Is Practicing Medicine Without a License Illegal in the UAE?
Yes. Practicing medicine in the UAE without a valid license is strictly illegal under Federal Law No. 5 of 2019, with penalties including fines ranging from AED 10,000 to 1,000,000, imprisonment, and facility closures. To protect yourself, always verify a practitioner’s credentials using official health authority portals: DHA Sheryan, MOHAP, or DOH TAMM. These platforms allow you to check license numbers, specialty, validity, and any disciplinary actions, ensuring that you receive care from legitimately licensed professionals.
UAE Legal Framework for Medical Practice
The UAE enforces a three-tier regulatory system:
- Federal Laws – Establish core standards for medical practice and product regulation (e.g., Federal Law No. 5 of 2019, Federal Decree-Law No. 38 of 2024).
- Emirate-Level Authorities – MOHAP, DHA, and DOH implement regulations via licensing, audits, and inspections.
- Facility-Level Compliance – Hospitals and clinics ensure staff maintain valid licenses, Good Standing certificates, and comply with national and international standards.
Violations can trigger criminal and administrative consequences, including malpractice lawsuits, fines, imprisonment, and facility closures. The UAE also uses the Competency Framework for Medical Education to standardize and elevate healthcare quality.
Penalties for Unlicensed Medical Practice
Violation Type | Fine Range | Additional Consequences |
Individual practice without license | AED 10,000–100,000 | Possible imprisonment |
Facility-enabled violations | AED 500,000–1,000,000 | Temporary or permanent closure |
Fraudulent documentation | AED 50,000–100,000 | Permanent practice ban |
Other enforcement measures:
- Suspension or removal from management roles
- Professional bans for directors or administrators
- License revocation impacting facility operations
Healthcare Professions Requiring Licenses
All medical practitioners in the UAE must hold valid licenses, including:
- Physicians and specialists
- Nurses and allied health professionals
- Dentists, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians
Key requirements:
- Recognized medical degree and relevant postgraduate experience
- Board certification or specialty-specific qualifications
- Good Standing Certificate and Primary Source Verification (DataFlow)
- Mandatory Medical Malpractice Insurance
Licensing authorities:
- DHA – Dubai
- DOH – Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
- MOHAP – Northern Emirates
A unified licensing system introduced in October 2024 allows license reciprocity across emirates.
How to Verify a Practitioner’s Credentials
Always confirm that a healthcare professional is legally authorized to practice:
- Use official portals: DHA Sheryan, MOHAP portal, DOH eServices, or DHCC portal.
- Enter the practitioner’s license number, Unique ID, or registration details.
Verify:
a. License status (active, suspended, expired)
b. Specialty and scope of practice
c. Registered facility
d. Disciplinary actions
Red Flags for Unlicensed Practitioners
Watch out for warning signs indicating illegal practice:
- Missing or unverifiable credentials – Degrees from unaccredited institutions, expired or fake licenses
- Unlicensed facilities – Clinics operating from apartments, salons, or non-approved locations
- Practicing outside authorized specialties – Performing procedures beyond permitted scope
Violations can result in fines, license suspension, imprisonment, or civil liability. Always request to see a current license and Good Standing Certificate.
Legal Requirements for Healthcare Facilities
Establishing a healthcare facility requires:
- Licensing from DHA, DOH, or MOHAP
- Security clearance and facility inspection
- Compliance with infection control, fire safety, and zoning regulations
- Integration of digital health systems and EMR compliance
Facility directors are held accountable for maintaining licensed staff and meeting regulatory standards.
Protecting Yourself as a Patient
- Always verify credentials through official portals
- Confirm the practitioner’s license, specialty, and practice location
- Watch for refusal to provide documentation
- Report any suspected unlicensed activity to the relevant health authority
Patient vigilance complements inspections and enforcement, helping maintain safe healthcare standards.
FAQs
Can foreign-trained doctors practice without UAE license verification?
No. All foreign-trained doctors must obtain DHA, DOH, or MOHAP licensure before clinical practice. Temporary permits still require official authorization.
What if a licensed doctor practices outside their specialty?
Practicing beyond authorized scope is considered gross medical malpractice, punishable by fines up to AED 200,000, license suspension, and imprisonment.
Are telemedicine practitioners required to hold UAE licenses?
Yes. All telemedicine services must be provided by UAE-licensed professionals.
How long does license processing take?
Typically 1.5–3 months, with DHA (Dubai) averaging 30–45 working days. Delays in documentation or verification can extend this period.
Can patients sue unlicensed practitioners?
Yes. Patients may file claims through the Medical Liability Committee and pursue civil or criminal action for malpractice under Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016.
