Dubai issues social media rules for doctors, health facilities and influencers: bans misleading claims

Dubai's healthcare regulator, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), has introduced comprehensive social media guidelines for doctors, healthcare facilities, and influencers. These rules prohibit misleading or exaggerated claims and require careful approval processes. The regulations apply to all DHA-licensed healthcare providers on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn.

Key restrictions include the ban on terms like "miraculous," "magic," "unique," "the best," and "immediate results." Additionally, titles must match those on the DHA license, eliminating terms like "Cosmetic Specialist" or "Anti-Ageing Specialist." Medical directors are responsible for reviewing posts, training staff, moderating accounts, and archiving content for audits. Health facilities cannot use the DHA's logo without approval and must obtain patient consent before using images, videos, or statements.

Facilities cannot display patient before-and-after photos without the individual's consent, and must include disclaimers about potential variations in results. Ads must avoid creating unrealistic expectations, using fear tactics, or exploiting patients' lack of medical knowledge. Testimonials comparing different healthcare professions are prohibited, as is any content that breaches cultural or Islamic values.

The DHA aims to maintain Dubai's health sector as a trusted source of information while protecting patients from unsafe or unethical advertising. Medical directors are required to inform staff of the penalties for violations and provide regular training on acceptable social media use.