Regulatory Authorities
The three bodies that license healthcare professionals in the UAE.
DHA — Dubai Health Authority
The regulatory body responsible for licensing all healthcare professionals and facilities in Dubai. DHA issues licenses through the Sheryan portal and requires DataFlow PSV and a Prometric exam for most applicants. Read our complete DHA licensing guide.
DOH — Department of Health (Abu Dhabi)
Formerly known as HAAD
The regulatory authority for healthcare in Abu Dhabi, including Al Ain and the Western Region. DOH may require oral assessments for specialists in addition to or instead of the standard Prometric exam.
MOHAP — Ministry of Health and Prevention
Also referred to as MOH
The federal healthcare body covering Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. MOHAP licensing tends to be the most affordable of the three authorities.
License Types & Processes
The different stages and documents in UAE medical licensing.
Professional Registration
Also called: Eligibility Letter
The first stage of UAE licensing. Confirms your qualifications meet the authority's requirements. Does NOT require a job offer. Different from a Practice License.
Practice License
Also called: Active License, Full License
The license that allows you to see patients. Requires sponsorship from a licensed facility. Builds on your Professional Registration.
License Transfer
Obtaining a license from a different UAE authority while already holding one. DataFlow PSV results usually carry over. Learn about transfers.
License Renewal
UAE medical licenses must be renewed periodically. Renewals are simpler and cheaper than initial licensing — no DataFlow or exam required. DHA renewals typically cost AED 1,000 to AED 1,500.
Verification & Credentials
How the UAE validates your qualifications.
DataFlow PSV — Primary Source Verification
Operated by DataFlow Group
Independent verification that contacts your institutions directly to confirm your credentials are authentic. Mandatory for all DHA, DOH, and MOHAP applications. Takes 20 to 30 business days. Fees: approximately AED 935 for nurses, AED 1,235+ for physicians. Results are usually transferable between authorities.
Certificate of Good Standing
Also called: CGS
Official document from your home licensing body confirming no pending complaints or disciplinary actions. Must be less than six months old at submission.
Document Attestation
MEA / MOFA / Apostille
Authenticating your documents for UAE use. May involve your Ministry of External Affairs (MEA in India), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), or an apostille. UAE embassy attestation may also be required. Costs and timelines vary by country.
Exams & Assessments
The qualifying tests for UAE medical licensing.
Prometric Exam
Also called: DHA Exam, Professional Qualifying Exam
Computer-based, multiple-choice qualifying exam administered by Prometric for DHA and MOHAP. Approximately 100 questions in three hours, 60% minimum to pass. Test centres available worldwide. Our candidates achieve a 92% first-attempt pass rate.
Oral Assessment
Used primarily by DOH
In-person assessment by a specialist panel evaluating clinical reasoning through case discussions. DOH uses oral assessments for some specialist and consultant applicants.
CBT — Computer-Based Test
The technical format of the Prometric exam. Questions on screen, answers on screen, results within days.
Key Documents
The paperwork involved in UAE licensing.
Eligibility Letter
Document from the licensing authority confirming your qualifications meet requirements. Effectively the same as Professional Registration.
Scope of Practice
The defined range of clinical activities you are authorized to perform under your license category. Determined by your classification (GP, specialist, consultant).
Systems & Portals
The digital platforms used in UAE healthcare licensing.
Sheryan Portal
DHA's online licensing platform
The official DHA portal for all Dubai licensing applications, renewals, status tracking, and license downloads.
NABIDH — National Backbone for Integrated Dubai Health
Dubai's unified health information exchange system. Primarily a facility-level requirement. Your credentials are registered in NABIDH when you join a connected facility. Does not add licensing steps for individual practitioners.
MedMatch
Health Bridge's job portal at app.medmatch.cloud. Hosts current openings across our partner hospital network.