The Medical Record Number (MRN) is a unique, personal identifier managed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). This code is assigned to every individual, resident or visitor, who accesses medical services in the Emirate. The MRN serves as the central electronic link that securely unifies all of an individual’s health records across the entire DHA network of hospitals and clinics. It ensures that a patient’s comprehensive history, including diagnoses, prescriptions, and lab results, is instantly accessible to authorized healthcare providers.
Step-by-Step Guide for New Applications
Acquiring your Medical Record Number usually happens automatically during your first formal interaction with the DHA system. New residents most commonly receive their MRN during the mandatory Medical Fitness Test required for the issuance or renewal of a residence visa. The registration process at the medical fitness center generates the unique patient ID, which is permanently linked to your personal data.
If you have not yet undergone the visa medical screening, you can proactively obtain your MRN through the DHA’s digital channels. The DHA website or the official DHA Smart App provides a direct registration path for new users. This online method requires you to enter your valid Emirates ID number for identity verification. Upon submission, the system sends a One-Time Password (OTP) to the mobile number registered under your ID details. Entering this verification code completes the digital registration, and the MRN is instantly generated and displayed.
Alternatively, a new MRN is created automatically when a first-time patient registers at the reception desk of any DHA-run hospital or primary healthcare center. You must present your original Emirates ID or your passport and visa page if you are a new arrival or a tourist. Staff will input your identification details into the electronic system, which issues the MRN as part of the initial patient file creation. This number is typically provided on the registration slip or initial consultation documents.
What You Need Your MRN For
The Medical Record Number acts as your personal gateway to streamlined healthcare services throughout Dubai. Having this unique identifier allows you to seamlessly book appointments at any DHA hospital or clinic, whether through the official app, website, or via a phone call. It eliminates the need to repeatedly provide your medical history and personal information every time you visit a new healthcare provider within the DHA network.
The MRN is used to access your confidential patient portal, where you can view laboratory test results, radiology reports, and records of past treatments. The number is also important for managing health insurance claims, as it links your medical file directly to your insurance policy for faster processing and billing. For public health initiatives, such as receiving vaccinations, the MRN is the standard tracking tool used to record the administered dose in your centralized health file. While primarily a DHA-system identifier, many private facilities in Dubai also utilize the MRN to integrate with the central electronic prescriptions and health data exchange systems.
Retrieving a Forgotten or Lost MRN
If you have previously interacted with the Dubai healthcare system but cannot recall your MRN, several direct methods are available for retrieval. The most convenient way is to use the official DHA Smart App or the DHA web portal, which features a “Forgot MRN” function. This process generally requires you to input your Emirates ID number and your date of birth for system verification; once confirmed, the system instantly displays your assigned MRN. Another immediate option is to call the DHA Customer Service Center, which operates a dedicated helpline for patient inquiries. After successfully completing a brief verification process over the phone, the agent can provide you with your MRN.
For those who prefer an in-person solution, visiting the registration or reception desk at any DHA-affiliated hospital or clinic is an effective alternative. Simply presenting your Emirates ID or passport will allow the administrative staff to search the centralized database and retrieve your unique MRN. Once you have recovered the number, it is helpful to save it digitally or physically, as it remains the same for your lifetime.