Medical Licensing and Registration system in the GULF (United Arab Emirates)

Every country is different in rules and regulations and it is essential that you understand the licensing procedures followed in each country for the smooth functioning of the respective health care sector.Licensing applies for those who wish to work as physicians, dentists, nurses, midwives, allied health in private and government sectors.

There are four types of licenses available in the UAE which allow Health Care Professionals to work.

DHA (Granted by the Dubai Health Authority) This license allows you to practice in the city of Dubai only.

DHCC – (Issued by Dubai Health Care City-a free zone) A separate license by Harvard International. This license allows you to only practice only within the DHCC free zone and nowhere else in Dubai.

HAAD (Granted by the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi) This license allows you to practice in the cities of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

MOH  (Granted by the Ministry of Health) This entitles the holder to practice anywhere in the UAE apart from the Emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. For example Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah.

LICENSE IN DUBAI

DHA License is granted by Dubai Health Authority

​After successful assessment allows the holder to practice only in Dubai.

Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is the governing body established by law to overlook the health care sector in the Emirate of Dubai.

The Health Regulation Department (HRD) in DHA is responsible for licensing Healthcare Professionals with appropriate skills and qualifications to ensure the high quality of health care services and the safety of the population in the Emirate of Dubai.

LICENSE FOR THE DUBAI HEALTH CARE CITY

DHCC License granted by Harvard International

A separate license by Harvard International is issued for the Dubai Health Care City, a free Zone with the Government of Dubai as your sponsor. This license allows to set up a practice strictly within the DHCC free zone area. You can apply on line through the government websites.

LICENSE IN ABU DHABI & AL AIN

HAAD License granted by the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi

After successful assessment allows the holder to practice in the cities of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

The Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD) is the regulative body of the Healthcare Sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and ensures excellence in Healthcare for the community by monitoring the health status of the population. It is also responsible to license issuing for Health Professional License valid in Abu Dhabi.

LICENSE IN SHARJAH & RAS AL KHEIMA

MOH License granted by the Abu Dhabi Ministry.

After passing the Abu Dhabi Ministry examination entitles its holder to practice in Sharjah or Ras Al Kheima.
The required documents to start application licensing system in Dubai are the following:

1. Recent passport size photograph ( 4) / white background
2. A copy of valid passport
3.  Educational qualifications

Cover the minimum requirements of the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements 
Higher Secondary School certificate is required if the qualification is lower than a BSc

4. Experience certificates

Cover the minimum requirements of the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements
Include professional title / designation. Stamped and signed by the human resources or Medical/Hospital director

5. License/ registration

Issued by the Health Regulatory Authority in the country(s) of last employment.
Valid and not older than six (6) months.
Mandatory for Physicians, Dentists and Nurses / Midwives.
Allied Healthcare and TCAM professionals may be requested in certain.

6. Certificate of Good Standing (CGS) Issued by the Health Regulatory Authority in the country(s) of last employment

Valid and not older than six (6) months.
Mandatory for Physicians, Dentists and Nurses / Midwives.
Allied Healthcare and TCAM professionals may be requested in certain.

7. Logbook for surgical specialties

For the last 2 years stamped and signed by Medical Director or authorized person.

8.  Medical fitness test (if applicant age is 65 and above)

The test should be conducted only by government medical fitness centers -DHA.

9.  Job offer Letter from the hiring facility

Letter not older than 3 months including the new professional title, stamped and signed by the human resources or Medical/Hospital director

The above mentioned list is not conclusive and additional documents may be requested to justify the application for registration and licensure.