UAE Healthcare Authorities for Midwives
The UAE healthcare system is regulated by four main licensing authorities. All authorities follow the Unified PQR framework, allowing license transfer between emirates under specific conditions.
| Code | Authority | Emirate / Jurisdiction |
| DHA | Dubai Health Authority | Dubai |
| DOH | Department of Health | Abu Dhabi |
| MOHAP | Ministry of Health & Prevention | Federal (all UAE) |
| SHA | Sharjah Health Authority | Sharjah & Northern Emirates |
Types of Midwife Licenses in UAE
The UAE offers two official midwifery titles depending on qualifications and experience.
| Title | Practice Scope | Key Requirement |
| Registered Midwife | Fully independent practice | Bachelor’s degree + 2 years experience |
| Assistant Midwife | Under Registered Midwife supervision only | Diploma + 1 year experience |
Educational Requirements for UAE Midwife License
To qualify for UAE licensing, all degrees must come from accredited institutions.
Registered Midwife — Accepted Qualifications
| Qualification | Minimum Duration |
| Bachelor’s Degree in Midwifery (or equivalent) | 3 years full-time |
| BSc in Nursing + Midwifery Certificate | BSc (3 yrs) + Certificate (1 yr) |
| Associate Degree in Nursing (Canada/USA) + National Exam + Midwifery Certificate | 2 yrs + 1 yr certificate |
Assistant Midwife — Accepted Qualifications
| Qualification | Minimum Duration |
| Diploma in Midwifery | 2 years |
| Diploma in Nursing with emphasis in Midwifery | 1 year (post-nursing diploma) |
Experience Requirements for Midwives in UAE
Applicants must complete clinical experience in a licensed maternity healthcare setting.
| Title | Experience Required | Setting |
| Registered Midwife | 2 years post-qualification | Maternity hospital or related setting |
| Assistant Midwife | 1 year post-qualification | Maternity hospital or related setting |
Documents Required for UAE Midwife Licensing
Applicants must prepare the following documents before applying:
- Passport copy
- Educational certificates
- Experience certificates
- Good Standing Certificate
- Professional license
- BLS Certification
- Passport-size photo
- PSV verification documents
DHA Midwife Exam Details 2026
The DHA licensing exam is conducted through Prometric testing centers.
| Exam Detail | Registered Midwife | Assistant Midwife |
| Exam Code | MID5102 | MID5101 |
| Duration | 3 Hours | 3 Hours |
| No. of Questions | 150 MCQs | 150 MCQs |
| Exam Fee | USD 240 | USD 240 |
| Pass Score | 50% | 45% |
| Format | Multiple Choice (MCQ) | Multiple Choice (MCQ) |
Topics Covered
- Antenatal Care
- Intrapartum Care
- Newborn Care
- Pharmacology
- Ethics and Legal Issues
Recommended Study References
- Fetal Heart Monitoring — Latest Edition
- AWHONN’s Perinatal Nursing — Co-Published with AWHONN, Latest Edition
- Master the NCLEX-PN: Maternal/Newborn Nursing — Latest Edition
- Mayes’ Midwifery: A Textbook for Midwives — Latest Edition
- Olds’ Maternal-Newborn Nursing and Women’s Health Across the Lifespan — Michele R. Davidson, Latest Edition
- NCLEX-RN® Maternal-Neonatal Nursing Made Incredibly Easy! — Lippincott, Latest Edition
Countries Eligible for UAE Midwife Exam Exemption
| Country | Country | Country | Country | Country |
| Australia | Austria | Belgium | Canada | Denmark |
| Finland | France | Germany | Iceland | Ireland |
| Luxembourg | Netherlands | New Zealand | Norway | Singapore |
| South Africa | Sweden | Switzerland | United Kingdom | United States |
English Language Requirements
If you did not study in English or your license is from a non-English-speaking country in the list above, one of the following proofs of English proficiency is required:
| English Test | Minimum Score Required |
| TOEFL | Score of 500 or above |
| IELTS | Score of 5.0 or above |
| OET (Occupational English Test) | Grade C or above |
| Cambridge Assessment English | Score of 169 or above |
Gap of Practice Rules in UAE
If you have been out of clinical practice for more than 2 years, you must complete CME/CPD credits and a clinical training program before being licensed. Midwives fall under the Nurses category for gap-of-practice calculations.
| Gap Period | CME/CPD Credits Required | Clinical Training |
| 2 to less than 3 years | 20 CME/CPD credits | 4 months |
| 3 to less than 4 years | 40 CME/CPD credits | 6 months |
| 4 to less than 5 years | 60 CME/CPD credits | 8 months |
- A gap of more than 5 years generally disqualifies non-UAE nationals from applying.
- UAE nationals may apply with a gap of up to 10 years.
- All CME/CPD credits must be related to midwifery and your practice specialty.
- Training must be completed in a UAE-authority-recognized APS health facility.
- After completing gap requirements, you must still pass the licensing exam — even if previously exempt.
- Breaks due to UAE mandatory National Service are NOT counted as a gap of practice.
Quick Eligibility Checklist for UAE Midwife License
Before applying, make sure:
- Your qualification is accredited
- Experience requirements are completed
- Good Standing Certificate is valid
- BLS certification is active
- PSV verification is complete
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Indian midwives apply for DHA licensing?
Yes, Indian midwives can apply if they meet qualification and experience requirements.
Is DHA exam difficult for midwives?
The exam is moderate in difficulty and focuses on clinical knowledge and patient care.
Can I write the DHA exam from my home country?
Yes, the DHA Prometric exam can be taken internationally.
How long does the licensing process take?
Usually 1–3 months depending on PSV and document verification.
Final Thoughts
The UAE offers excellent career opportunities for qualified midwives. Understanding DHA, DOH, MOHAP, and SHA licensing requirements can help applicants complete the process faster and avoid delays.
