"We are pleased to announce the first phase of the application process with the tendering process for the healthcare management companies."

The formal request for proposals for the healthcare management companies will be published in August. Final appointments are expected to be made in October.

Laila Al Jassmi, the director responsible for establishing the health funding project for the DHA, said: "The role of the healthcare management companies will be to provide registered outpatient care practices with administrative support services. We are looking forward to receiving strong applications from the UAE, the region as well as globally."

DHA was created by a law issued by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in June 2007.

According to a statement by the DHA, it is expected to lead an "integrated approach" across the spectrum of health, anticipating Dubai's future needs and being responsive to users.