To practice medicine in the UAE, doctors must meet five core requirements:

  1.Hold a recognized MBBS or MD degree from an accredited university.
  2.Complete postgraduate residency or board certification for specialists.
  3.Undergo Primary Source Verification (PSV) through DataFlow (costing $150–300).
  4.Pass the relevant emirate-specific licensing exam (DHA, HAAD/DOH, or MOHAP).
  5.Maintain annual Continuous Professional Development (CPD) with 40 hours of accredited training.

Licensing requirements vary by emirate, and credential verification typically takes 30–45 working days. Understanding these steps is essential for a smooth transition to UAE medical practice.

Essential Educational and Professional Credentials

To qualify for practice in the UAE, you must hold a recognized medical degree (MBBS/MD) with official transcripts. Specialists require postgraduate residency or board certification. All documents must undergo Primary Source Verification via the DataFlow Group, the official UAE verification agency.

Other credential requirements include:

• Degree equivalency for foreign qualifications.
• Good Standing Certificate from previous licensing authorities, issued within six months.
• Continuous clinical experience, with gaps over two years requiring additional training.
• Language translation of certificates into English or Arabic.
• Licenses must be obtained for the specific emirate you intend to practice in (e.g., DHA for Dubai, DOH for Abu Dhabi).

Primary Source Verification (PSV) Process

All medical credentials must be verified through DataFlow, ensuring authenticity and compliance with UAE health regulations.

 Required documents include:

• Passport copy and recent photo
• Educational certificates and transcripts
• Professional licenses and work experience letters
• Good Standing Certificate

Non-English/Arabic documents require certified translation and notarization. Fees range from $150–300, depending on specialization.

Verification usually takes 30–45 working days, with possible extensions for complex cases. Outcomes include Positive, Unable to Verify, or Discrepancy. Note: Falsified documents result in permanent disqualification from UAE medical practice.

UAE Medical Licensing Examinations

After credential verification, doctors must pass the emirate-specific licensing exam:

• Dubai: DHA Prometric Exam, 150 MCQs in 150 minutes, USD 220–280 fee, three attempts per year.
• Abu Dhabi: HAAD Exam at Abu Dhabi or Al Ain locations.
• Other Emirates: MOHAP Exam, which may include written, oral, or Prometric components.

Eligibility requires an MBBS/MD degree, internship completion, and active clinical experience. Licenses are non-transferable between emirates, so separate exams may be required if you plan to practice in multiple regions.

Registration and Fees for UAE Medical Practice

Doctors must register through the respective health authority portal (DHA, MOHAP, or DOH). Key fees include:

• DataFlow Verification: AED 500–1,200
• Initial Registration: AED 200–300
• License Activation: AED 1,000–5,000 annually
• Prometric Exam: USD 280 per attempt

Licenses must be renewed every 1–3 years with:

• Updated documentation
• Renewal fees (e.g., AED 3,000 annually through DHA)
• Completion of CPD requirements

Temporary or visiting doctor licenses involve additional fees, such as AED 4,000 for a 12-month license.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Requirements

Maintaining your UAE medical license requires 40 hours of CPD annually, with 20 hours in Category 1 accredited learning.

• Maximum 30% of CPD may be online.
• Focus 70% of CPD on your specialty, 30% on general development.
• Records must be kept for 3 years and are subject to random audits.
• Non-compliance may result in license suspension or revocation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my family during the licensing process?
Yes, either on tourist visas (converted later) or after you obtain your license. Family sponsorship requires proof of income, housing, and health insurance.

What are typical salaries by specialty?

• Cardiologists & orthopedic surgeons: AED 800,000–900,000 annually
• General practitioners: AED 550,000–650,000 annually
• Benefits include tax-free salary, housing, and healthcare allowances.

Are there age restrictions?
No formal maximum, but doctors over 60 require a medical fitness certificate, and those over 65 undergo additional competency checks.

Which UAE cities have the highest demand?
Dubai and Abu Dhabi lead due to extensive healthcare infrastructure. Northern emirates like Fujairah offer competitive packages to attract specialists.

Can doctors work part-time or in multiple facilities?
Yes, with a part-time work permit (AED 600) under Federal Law No. 5 of 2019. Maximum work: 8 hours daily across 2–3 facilities, requiring separate contracts for each.