In our previous guide about UAE's Health Information Exchange systems, we described how these platforms work and why they are required for all medical facilities in the country. These systems – Malaffi, Riayatti, and NABIDH – form the core of the National Unified Medical Record (NUMR) initiative, which connects clinics and hospitals into one shared medical database.

In this article, we focus on NABIDH, the Health Information Exchange system used in Dubai. Every clinic in Dubai must connect to NABIDH to receive or renew its DHA license.

This guide explains what NABIDH requires, what documents and standards you need to follow, and how to prepare your clinic for integration.

Quick Summary

• NABIDH is required for all clinics in Dubai.
• You need a trade license and an EMR system that meets NABIDH’s Minimum Data Set and HL7 standards.
• Clinics must follow DHA rules on data storage, record retention, and patient confidentiality.
• Remedico supports NABIDH integration for dental clinics in Dubai.

Looking for the simplest way to connect your clinic?

Read the full guide here: NABIDH Integration for Dental Clinics

How to Prepare Your Clinic for NABIDH (Step-by-Step)

1. Choose an EMR provider that supports NABIDH and HL7 messaging (such as Remedico).
2. Make sure all patient data is stored inside the UAE.
3. Review DHA’s policies on data handling and patient privacy.
4. Clean and update all patient records for accuracy.
5. Prepare the NABIDH Minimum Data Set (MDS) fields.
6. Confirm readiness with DHA.
7. Complete test data exchange with the NABIDH environment.

This HIE system is required for healthcare facilities in the Dubai Emirate, and thus, it operates according to the laws of the local health authority – DHA. Instructions on the organization's website highlight two prerequisites for facilities that want to receive a new healthcare facility License in the Emirate: a trade license and an EMR system that complies with NABIDH technical requirements.

Facility Duties Under DHA Rules

It's not enough to choose an EMR system, you should also review the legal basis for proper data management, which is mandatory for keeping your license.

Before integrating with NABIDH, clinics must follow key UAE laws on data safety and privacy:

1. ICT (Federal Law 2019)

The first law you should consider before NABIDH integration is the Federal Law (2019) on Information and Communication Technology (ICT). This law sets rules for how clinics store and protect health information. Your clinic must:

• Your EMR provider should physically store information within UAE borders.
• Your dental facility should keep all digital records for 25 years after the last patient's visit.
• Keep data safe and confident, and prevent any unauthorized use for research, data exchange with third parties, etc. (with few exceptions, described below)

2. UAE Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL)

This law adds extra rules about how clinics use and manage patient data. ICT is also complemented by the UAE Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), which together form several key data management principles to be followed to avoid regulatory actions:

• Data storage and management should be fair, lawful, and transparent.
• Purpose limitation – health information should not be used for public health, research, safety initiatives, etc, without special permission from DHA and consent of the Data Subject (clinic patient)
• Data minimization – all information should be stored no longer than ICT required. Additionally, all stored data should be adequate, relevant, and not excessive, limited to HIE technical requirements (we describe them in the next chapter).
• Accuracy – the facility should keep all records accurate, complete, and up to date and immediately prevent any inaccurate records.
• The facility must guarantee health information's integrity, confidentiality, and security.
• The facility should dispose of health information after the period defined in ICT without any grounds for its retention.

The facilities are responsible for all these requirements. Once you decide to start NABIDH integration, you should choose an EMR provider with a system that meets the mentioned demands. The official DHA guidance, "Health Data Protection and Confidentiality Policy," can provide more detailed information.

Requirements for Your EMR System

In the instructions on the DHA website, the EMR prerequisite says that you should get "... EMR that complies with NABIDH Minimum Data Set and NABIDH standards." Thus, it may mean that some EMR systems that are not present in the recommendation list but meet the Data Set requirements can be integrated into HIE. Still, it’s important to note that the chosen EMR should have the intention to integrate with NABIDH or participate in an onboarding process so your facility can pass the annual DHA inspection. 

NABIDH Minimal Data Set document defines crucial types of information that the facility must gather during cooperation with patients and specifies formats that the system should use.

1. NABIDH Minimum Data Set (MDS)

• Family and Social History
• Vitals, allergies, diagnosis, and health problems
• Procedures and Medication orders
• Radiology (without images) and laboratory results
• VIP identifiers, patient consent, and insurance information
• Patient demographic; family and social history
• Clinical documents and vaccination details.

2. Required Data Fields

• MRN Number
• Patient Name
• Gender
• Date of birth
• Emirates ID
• Mobile number
• Nationality
• Address
• Clinician and Facility Sheryan ID

3. Coding and Message Standards

NABIDH uses Current Dental Terminology by American Dental Association (CDT(ADA)) standards for dental procedures and related services, which are internationally widespread and recognized. Also NABIDH follows international messaging standards – HL7, including V2.x, V3, etc. 

Your EMR must support these formats for your clinic to pass integration.

NABIDH at a Glance (Quick Table)

Smooth Integration for Dental Clinics

If your clinic is located in Dubai, you must connect to NABIDH to operate legally.

Remedico already supports NABIDH formatting, HL7 messaging, and Minimum Data Set requirements. Learn more here: NABIDH Integration Guide

FAQs

1. Is NABIDH mandatory for all clinics in Dubai?

Yes. You cannot get or renew a DHA license without NABIDH integration.

2. How long does NABIDH integration take?

It usually takes 2–6 weeks, depending on data quality and paperwork.

3. Can I integrate with NABIDH without an EMR provider?

No. Clinics cannot integrate directly. You need an EMR provider that meets NABIDH standards.

4. Does NABIDH support dental data?

Yes. NABIDH uses ADA CDT standards for dental procedures.

5. Does Remedico support NABIDH?

Yes. Remedico supports NABIDH integration for dental clinics in Dubai.