence and registration verification service. A search can show details such as the practitioner's professional specialty, active licence, facility and licence status.

Some DHA records also display specific clinical privileges, such as a Botox and fillers privilege.

Abu Dhabi

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi provides a Find a Medical Professional tool and manages professional licensing through its healthcare licensing system.

Other UAE jurisdictions

If the practitioner is licensed through MOHAP or another competent authority, verify their licence using the regulator responsible for that professional and facility.

The clinic name matters too. A healthcare professional may hold a licence connected to a particular licensed facility, so check that the details match where your treatment will actually take place.

More about UAE injectables licensing

Does a licence mean someone is experienced with injectables?

No. A valid professional licence is an important regulatory check, but it does not by itself tell you how much experience a practitioner has with Botox, fillers or your specific treatment area.

When comparing licensed practitioners, you can also ask:

• what relevant aesthetic training they have completed;

• whether they hold the required privilege for the procedure;

• how regularly they perform the treatment;

• whether they have experience with the anatomical area being treated;

• how they explain risks and alternatives;

• what happens if a complication occurs;

• what follow-up is available.

Experience should be considered separately from licensing.

For more detailed practitioner-selection criteria, see how to choose a cosmetic practitioner.

What should you check before treatment?

Before deciding whether to proceed with Botox or fillers, make sure you can clearly identify the person who will perform the injections.

Ask:

• What is your professional title?

• Which UAE health authority licenses you?

• What is your licence number?

• Are you privileged to perform this particular procedure?

• Does that privilege cover this treatment area?

• What relevant injectables training have you completed?

• How often do you perform this treatment?

• Where will the procedure take place?

• What happens if there is a complication?

• Who should I contact after treatment if I have a concern?

You should also receive clear information about the planned procedure, possible risks and expected outcomes before consenting to treatment.

Compare injectables practitioners in the UAE

A useful comparison starts with the practitioner's licence and permitted scope of practice.

You can then compare relevant experience, treatment focus, clinic information and patient reviews before deciding whether you want to request a consultation.

Do not rely on a job title such as “aesthetic practitioner” or “cosmetic doctor” alone. Check the underlying regulated professional title and licence details.

Frequently asked questions about injectables practitioners