Doctors Practicing in Dubai in 2025: Licensing, Requirements, and Setup Guide

Practicing medicine in Dubai requires navigating strict licensing protocols, professional qualifications, and regulatory compliance. By 2025, doctors will need an MBBS/MD from an accredited medical school, 2+ years of post-internship clinical experience, and completion of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) licensing process, including the Primary Source Verification (PSV) through DataFlow. Understanding these steps, the Sheryan digital platform, and DHA’s tier-based licensing system is essential for a smooth transition into Dubai’s healthcare sector.

DHA Medical License Requirements for Doctors

To obtain a DHA license, doctors must meet several professional and educational criteria:

• Medical degree: MBBS/MD from a DHA-recognized institution
• Internship: 1-year mandatory clinical internship
• Experience: Minimum 2 years post-internship for general practitioners; specialists require 3–5 years
• Credential verification: Employment letters, transcripts, specialty certifications, and a Good Standing Certificate issued within the last six months
• Examinations: DHA Prometric GP Exam or specialty-specific exams (exemptions for USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa)
• Documentation attestation: From the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant authorities

For surgical specialists, a verified two-year logbook of procedures is also required. The full licensing process typically spans 3–6 months.

Primary Source Verification (PSV) Through DataFlow

The DataFlow PSV process validates all core credentials and is mandatory before DHA license issuance:

• Duration: 30–45 working days
• Fees: USD 250–350 (AED 1,235–1,300), plus AED 300–500 per additional document
• Process: Verification of medical degrees, professional licenses, Good Standing Certificates, and employment letters

All documents must be uploaded in English or certified translations via the Sheryan portal to ensure smooth processing.

Required Documentation Checklist

Doctors applying for licensure in Dubai must submit:

  1. Personal Identification: Valid passport with at least six months’ validity
  2. Educational Credentials: MBBS/MD degree, transcripts, postgraduate qualifications
  3. Professional Licensing: Current medical license from home country
  4. Good Standing Certificate: Issued within six months
  5. Employment Verification: Detailed reference letters showing required clinical experience

For doctors aged 60+, a physical and mental health report is required.

Examination Requirements and Exemptions

Doctors must pass the DHA Prometric Exam unless they qualify for exemptions:

• Exam format: 150 MCQs, 150 minutes
• Passing rates: 50–70% on first attempt
• Exemptions: Doctors from USA, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa
• Additional requirements: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification where applicable

Licensing and Registration Fees

• DHA standard registration: AED 3,020
• Administrative fees: AED 200
• Application evaluation: AED 200–250
• DataFlow PSV: AED 1,235–1,300
• Annual license activation: AED 3,000 (payable up to three years in advance)

Total estimated cost: AED 4,400–6,000. Most fees are non-refundable.

Sheryan Digital Platform for License Applications

The Sheryan platform is Dubai’s centralized licensing portal:

• Create a professional profile aligned with your healthcare role
• Track application status in real-time
• Submit documents for DataFlow verification
• Register for DHA Prometric exams once verified
• Self-assess eligibility against DHA requirements

Note: Inactive applications expire after six months. Ensure all uploaded documents are attested and translated.

Employment and License Activation

• Secure a job offer first: Activation requires employment at a DHA-approved facility
• Required documents from employer: Emirates ID, residency visa, and health insurance
• Activation timeline: 2–3 weeks from complete submission

Employment tips:

• Competitive specialties (cardiology, cosmetic surgery) offer higher negotiation leverage
• Salary varies across emirates; Dubai and Abu Dhabi typically offer higher pay
• Employment contracts include relocation, probation, and insurance details

Facility Documentation and Safety Compliance

Before practicing, facilities must meet DHA requirements:

Key safety measures:

• Minimum 30m² consultation rooms
• Sterile storage and infection control protocols
• Disability-accessible features
• Comprehensive electronic health records

License Activation Timeline

Compliance and Regulatory Standards

Doctors must maintain compliance with:

• DHA facility audits: Both announced and unannounced inspections
• Insurance rules: Accept only DHA-accredited plans; maintain co-payment limits
• Operational safety standards: Fire safety, sanitation, emergency preparedness
• Regular reporting: Patient records, insurance claims, and data security

Non-compliance can lead to fines or license suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a DHA license cover multiple emirates?
No, each emirate requires its own license. Dubai (DHA), Abu Dhabi (DOH), Northern Emirates (MOH) require separate credentials.

2. What are the working hour restrictions?
8 hours/day, 48 hours/week, with 1-hour mandatory break. Overtime and night shifts are compensated at higher rates.

3. Are Arabic language skills mandatory?
No, English proficiency is sufficient, though basic Arabic helps patient communication.

4. Can foreign doctors own private practices?
Yes, with 100% ownership in Dubai Healthcare City (free zone). Mainland Dubai requires a 51% Emirati partner.

5. Is malpractice insurance required?
Yes, mandatory UAE-licensed malpractice insurance covering negligence, misdiagnosis, and surgical errors.