Patient Consent & Medical Records in UAE
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from UAE federal decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
UAE law protects your right to control your medical decisions and access your health records:
- Informed consent: Before any medical procedure, your doctor must explain the diagnosis, proposed treatment, risks, alternatives, and expected outcomes in language you understand. You must give written consent.
- Right to refuse: You can refuse any treatment, even if your doctor recommends it. Your refusal must be documented.
- Emergency exception: In life-threatening emergencies where you cannot consent (unconscious or incapacitated), doctors can proceed with necessary treatment to save your life.
- Medical records access: You have the right to access your complete medical records and obtain copies. Hospitals cannot refuse this request.
- Confidentiality: Your medical information is strictly confidential. Healthcare providers cannot share it without your consent, except when required by law (e.g., reporting communicable diseases).
When does it apply?
- You are receiving any medical treatment in the UAE — from a routine check-up to surgery.
- You want to access or transfer your medical records.
- This applies at all licensed healthcare facilities — hospitals, clinics, dental offices, and specialist centres.
What to Do If a UAE Doctor Performs a Procedure Without Your Informed Consent
- Ask questions — do not sign consent forms until you understand what you are agreeing to.
- Request a translator if the doctor cannot explain the procedure in your language.
- To get your medical records, submit a written request to the hospital's medical records department.
- If a provider refuses to release your records, file a complaint with the health authority (DHA, DOH, or MOH).
What should you NOT do?
- Do not sign blank consent forms — all details of the procedure should be filled in before you sign.
- Do not assume a family member can consent on your behalf — only a legal guardian or court-appointed representative can, unless you are incapacitated.
- Do not share your medical records with third parties without understanding why they need them.
Common Questions
When does it apply — patient consent & medical records?
You are receiving any medical treatment in the UAE — from a routine check-up to surgery.You want to access or transfer your medical records.This applies at all licensed healthcare facilities — hospitals, clinics, dental offices, and specialist centres.
What should I do if a doctor in the UAE performed a medical procedure on me without explaining it or getting my consent?
Ask questions — do not sign consent forms until you understand what you are agreeing to.Request a translator if the doctor cannot explain the procedure in your language.To get your medical records, submit a written request to the hospital's medical records department.If a provider refuses to release your records, file a complaint with the health authority (DHA, DOH, or MOH).
What should you NOT do — patient consent & medical records?
Do not sign blank consent forms — all details of the procedure should be filled in before you sign.Do not assume a family member can consent on your behalf — only a legal guardian or court-appointed representative can, unless you are incapacitated.Do not share your medical records with third parties without understanding why they need them.