Working as an ENT (Otolaryngology) Specialist in Dubai requires internationally recognized qualifications, specialist training, and successful completion of UAE licensing procedures. Dubai’s healthcare system is highly regulated, ensuring that ENT specialists meet strict clinical, ethical, and professional standards before practicing.
This guide explains the qualifications, training, licensing process, and professional requirements needed to secure an ENT specialist job in Dubai.
Core Qualifications Required for ENT Specialists in Dubai
To qualify for ENT specialist roles in Dubai, you must meet the following baseline requirements:
- Recognized medical degree (MBBS or equivalent) from an accredited institution
- Completion of a 4–5 year Otolaryngology residency program, covering:
o Pediatric ENT
o Otology and audiology
o Rhinology
o Head and neck surgery - Specialist certification from recognized boards such as:
o Arab Board of Health Specializations
o UK CCT / GMC
o US Board Certification
oE uropean or equivalent international boards
Foreign qualifications are accepted provided they meet UAE Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) and are fully authenticated.
Licensing Pathways: DHA vs MOH
ENT specialists must obtain a UAE license before practicing. The correct pathway depends on the healthcare sector and location.
Dubai Health Authority (DHA) License
Required for private sector roles in Dubai.
Key requirements include:
- Primary Source Verification (PSV) via Dataflow
- Good Standing Certificate (issued within 6 months)
- Surgical logbooks (last 2 years of practice)
- Prometric computer-based assessment (and oral exam if applicable)
- Application via the DHA Sheryan Portal
- Minimum 5 years’ experience for consultant-level eligibility
Once approved, the DHA license is valid for one year and must be activated by a healthcare employer.
Ministry of Health (MOH / MOHAP) License
Required for public hospitals and federal healthcare facilities.
The MOH exam assesses:
- ENT anatomy and physiology
- Diagnostic and surgical management
- Pediatric otolaryngology
- Vestibular and balance disorders
- Evidence-based clinical decision-making
Tier-3 qualifications may require additional post-specialty experience:
- 3 years (non-UAE nationals)
- 1 year (UAE nationals)
All documents must be authenticated and submitted with a valid Good Standing Certificate.
DHA License Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Create an account on the DHA Sheryan Portal
- Upload documents (passport, photo, certificates, GSC)
- Complete Dataflow Primary Source Verification
- Submit surgical logbooks and experience letters
- Pass the DHA assessment (Prometric exam)
- Receive eligibility letter and activate license through employer
Applications typically take 4–8 weeks, provided documentation is complete.
License Renewal and Compliance
To maintain your legal right to practice in Dubai, you must:
- Renew your license annually before expiry
- Submit updated Good Standing Certificates (≤ 6 months old)
- Maintain continuous practice with no major employment gaps
- Complete required CME/CPD credits
- Ensure all documents are in English or Arabic (official translations required)
Failure to comply may result in license suspension or reapplication.
Clinical Experience & Surgical Competency Standards
Dubai requires ENT specialists to demonstrate current, hands-on clinical expertise, including:
- Minimum 3 years post-specialty experience
- Competency in core ENT procedures such as:
o Septoplasty
o Tonsillectomy
o Tympanoplasty
o Endoscopic sinus surgery - Evidence of continued surgical activity (logbooks)
- Participation in CME programs and clinical workshops
Advanced subspecialty experience significantly improves employability and salary prospects.
Communication Skills & Professional Attributes
ENT specialists in Dubai must work within multicultural, multidisciplinary teams. Strong communication skills are essential to:
- Educate patients on complex ENT conditions
- Counsel families with cultural sensitivity
- Collaborate with audiologists, speech therapists, radiologists, and surgeons
- Support patient-centered and evidence-based care
Patient education, informed consent, and ethical practice are strictly enforced under UAE regulations.
Continuing Medical Education & Technology Skills
To remain competitive and licensed, ENT specialists must:
- Complete DHA-approved CME/CPD credits annually
- Maintain proficiency in:
o Audiometry, ABR, OAE, vestibular testing
o CT and MRI interpretation
o Endoscopic and microscopic ENT surgery - Adapt to emerging technologies, including AI diagnostics and telemedicine
Ongoing professional development directly impacts career progression and licensing renewal.
Regional Adaptation & Ethical Practice
Practicing ENT in Dubai requires awareness of:
- Regional disease patterns (sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, pediatric ear infections)
- Cultural and linguistic diversity
- UAE healthcare laws, confidentiality standards, and scope-of-practice rules
Fluency in Arabic is advantageous but not mandatory. Ethical conduct and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Salary for ENT Specialists in Dubai?
ENT specialists earn approximately AED 59,000–63,000 per month, with total annual packages exceeding AED 750,000, depending on experience, sector, and benefits.
How Long Does the DHA Licensing Process Take?
Typically 4–8 weeks, including Dataflow verification, if documents are complete.
Do Dubai Hospitals Sponsor International ENT Doctors?
Yes. Most public and private hospitals sponsor work visas and often include relocation benefits for qualified ENT specialists.
Can ENT Specialists Open Private Clinics in Dubai?
Yes, once you hold a DHA Specialist License and meet business and facility licensing requirements.
