The Dubai Scientific Research Ethics Committee (DSREC) acts as the Central Ethics Committee for the Emirate of Dubai. It takes the final decision on health research proposal requests after reviewing them thoroughly during periodic meetings. DSREC recognises the establishment of Local Ethics Committee within the academic institution, private government, or semi-government health institution or research centre falling under the jurisdiction of the Emirate of Dubai.

You may click here for more information on the different types of studies that can be submitted to DSREC by the Local Ethics Committee ither for an In-depth Review/Approval or for Final Approval only.

Any research planned at DHA licensed facilities that does not have Local Ethics Committee approval must directly be submitted to the DSREC for review and approval.

Who can apply?

Researchers either health professionals or health university/college students who wish to obtain ethical approval on the research planned at the research sites that fall under the jurisdiction of the emirate of Dubai.

Submission Procedures:

Submit following documents to (DSREC@dha.gov.ae)

Note: If the attachments size exceeds 120 MB, please notify us through DSREC@dha.gov.ae so that we can share a secured link to upload the required documents.

1. Cover letter on headed paper (Addressed by Principal Investigator to DSREC):

• Please specify role of each investigator in the study.  
• Index all documents submitted, with version if applicable.

2. DSREC Application Form (Click here), duly signed and dated:

• All questions mentioned in the form must be answered. In case NOT APPLICABLE, mention NA.
• If there is more than one sites involved in the study, Principal Investigator (PI) must obtain the administrative site approval from Head Of Department (HOD) from each study site.
• If the study involves 3 or more than 3 sites, please contact us for more information on the submission procedure.
• If PI is Head of Department, please obtain an administrative site approval from a higher authority.
• If a research is planned at a wider scale of the Emirate of Dubai (at sites such as all governmental hospitals and/or all private hospitals which are under the jurisdiction of DHA and/or public places in Dubai and/or on the whole population (Emiratis/residents), then an administrative site approval from Head of Medical Research Section of DHA’s Medical Education and Research Department, must be obtained.

3. Study proposal/Synopsis

4. Patient/ Participant Information Sheet and Informed Consent Form (Click here) If applicable:

• Informed consent form must be submitted in both Arabic and English.
• Attached template may be used as a guidance to consider all of the required information for patient/participant understanding during the recruitment process.
• Attached template may be used and customized according to study requirements.

5. Questionnaires: If applicable, to be submitted in both English and Arabic

6. Confidentiality Agreement Patient Information (Click here) to be signed by Principal Investigator and Co-Investigators

7. Resume of Principal Investigator and Co-Investigators

8. Source of funding, if applicable, please submit supporting documents along with funding requirements

9. Device Form (Click here) if applicable

10. Clinical Trial Undertaking Letter (Click here): Applicable for Clincial Trials only

11. All relevant enclosures such as Data Collection Tool/Case Report form / proforma/ follow-up cards etc.


12. Checklist for applicant DSREC Documentation Procedure, Click here.


13. Checklist for applicant DSREC Documentation Procedure_Student Research, Click here.

Payment Procedure

• Payment is accepted through bank transfer to Dubai Health Authority’s Bank Account. For details, please click here.

• Please send the transfer proof (receipt) to DSREC@dha.gov.ae, then payment will be confirmed with the Finance Dept team who will then share the payment voucher.

• An additional AED 20 will be charged as Knowledge and Innovation fees.

Download Free Structure

download

Download Bank Details

download

Stranded Operating Procedure

Structure and Function of Dubai Scientific Research Ethics Committee

download

Submissions of New Applications and Opinions To DSREC

download

Review of Standard Operating Procedures and Terms of Reference

download

Monitoring of Clinical Studies

download

Handling of Complaints

download

The research agenda serves as a strategic action plan, outlining prioritised tasks and an execution system to drive innovation in medical education and research. The Medical Education and Research Department - DHA has established key research priorities aimed at enhancing the medical field and well-being of Dubai’s residents by promoting prevention and ensuring access to integrated, innovative, high-quality, and cost-effective healthcare. To realizs these ambitions, we have identified eight core research topics that will guide our efforts in the coming years.

Dubai Medical Research Agenda

PDF - 140 KB

download

Regulations and Documents

Medical Research Section at the Dubai Health Authority provides the service of booking a free online consultation session with one of the specialists in below areas:

• Preparing a Research Proposal

• Research Design

• Sample Size Calculation

• Statistical Analysis

Researchers can book the session by filling the electronic form in the link below: