3 mins
CLINIC OWNERSHIP
Aesthetic Medicine discusses the trend with Mona Mirza, who has been serving patients in Dubai for 16 years
Recently, there has been a trend towards UK doctors buying clinics in Dubai, with new clinics popping up regularly. Aesthetic Medicine spoke to Mona Mirza, founder of Biolite Clinic Dubai, to see what she thought about the trend, 16 years after opening her own business in the United Arab Emirates.
Aesthetic Medicine (AM): Why do you think doctors are opening clinics in Dubai?
Mona Mirza (MM): In recent years, many Emirates have habitually travelled to the UK, and more specifically London, in the summer months to seek treatments. Dubai carries a reputation for having the most prestigious and exceptional practitioners in aesthetics, with access to the best technology from East and West. It is probably the case that practitioners from the UK are getting wise to this and wanting to go direct, rather than wait for the annual influx of clients from the region.
AM: What are the pros and cons of working in Dubai in comparison to the UK?
MM: It is really a matter of individual taste. You have to love the culture here for a start, as it is very different to the UK. The customs are different, and it takes time to get used to how things work here. Patients have different skin types, expectations, etc. There is lots of paperwork and annual license renewals, but this is a big plus, inspiring confidence in patients.
We are not on the doorstep of Europe, so that is a consideration if you travel there or regularly lecture at the big conferences. Having said that, we have lots of major plastics and aesthetic conferences in Dubai, with practitioners flying from all over the world to attend. Perhaps it goes without saying, but the sun is a key factor and the lifestyle Dubai has to offer, not to mention the tax benefits.
Also, Dubai offers a market with high expendable income, resulting in big sales.
AM: UK Doctors moving their work to Dubai is likely contributing to medical tourism -is this a positive or negative for patients?
MM: It is very positive to have an influx of UK practitioners coming to Dubai for the simple reason that variety and competition help keep standards high. Plus, there are very strict regulations in the UAE, especially Dubai, which dictate who can practice, so safety isn’t as big an issue as it is in other markets. Licences must be renewed annually, and can only be obtained by sitting an exam.
AM: Is there anything you must be aware of when treating patients in Dubai that you wouldn’t necessarily have to consider in the UK?
MM: Given the difference in regulation between the UK and Dubai, it is advisable to work alongside a specialist licensing agency to get your paperwork in order. Log books and documents must all be attested. There is no excuse for ignorance in the UAE, you simply must abide by the rules, and this works out well for the patient who is therefore assured a fully traceable, accountable, licensed practitioner.
AM: If lots of doctors are moving to Dubai, it’s a competitive market how do you stand out?
MM: As with any business, there are key pillars that need to be strong and maintained to ensure longevity in the market and perhaps unsurprisingly, these are safety, quality, and experience.
I founded Biolite 16 years ago and we have stood the test of time. To be successful in the face of competition, I have found it is key to maintain good relationships with patients and provide the best service and best results. There are no second chances here, so we look for truly effective, proven treatments with an unmatched safety profile and we work holistically. Biolite is patient-centric and servicedriven, keeping standards consistently high based off feedback and reviews. We look after patients from the inside out, with an eye on their future health and aesthetic .
MONA MIRZA
Mona Mirza is the chief executive and founder of Biolite. She continues to leave her mark in the largely male-dominated industry of aesthetics, with over 20 years of experience. Her passion and dedication to the aesthetic industry began in London, aged just 18 and has culminated in an auspicious career, from her award-winning Dubai clinic since 2007. With decades of experience and research, Mirza curates cutting-edge health and wellness modalities to promote longevity and positive ageing as part of a unique and dynamic clinic offering.