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AI-assisted content notice: This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed by the Tovi team. UAE rules and fees change — always verify with official sources before acting. Last reviewed: April 2026.
🪪 Expat lifeCareer✓ Verified Apr 2026

Doctor Licensing in UAE: DHA, HAAD, MOH Process

UAE doctor licensing through DHA, DOH and MOH requires exams, DataFlow verification, and fees that vary by emirate and specialty.

·5 min read·By the Tovi UAE Team
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Photo by David Rodrigo on Unsplash

Which Authority Handles Your License

Doctors in Dubai work with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Abu Dhabi and Al Ain fall under the Department of Health (DOH). The rest of the emirates use the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOH). Check the emirate where you plan to practice before you start the process.

Step-by-Step Licensing Path

First, create an account on the relevant portal and upload your documents. DHA and DOH use their own online systems; MOH routes applications through its central portal. Next, complete primary source verification through DataFlow. This step confirms your degree, internship, and work history directly with the issuing bodies. Allow four to eight weeks for DataFlow results.

Once verification clears, book your Prometric exam. General practitioners sit the Prometric GP exam. Specialists take the relevant specialty exam. Passing scores vary by specialty, so confirm the exact requirement on the authority website before booking.

Costs You Should Budget

Expect the following fees in 2026: DataFlow verification AED 1,250, Prometric exam AED 1,050, and authority evaluation AED 650. Adding medical fitness, good-standing certificates, and license issuance brings the total to roughly AED 4,500 to AED 6,000 before any training or residency costs. Renewals cost AED 1,200 to AED 1,800 every two years.

Medical Fitness and Attestations

After passing the exam you must complete a medical fitness test at an approved DHA, DOH, or MOH center. Blood tests, chest X-ray, and drug screening are mandatory. All academic and experience documents need UAE embassy attestation or MOFA apostille plus Arabic translation if the originals are not in English or Arabic.

Timeline and Common Delays

Most expat doctors finish licensing in three to five months when documents are complete. Delays happen when DataFlow cannot reach a foreign university quickly or when applicants miss the Arabic translation requirement. Keep digital copies of every receipt and certificate to speed up any follow-up requests.

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Frequently asked questions

Which authority licenses doctors in Dubai?▾

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) handles doctor licensing inside Dubai.

How long does DataFlow verification take?▾

DataFlow usually returns results in four to eight weeks once all documents reach them.

What is the total cost for first-time licensing?▾

Budget AED 4,500 to AED 6,000 covering DataFlow, Prometric, evaluation, and license fees.

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