DHA License for Doctors: Everything You Need to Know

Quick Summary

A DHA license is the mandatory credential issued by the Dubai Health Authority that allows doctors to practise medicine in Dubai. It applies to all medical professionals including GPs, specialists, and consultants. The license is typically valid for two years and must be renewed before expiry.

What Is a DHA License?

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license is the official professional license required to practise any form of healthcare in the emirate of Dubai. Unlike some countries where a single national license covers the entire territory, the UAE operates a system where each emirate has its own health authority and licensing requirements. In Dubai, that authority is the DHA.

The DHA license confirms that a healthcare professional has met the educational, experiential, and competency standards set by the authority. It is not merely a formality -- it involves thorough verification of your qualifications, a professional examination, and a detailed evaluation of your credentials.

Who Needs a DHA License?

Every healthcare professional intending to work in a clinical or healthcare-related role within the emirate of Dubai needs a DHA license. This includes:

It does not matter whether you plan to work in a public hospital, a private clinic, or a free zone healthcare facility within Dubai -- you will need this license. Doctors who are only visiting for conferences or short-term educational purposes may be exempt, but any form of clinical practice requires a valid DHA license.

DHA License Categories for Doctors

When you apply for a DHA license as a physician, you will be categorised into one of several professional grades. The category you are assigned affects your scope of practice, the positions you are eligible for, and in many cases your salary range. The main categories are:

General Practitioner (GP)

Doctors who have completed their basic medical degree and internship but have not completed formal specialist training. GPs typically work in primary care clinics, polyclinics, and some hospital outpatient departments. The DHA generally requires a minimum of two years of clinical experience post-internship for GP applicants, though this may vary.

Specialist

Doctors who have completed an accredited residency or specialist training programme in a recognised medical specialty. The DHA maintains a list of recognised training programmes and board certifications from various countries. You will need to provide evidence of your specialty qualification, such as board certification or a certificate of completion of training.

Consultant

Senior specialists who have extensive post-specialty experience, typically a minimum of several years practising independently at the specialist level. Consultant designation often requires evidence of a senior position, publications, or significant contributions to your field. The exact experience threshold can vary by specialty.

Important Note on Categorisation

The DHA makes the final determination on your professional category. Even if you hold a consultant title in your home country, the DHA may categorise you differently based on their own assessment criteria. It is advisable to review the DHA's specific requirements for your desired category before applying.

DHA License Validity

A standard DHA professional license is valid for two years from the date of issuance. After this period, you must renew the license to continue practising. The renewal process has its own requirements, including continuing medical education (CME) credits. See our DHA License Renewal page for full details.

It is worth noting that your DHA license is linked to your sponsoring employer. If you change employers within Dubai, you will need to transfer your license to your new sponsor. If you leave Dubai and return later with a new employer, you may need to go through parts of the licensing process again, depending on how long you were away.

Overview of the Licensing Process

While each step is covered in detail on its own page, here is a brief overview of what you can expect:

  1. Create a Sheryan account -- The Sheryan portal is the DHA's online platform for all licensing activities
  2. Submit your application and documents -- Your employer typically initiates this process
  3. Complete DataFlow verification -- Your qualifications are verified at their source
  4. Pass the Prometric exam -- A computer-based test of your medical knowledge
  5. Undergo DHA evaluation -- The authority reviews your complete file
  6. Receive your license -- Issued electronically through Sheryan

The entire process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on factors such as the speed of your DataFlow verification and whether you pass the Prometric exam on your first attempt. For a detailed timeline, visit our DHA License Processing Time page.

DHA License vs. Other UAE Licenses

The UAE has multiple health authorities, and each issues its own license. The DHA license is specific to Dubai. Other authorities include the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), which covers the northern emirates, and the Department of Health (DOH, formerly HAAD), which regulates healthcare in Abu Dhabi. A license from one authority does not automatically allow you to practise in another emirate, although transfer mechanisms do exist. See our pages on converting an MOH license or converting a HAAD license for more information.

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