Dubai launches unified health screening linking residency and occupational checks in single digital process

Dubai Health has introduced a new ‘Unified Health Screening’ service that integrates residency and occupational medical fitness examinations into a single, seamless application process. Under the new system, residency permits are issued automatically once medical results are finalised.

 

Launched as part of the ‘City Makers’ initiative, the service represents a major step towards deeper government integration and simplified procedures for residents and professionals across various sectors. By combining medical fitness and occupational health screenings into one automated digital pathway, applicants can now complete all required tests in a single visit.


Through an advanced smart digital platform, professionals can apply for health screenings based on their specific profession. The system automatically identifies the required tests, ensuring all procedures are completed through one streamlined journey. Once the medical results are approved, residency permits are issued automatically, eliminating duplication and significantly reducing processing time.

 

The initiative also links databases across relevant authorities, enabling faster and more accurate data exchange while strengthening preventive planning as Dubai’s population and economy continue to grow.

 

The project has been implemented in collaboration with key government entities, including the Dubai Health Authority, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs — Dubai, Dubai Municipality, the Supreme Legislation Committee, and the Department of Finance. It aligns with Dubai’s Social Agenda 33 and the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), both aimed at strengthening the emirate’s global competitiveness and service excellence.


Dr Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, said the Unified Health Screening reflects Dubai’s commitment to strengthening joint government work through a single digital pathway that streamlines medical fitness examinations for residency and occupational health.

 

He highlighted the initiative’s role in automating procedures and standardising and accelerating data exchange between entities, supporting preventive planning and keeping pace with the growing demands driven by the city’s population and economic expansion.

Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General of the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, said the Unified Medical Screening service embodies Dubai’s integrated government model, built on institutional connectivity and seamless system integration among concerned entities.

 

He noted that GDRFA Dubai’s role focuses on linking databases and enabling automated, secure information exchange with strategic partners, ensuring accurate data availability across all entities involved in delivering the service. This, he said, helps accelerate procedures and enables smooth issuance of residency permits once requirements are met, directly enhancing customer experience and overall government efficiency.

 

He added that this level of integration strengthens data reliability, reduces duplication of procedures and improves performance efficiency while leveraging advanced technologies to prioritise people.


Engineer Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, described the Unified Health Screening launch as a strategic move to strengthen Dubai’s inspection and regulatory framework.

 

“The service marks a qualitative leap in advancing integration between government systems through unified processes and smartly connected databases,” he said. “This enables Dubai Municipality’s inspection teams to access accurate, real-time information during inspections, ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety standards, strengthening proactive prevention and enhancing emergency response readiness.”

 

Dr Amer Sharif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Health and President of Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, said the service represents a qualitative leap in joint government services by unifying procedures and integrating systems across relevant entities.

 

He added that the initiative simplifies the customer journey, enhances service quality and reflects strong collaboration between government bodies under the ‘City Makers’ framework. It also supports Dubai’s vision to deliver smart, proactive services while strengthening healthcare system readiness and reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global model for integrated government services.


The Unified Health Screening service will initially be available at Dubai Health medical fitness centres across the emirate, including Al Garhoud, Al Nahda, Al Karama, Al Yalayis, Bur Dubai, Jebel Ali Free Zone and Zabeel, as well as Smart Salem Centres.

 

Authorities said the number of centres offering the service will expand in the next phase, alongside increased capacity at existing facilities to meet rising demand and ensure a smooth and efficient customer experience.


Launched in 2014 by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the ‘City Makers’ initiative aims to strengthen cooperation among government entities. It supports the creation of cross-government task forces to design and deliver exceptional shared services that enhance the overall customer journey across Dubai.

 

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