DOH License Abu Dhabi 2026: Step-by-Step Guide for Healthcare Professionals
Abu Dhabi is home to some of the Middle East’s most prestigious healthcare facilities — from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City. To practise healthcare in Abu Dhabi, you need a Department of Health (DOH) license. This guide covers everything international professionals need to know for 2026.
What Is the DOH License?
The DOH (Department of Health – Abu Dhabi) license is the mandatory professional credential for all regulated healthcare practitioners working in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. It is separate from the Dubai DHA license and the UAE-wide MOH license.
Who Needs a DOH License?
If you plan to work at a hospital, clinic, or licensed health facility in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain, you need a DOH license. This includes doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, radiographers, lab scientists, and allied health professionals.
DOH License Requirements
- Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
- Primary Source Verification of qualifications (via Dataflow)
- Home country professional license (current and valid)
- Good Standing / Certificate of Current Professional Status
- Proof of work experience (typically 2+ years post-qualification)
- UAE medical fitness certificate
- Recent passport photograph
Step-by-Step DOH Application Process
- Register on the Sheryan portal — the DOH’s official licensing system
- Submit documents for Primary Source Verification — Dataflow processes this on behalf of DOH
- Complete the qualifying exam — some categories require the DOH Prometric exam
- Submit the full application with fees via the Sheryan portal
- Receive your license — conditional licenses are common for new applicants tied to a specific facility
Timeline and Costs
The DOH licensing process typically takes 8–12 weeks from document submission. Fees range from AED 500 to AED 2,000 depending on profession. Most Abu Dhabi hospitals cover licensing fees as part of the employment package.
DOH vs DHA vs MOH: Key Differences
| License | Authority | Valid In |
|---|---|---|
| DHA | Dubai Health Authority | Dubai only |
| DOH | Department of Health Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi & Al Ain |
| MOH | UAE Ministry of Health | All other Emirates |
How We Staffed Can Help
Our licensing specialists handle the entire DOH application on your behalf — from document collection and Dataflow submission to exam preparation and job placement in Abu Dhabi’s top hospitals. Explore our DOH licensing service or WhatsApp us for a free consultation.