Dubai Medical License Requirements set forth for Medical Practitioners
This guidebook will take you through all that you need to know about Dubai Medical License Requirements and prepare you for successful application.

To medical practitioners who wish to establish a successful practice in the UAE, the Dubai Medical License Requirements have to be learned. Being a global healthcare destination, Dubai maintains stringent requirements for licensing to have the best care for patients. No matter if you are a doctor of medicine, doctor, dentist, or any other medic, obtaining your professional license is the most critical requirement for the legal and successful practice of medicine in Dubai's booming healthcare sector. This guidebook will take you through all that you need to know about Dubai Medical License Requirements and prepare you for successful application.
What is a Dubai Medical License?
A Dubai Medical License is a formal permit granted by health authorities such as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), which enables medical professionals to practice in the city. It guarantees that only qualified and competent professionals are allowed to practice, with an aim of ensuring patient safety and high medical standards.
Dubai medical licenses are grouped according to the specialty — different requirements for doctors, specialists, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and technicians. Medical specialists should be registered and licensed by the relevant authority to be legally employed.
Regulatory Authorities for Medical Licenses in Dubai
Dubai healthcare is regulated by various authorities depending on the specialty:
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Dubai Health Authority (DHA): Regulates healthcare services in Dubai.
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Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP): Governs healthcare practitioners in the UAE, with the exception of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
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Department of Health (DOH) Abu Dhabi: Approves Abu Dhabi.
For those intending to work only in Dubai, application via DHA is required.
General Dubai Medical License Requirements
The following are the main Dubai Medical License Requirements that healthcare practitioners must fulfill:
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Educational Qualifications: Applicants must have gained recognized healthcare qualifications for their chosen profession.
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Experience: A minimum number of clinical practice years are usually required, as determined by post.
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Good Standing Certificate: Provided by former licensing authorities or former employers, attesting to ethical practice.
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Valid Passport and Visa: As evidence of residence and identification.
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Primary Source Verification (PSV): All professional and educational qualifications need to be verified by DataFlow.
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Licensing Examination: Most healthcare professionals need to sit for a DHA Prometric exam and/or oral exam.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Dubai Medical License
Create a Sheryan Account: This is DHA's web portal for online licensing in which you register and upload documents required.
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Primary Source Verification (PSV): Log in with your credentials to authenticate through DataFlow.
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Scheduling for exam: Once successful PSV, schedule your Prometric test if necessary.
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Pass the Test: Candidates need to pass with a minimum passing score.
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Eligibility Letter: After passing the test, you receive an eligibility letter that is valid for one year and is sent to you by mail.
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Secure Employment: Your facility should issue you a contract of employment.
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License Issuance: When your facility has sponsored the application, your professional license is issued by the DHA.
If you are studying healthcare management courses, your knowledge about licensing procedures and health regulations will be immensely developed, preparing you for leadership positions in Dubai's dynamic healthcare industry.
Most Important Details regarding License Types
There are various types of licenses in Dubai based on your profession:
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Physician License: For general medical doctors, consultants, and specialists.
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Dentist License: For specialist and general dentists.
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Nursing License: For registered and practical nurses.
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Allied Health Professional License: For technicians, therapists, and other supporting staff.
Additionally, professional licensing in Dubai not only allows for practice but also enhances your credibility, patient confidence, and compliance with global standards.
Special Requirements for Physicians and Specialists
In the case of physicians and specialists, there are further specific requirements that apply, including:
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Specific years of practice following graduation.
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Further specialty training certificates.
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Continuing medical education (CME) credits in certain cases.
Healthcare professionals with proper academic education and healthcare management education in Dubai are better placed to grasp and manage these other regulatory requirements, and it is easy for them to emigrate into practice.
Challenges in the Licensing Process
The licensing process, although made easy, can be problematic:
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Document Differences: Any discrepancy in credentials results in delay.
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Preparation for Exams: The DHA exam is tough; lack of adequate preparation largely results in failure.
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Visa and Sponsorship Issues: In the absence of a job guarantee, the ultimate license cannot be obtained.
For convenience, most applicants use healthcare management services that provide document handling, tracking application, and exam preparation support.
Renewal and Medical License Upgrades
Medical licenses in Dubai usually last for a year and are required to be renewed annually. Renewal includes:
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Verification of employment in a licensed health organization.
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Meeting CME requirements.
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New Good Standing Certificate.
Medical doctors wanting to upgrade their license (i.e., specialist to general practitioner) will be required to provide supporting qualifications and take additional exams when necessary.
Final Thoughts
How to Get the Dubai Medical License Requirements is a highly significant aspect to be considered by doctors who are eager to establish their career in this busy city. Detailed information about eligibility, documents, tests, and regulation requirements is essential to ensure the success and smoothness of the licensing process.
For professional guidance and personalized advice at every step of the way, Healthserve Health Consultancy is here to assist you. Our professionals provide specialized healthcare professional-related services to help you get your license and take your career forward with confidence in Dubai's thriving healthcare industry.
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