Dubai – Authorities have shut down an illegal cosmetic surgery clinic operating out of a residential apartment in the city, arresting three women from different European countries in the process.
The suspects are accused of offering a range of cosmetic treatments and procedures without proper medical qualifications or the licences required by UAE law. Investigators believe they had been operating covertly for several months, advertising their services through social media and word-of-mouth referrals to attract clients seeking low-cost beauty treatments.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation conducted jointly by Dubai Police and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) after a public tip-off. Undercover officers visited the apartment and confirmed that medical procedures were being offered without authorisation.
During the raid, police seized surgical instruments, injectable substances, and a variety of unlabelled and expired medications. The equipment was found in non-sterile conditions, raising serious concerns about patient safety and the potential spread of infections.
Officials have warned that unlicensed cosmetic practices pose significant health hazards. Without proper training, hygiene standards, and regulation, patients can suffer complications ranging from severe allergic reactions to permanent scarring and life-threatening infections.
Dubai Police emphasised that unregulated practitioners often operate in secrecy, making it difficult for victims to seek recourse if procedures go wrong. Authorities also noted that patients who opt for such services may be swayed by lower prices but are ultimately placing their health at extreme risk.
The three women have been referred to Dubai Public Prosecution and face charges related to practising medicine without a licence, possession of unregistered medicines, and operating a business from a residential property without authorisation. Convictions for such offences in the UAE can result in heavy fines, deportation, and prison terms.
The DHA has reiterated its commitment to protecting public health by strictly enforcing laws governing medical practice. The authority urged residents to verify the credentials of any clinic or practitioner through official channels before undergoing treatment.
This case is part of a broader crackdown on illegal medical and cosmetic services in Dubai. In recent years, authorities have dismantled several similar operations, reflecting the city’s zero-tolerance approach to unlicensed healthcare activities.
Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities via the DHA’s hotline or the Dubai Police smart app to ensure that only safe, regulated, and professional medical services are available in the emirate.
“Your health is not worth the risk,” a Dubai Police spokesperson said. “Always check licences, even for cosmetic treatments. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably comes with hidden dangers.”