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 recognizes the establishment of Local Ethics Committee within the academic institution or private or government or semi government health institution or research center 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 for either In-depth Review/Approval or for Final Approval only.

Any research planned at DHA licensed facilities WITHOUT the review or approval of Local Ethics Committee 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 Procedure

Submit following documents to (Email 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 with you 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 are 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 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 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 guidance to consider all of the required information for patient/participant enlightment 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.

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.

Stranded Operating Procedure

This service aims at Ensuring researchers’ commitment to the highest standards of scientific research ethics throughout the implementation of procedures for managing violations related to research misconduct. Research participants, investigators, health professionals or any interested individuals can raise a complaint on research misconduct or if they suspect the integrity of published research by filling the (Report Research Misconduct Form) click here and sending it to DSREC@dha.gov.ae.

This applies to all research activities that are conducted in health institutions, research centers, health universities or colleges in the Emirate of Dubai, whether by DHA employees or Non-DHA employees who are health professionals or students of health majors.

Please note that DHA doesn’t accept anonymous complaints.

Announcement Preparatory Course Workshop Candidates should read All the below Revised 2022 ​documents carefully as there are important changes COVID-19 Safety Guidelines,  please click here

Regulations and Documents

Medical Research Section at Dubai Health Authority provides the service of booking a free 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: