You might need your medical records for a second opinion, a visa medical, a new job, or simply to keep your own copies. How to Request a Medical Record in the UAE is straightforward once you know the channels: most hospitals and clinics let you apply through their patient portal or app, in person at the medical-records desk, or by email — and you will normally need your Emirates ID to prove the records are yours.
This guide walks through who can request records, what documents you need, the exact steps for the main channels, typical fees and timelines, and how to handle records for children or other family members. It covers requests across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates, since the process differs slightly by facility.
Quick Answer
To request a medical record in the UAE, contact the hospital or clinic where you were treated: most large facilities accept requests through their patient portal or app (for example, DHA facilities through the DHA patient services), in person at the medical-records department, or by email. You will need your Emirates ID, and sometimes your insurance card and a signed request form. Processing typically takes a few working days, and some facilities charge a small administrative fee — confirm the fee and timeline with the facility before you apply, as both vary.
How to Request a Medical Record: The Main Channels
There is no single national counter for medical records — you request them from the facility that created them. Nearly every facility offers at least two of these three channels:
1. Patient portal or mobile app
This is the fastest option at large hospitals. Log in to the hospital group’s portal or app (DHA patients, for example, can access medical reports and records through the authority’s official DHA website and patient apps), go to the medical-records or reports section, select the visits or documents you want, and submit the request. Some portals let you download reports instantly; others process the request and notify you when the file is ready.
2. In person at the medical-records desk
Every hospital has a medical-records (sometimes called “medical reports”) department. Bring your Emirates ID, fill in the request form, state which records you need (consultation notes, lab results, radiology reports, discharge summaries) and the date range, then pay any fee. You may collect the records yourself or authorise someone to collect them on your behalf.
3. By email
Many facilities accept scanned request forms and ID copies by email — useful if you have left the UAE or live far from the hospital. The facility usually replies with the payment link and then sends the records once payment and identity verification are complete.
If you are specifically after a formal written summary rather than the full file, see our guide on how to request a medical report, which explains when a report is enough and when you need the complete record. For instant access where it is available, how to download a medical report covers the portal and app options.
What You Will Need
Prepare these before you start, so the request is not sent back for missing documents:
- Emirates ID — the standard identity proof for medical-records requests. Make sure it is valid; if it is expiring soon, our Emirates ID renewal guide explains how to renew it.
- Signed request form — the facility’s own form, usually available at the desk, on its website, or by email on request.
- Details of what you need — the date or date range of treatment, the department (for example, cardiology or orthopaedics), and the type of document: consultation notes, lab results, imaging reports, discharge summary, or the full file.
- Authorisation letter — only if someone else is collecting the records for you; some facilities also ask for the authorised person’s Emirates ID copy.
- Payment method — a card or cash for any administrative fee.
Step-by-Step: Requesting Through a Portal or App
- Log in with your registered phone number or patient ID. If you have never used the portal, register first using your Emirates ID number.
- Find the records section — look for “medical reports”, “my records” or “documents”.
- Select the visits and documents you want. Some portals show a list per visit; others require you to pick a date range.
- Choose the format — PDF download, email delivery, or a certified hard copy for collection.
- Pay any fee online if the facility charges for copies or certification.
- Save the reference number and wait for the notification that your records are ready. Follow up at the medical-records desk if nothing arrives within the stated time.
Requesting in Person or by Email
Walk into the hospital’s medical-records department with your Emirates ID and the completed request form. The desk staff will verify your identity, look up your file, and tell you the fee and collection date. For email requests, attach a scanned copy of your signed form and Emirates ID, and write the exact records you need in the message body — vague requests (“all my records”) often cause delays, so list the departments and approximate dates.
If the records are needed abroad — for treatment overseas or a foreign employer’s file — ask whether the facility’s certification is accepted in the destination country. Some countries require further document attestation, so check the requirement before you pay for certification.
Fees and Processing Times
There is no single fixed fee: charges depend on the facility and on what you request. In practice:
- Simple report downloads from a patient portal are often free or carry a nominal charge.
- Certified copies and full file compilations typically involve a modest administrative fee, often in the tens of dirhams per document — but confirm the current amount with the facility, since fees are revised periodically.
- Processing time is usually a few working days for straightforward requests. Full historical files and records needing doctor sign-off can take longer, sometimes one to two weeks.
Always ask for the fee schedule and the expected ready date in writing (or as a message from the desk) before you submit — it makes follow-ups much easier if there is a delay.
Requesting Records for Children or Family Members
Parents or legal guardians can request records for minor children, usually with the child’s Emirates ID (or birth certificate for newborns) plus the parent’s own ID. For adult family members, the facility will normally only release records to the patient themselves or to someone carrying the patient’s written authorisation — medical privacy rules apply even between spouses.
If the patient has passed away, next of kin can usually request records with proof of relationship and a death certificate; the exact requirements vary by facility, so call the medical-records desk first. Our guide on medical record privacy explains your rights and the limits facilities must observe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can anyone request my medical records?
No. Facilities release records to the patient, a parent or legal guardian of a minor, or someone with the patient’s written authorisation. Requests from third parties without consent are normally refused.
How long does it take to get a medical record?
Simple portal downloads can be instant. Desk requests for specific reports typically take a few working days, while full historical files may take one to two weeks. Ask for the expected date when you submit the request.
Is there a fee for medical records in the UAE?
Often, yes — but it varies. Portal downloads are frequently free, while certified copies and compiled files usually carry an administrative fee. Confirm the current fee with the facility before applying, as amounts differ between hospitals.
What is the difference between a medical record and a medical report?
A medical record is the complete file of your treatment history — notes, test results, imaging and prescriptions. A medical report is a shorter, doctor-written summary of a specific visit or condition. If you only need a summary for a visa or employer, a report is usually enough; for a second opinion, ask for the full record.
Can I get records from a hospital I visited years ago?
Generally yes — facilities are required to retain medical records for a set number of years, though retention periods vary. Older records may take longer to retrieve if they have been archived. Call the medical-records department with your old patient details before visiting.
What if the facility refuses or delays my request?
Ask for the reason in writing and escalate to the hospital’s patient-relations or complaints desk. If the issue is not resolved, you can complain to the relevant regulator — DHA in Dubai, the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, or MOHAP in the northern emirates — which each operate patient-complaint channels.
The Bottom Line
Requesting a medical record in the UAE comes down to three things: know which facility holds the record, use its portal or medical-records desk, and bring your Emirates ID plus a clear description of what you need. Portals are fastest for recent reports; the desk is the fallback for full files, older records and certified copies. Confirm the fee and collection date up front, keep your reference number, and you will rarely have to chase.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Asandada24, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Asandada24 is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.