Are you a healthcare professional planning to work in the United Arab Emirates? Whether you’re a Doctor, Dentist, Nurse, Pharmacist, Lab Technician, Physiotherapist and Other Allied Healthcare getting a UAE health license is your first step towards a rewarding career in one of the region’s most advanced healthcare systems.
In UAE Health Authority updated guide (2025–2026), we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the UAE Health Authorities, including licensing requirements, exams, document checklists, and tips to succeed in 2025–2026.
Table of Contents
What is the UAE Health Authority?
The UAE Health Authority refers to the regulatory bodies overseeing medical professionals and healthcare facilities across various Emirates. There are three main authorities, each operating in different Emirates:
DHA – Dubai Health Authority
- City: Dubai
- Licenses: Valid only within Dubai
- Website: www.dha.gov.ae
DOH – Department of Health Abu Dhabi (before HAAD)
- City: Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
- Licenses: Valid only within Abu Dhabi
- Website: www.doh.gov.ae
MOHAP – Ministry of Health and Prevention
- City: Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain
- Licenses: Valid in all Emirates except Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Website: www.mohap.gov.ae
UAE Health Authority Licensing Requirements (2025–2026)
To apply for a healthcare license in the UAE, you must meet specific criteria, which may slightly vary by authority and by profession, but generally include:
Eligibility Criteria
- A recognized Diploma or Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in your medical specialty
- Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience (some exceptions apply)
- A valid or recently expired professional license from your home country
- A Good Standing Certificate from your medical council (issued within the last 6 months)
Required Documents
- Passport copy (front and back)
- Professional passport size photo with white background.
- Educational degrees and transcripts (front and back)
- Valid home country license and past renewal copies (front and back).
- Experience letters from employers (dated within the last 2 years)
- Good Standing Certificate (GSC)
- DataFlow report (Primary Source Verification)
- Internship or clinical training certificates (if applicable)
- Emirates ID or UAE residence visa (if already residing)
UAE Health Authority Exam Format
After document verification, most professionals are required to pass a licensing exam, conducted either by Prometric or Pearson VUE.
| Authority | Exam Body | Format | Duration | Questions | Passing Score |
| DHA | Prometric | CBT (MCQs) | 3 hours | 150 MCQs | 45-60% |
| DOH | Pearson VUE | CBT (MCQs) | ~1.2 hours | 100 MCQs | 45-70% |
| MOH | Prometric | CBT (MCQs) | 3 hours | 150 MCQs | 45-60% |
🧠 Note: All exams are multiple-choice with no negative marking.
All healthcare professionals have different passing marks, above table is for general idea.
How to Choose the Right Health Authority?
Are you a pharmacist from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan or any other countries want to work in the UAE, choosing the right health authority is your first big step toward success. Your job location will guide you towards the correct authority, but think beyond just geography.
Ask yourself:
• Where are the best job opportunities for your role?
• Which city or emirate would you enjoy living in?
• Is the exam format something you’re comfortable with, or will it need extra preparation?
• How much time and money will the process take?
• Can you transfer your license later if your career path changes?
Making the right choice will save your time and effort ,it will help you to get the job in the UAE healthcare market.
| Location | Apply Under |
| Dubai | DHA (SHREYAN PORTAL) |
| Abu Dhabi / Al Ain | DOH (TAMM PORTAL) |
| Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujaira and Umm al quin | MOHAP (MOHAP WEBSITE) |
🔄 Already licensed in one Emirate? You can convert your license to another, but it requires documentation, fees, and authority approval.
2025–2026 Pro Tips for Successful Licensing
To avoid delays and boost your approval chances:
- ✅ Start DataFlow early – it takes 30–45 days
- 📁 Save all files as PDFs, clearly labeled
- 🧪 Use mock exams and review guides for Prometric/Pearson
- 📜 Keep your Good Standing Certificate updated (within 6 months)
- 🤝 Consider a trusted licensing consultant for guidance and faster processing
Why Work in the UAE as a Healthcare Professional?
💰 Tax-Free Salary – Keep more of what you earn, no income tax deductions.
🏥 Modern Hospitals & Technology – Work with world-class medical facilities.
📈 Career Growth – Plenty of training, promotions, and learning opportunities.
🌏 Multicultural Teams – Collaborate with professionals from all over the world.
🩺 High Demand – Skilled healthcare workers are always needed here.
🏡 Quality Lifestyle – Safe cities, clean environment, and great amenities.
✈️ Global Recognition – UAE experience boosts your CV internationally.
🤝 Government Support – Smooth licensing process and healthcare reforms.
🧳 Medical Tourism Exposure – Treat patients from across the globe.
💼 Attractive Benefits – Housing, insurance, travel allowance, and more.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning to build a healthcare career in the UAE, getting licensed through the appropriate UAE Health Authority is essential. From documentation to exams and authority specific regulations preparation is key to success.