If you are looking forward to applying for jobs in UAE as a medical practitioner, consultant physician, specialist consultant, dentist or pharmacist then you have to apply for a medical license in UAE. A license to practice medicine is awarded by UAE’s healthcare regulatory authorities namely, HAAD, DHA, MOH and DHCC after successfully passing the license exam. In this article, we will discuss how you can apply for HAAD, DHA, MOH and DHCC license in UAE.
To help you understand the application procedure, we have added official videos released by the authorities where they explain the whole process in a step-by-step fashion. We hope this article will help all those who are interested in applying for a medical license in UAE. 🙂
Page Jumps:
HAAD License Exam
DHA License Exam
MOH License Exam
DHCC License Exam
But before we start, let’s clear a few things:
Exemption From HAAD, DHA, MOH & DHCC Medical License Exams
Healthcare professionals can also apply for exemption from UAE’s medical license exams if they fulfill the required criteria. Yesterday, we published a blog post discussing the exemption criteria and how you can apply for it. You may read it here:
READ: Exemption Criteria for HAAD, DHA, MOH & DHCC License Exams
QUESTION: I have cleared USMLE Step III/PLAB II/AMC/NZREX/MCCQE part II and have 1-year house job experience. Do I still need additional 2-years clinical experience for applying for a license to practice in UAE?
ANSWER: Yes, you are exempted from ALL COMPONENTS of the license exam but you still need to have additional 2-years clinical experience for obtaining a license.
MRCP/MRCS (complete) are eligible for an exemption as well. 🙂
We also wrote an article on the salary of doctors in UAE, so do check that out. 🙂
Requirements for Taking UAE Medical License Exam
- MBBS or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
- Completion of house job (internship).
- Additional two years of clinical experience.
All healthcare regulatory authorities in UAE follow a centralized Professional Qualification Requirement (PQR). So, the above-mentioned requirements satisfy all four authorities.
** Data Flow (a company providing screening services)
The HAAD, DHA, and MOH have partnered with Dataflow for simplifying the process of verification of educational documents and credentials of applicants. Dataflow is responsible for running international background checks of international applicants.
Dataflow is a Hong Kong-based company that specializes in Primary Source Verification (PSV) and provides background screening and immigration compliance services.
You have to begin your online registration procedure for HAAD, DHA, or MOH license exam by submitting your application to the Data Flow company (as explained below).
For smooth registration and background screening process with DATA FLOW, please keep in mind:
- In order to prevent lengthening of the screening process, you should upload “Experience Certificate” from an employer(s) who is easily reachable.
- The address, phone numbers and email address mentioned on your experience certificate should be clear and make sure they are all ACTIVE because Dataflow will soon contact your employer and inquire about your background and everything.
IMPORTANT:
- There are three maximum number of allowed attempts for HAAD, DHA, MOH and DHCC license exams. Candidates failing on their third attempt will not be able to register for licensure.
- Under the “Agreement of Unification of Licenses”, medical practitioners (including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses) with a valid license from any of the four authorities can practice anywhere in the United Arab Emirate.
Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) License Exam
If you are applying for HAAD license exam, please follow the steps mentioned below:
Step # 1. Open the Dataflow portal for HAAD (click here), then submit your application online with the required documents (mentioned below).
Step # 2. Once you have submitted your online application at Dataflow’s portal for HAAD, you will receive an email with “payment method instructions” and your “application number”.
Step # 3. After that verification process is complete, you will receive another email with a new USERNAME and PASSWORD. You have to use these credentials to log in at HAAD’s website and complete your application process.
Step # 4. Once your application status is approved, you can register for HAAD license exam.
Step # 5. After approval of your licensing request, you have to pay a required fees which will be communicated to you.
Step # 6. Your license will be sent to you through a courier service.
Please take a look at this video. It was released by HAAD officials, it explains the entire application process:
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR HAAD LICENSE EXAM
You have to translate all your documents to English. Below are the documents required for HAAD license exam:
| REQUIRED DOCUMENTS | SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS |
| Recent passport size photograph | White background |
| Valid Passport | (Copy Only) |
| Educational Qualifications |
* Cover the minimum requirements of the Professional Qualification Requirement *If applicant holds diploma or less, attaching high school certificate is required |
| Experience Certificates |
* Cover the minimum requirements of the Professional Qualification Requirement * To show the job title and duration * To be signed by the human resources or Medical/Hospital director |
| Home country license or license from the country where the relevant qualification was obtained | Cover the minimum requirements of the Professional Qualification Requirement (PQR) |
| Registration(s) or License(s) from each country where applicant have been employed | Cover the minimum requirements of the Professional Qualification Requirement |
| Certificate(s) of Good Standing | From the regulatory authority issuing the licenses (registrations) for experiences that cover the minimum requirements of the PQR |
| Official logbook for the past 2 years | For surgeons (including Obstetrics & Gynecology) and dentist specialists |
| Transcript or residency programs | May be required for evaluating the qualification |
| Staff Data clearance form (Security clearance form) | Applicant can start the process without Staff Data form, but it will be mandatory before license issuance |
| Nomination letter (from sponsoring facility in Abu Dhabi) | Applicant can start the process without Nomination letter, but it will be mandatory before license issuance |
| Malpractice insurance for healthcare professionals | Applicant can start the process without Malpractice, but it will be mandatory before license issuance |
| Privileges for the last 2 years | Required from Physicians eligible for HAAD exam exemption |
| Privileges from the sponsoring facility in Abu Dhabi | Required from Physicians eligible for HAAD exam exemption |
| United Arab Emirates Identification Card | If Available |
| Family Book | UAE nationals ONLY |
For more details on HAAD License Exam and its fees, please check here.
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) License Exam
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has the same requirements as mentioned in the centralized Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR), discussed already.
Here’s a quick flowchart of DHA license application process: 🙂
Create yourself an account by opening this link and follow the steps as seen below in the video:
Fees for DHA License Exam:
- Physicians and Dentists: AED 3020
- Others: AED 1020
For more information on DHA license exam and registration, please check here.
Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC) License Test
The Dubai Healthcare City Authority has partnered with Prometric Examination Systems for its online licensing exams. Here’s how you can register for DHCC license exam:
STEP # 1. Open this link, and click on “Schedule my Test” tab from your screen.
STEP # 2. Now from here, please select your country and then click “Next”.
STEP # 3. Click “I agree” to the privacy policy.
STEP # 4. Here, on the Eligibility Information page, click “No” and proceed to the next step.
STEP # 5. Now you will be taken to the “Appointment Selection” page, enter your specialty and proceed to the next step.
STEP # 6. On the “Test Center Selection” wizard, type your address and the page will show you the nearest test centers where you can take the DHCC license test.
STEP # 7. Book your test appointment and that’s all! 🙂
Here’s a quick overview of the entire DHCC license process:
Fees for DHCC License Exam:
- Initial review application processing = AED 200
- Licensing fee for Physicians/ Dentists = AED 7,000
- Licensing fee for Certificate = AED 1,500.00
Ministry of Health (MOH) License Exam
STEP # 1. Open this link and sign up for an account with Ministry of Health (MOH) for license exam registration.
STEP # 2. Once you have completed the registration process, you will be sent an “activation link” at your email address. Open it for activating your account.
STEP # 3. From here, access the E-Services page.
STEP # 4. Select the evaluation system and then fill in the required information.
STEP # 5. Upload your scanned documents (required list of documents will be mentioned here) and follow the on-screen instructions.
STEP # 6. Finally, proceed to the E-Payment page and then process your fees online. Done! 🙂
That’s all! 🙂
We have mentioned application procedure for license exams of all four healthcare regulatory authorities of the United Arab Emirate. Confused or got any question? Please let us know by commenting below. 🙂
GOOD LUCK! 🙂