Who Needs a DOH License?
Any healthcare professional employed at a facility regulated by the DOH must hold a valid DOH license. This includes facilities in:
- Abu Dhabi city and islands
- Al Ain
- Al Dhafra (Western Region)
Note: Dubai requires a DHA license; Northern Emirates require MOHAP. Licenses are not transferable between authorities.
DOH vs DHA vs MOHAP
| Authority | Emirate | Portal |
|---|---|---|
| DOH | Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra | doh.gov.ae |
| DHA | Dubai | dha.gov.ae |
| MOHAP | Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, UAQ, Fujairah | mohap.gov.ae |
Step-by-Step DOH Licensing Process
Step 1 — Malaffi / DOH Profile Registration
Create your account on the DOH Malaffi-linked licensing portal at healthcarelicensure.doh.gov.ae. Provide personal details, nationality, and professional background.
Step 2 — DataFlow PSV (Primary Source Verification)
Submit all credentials for DataFlow PSV verification:
- Medical/nursing degree
- Home country license/registration
- Good Standing Certificate
- Work experience certificates (all previous employers)
- Postgraduate qualifications (if applicable)
Cost: AED 900–1,500 · Timeline: 4–10 weeks · Apply at: dataflowgroup.com
Step 3 — Prometric CBT Exam (if required)
DOH requires a Prometric computer-based test for most clinical roles. Exemptions may apply if you hold a license from USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or Ireland (some boards only).
- Register at: prometric.com/doh
- Available test centres: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Al Ain — and internationally
- Pass mark: 60–70% depending on specialty
- Reattempt policy: 3 attempts within 2 years
Step 4 — English Language Requirement
Proof of English proficiency required for most roles:
- IELTS Academic: minimum 6.0 (or 7.0 for physicians)
- OET: minimum Grade B
- TOEFL iBT: minimum 61
- Exempt if your primary education was in English
Step 5 — License Application Submission
Once DataFlow and exam results are complete, submit your license application through the DOH portal. Attach all verified documents. The DOH evaluates specialty scope — ensure your application lists the correct clinical scope.
Step 6 — Facility Attachment
Your license is linked to a specific facility. Your employer submits the facility attachment request. You cannot practise at other facilities without updating your license attachment.
License Types
| Type | Validity | Who |
|---|---|---|
| Full License | 1–3 years | All qualified practitioners |
| Provisional License | 6–12 months | New graduates, those awaiting exam |
| Locum License | Per assignment | Temporary/locum practitioners |
Fee Structure
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| DataFlow PSV | AED 900 – 1,500 |
| Prometric exam | AED 550 – 900 |
| DOH license fee | AED 500 – 2,000 (varies by profession) |
| License renewal | AED 300 – 1,000 |
Specialty-Specific Requirements
Physicians (Medical Doctors)
- Primary medical degree + postgraduate specialty qualification required for specialist designation
- Board certification from USA, UK, Canada, Australia may waive the Prometric exam
- Fellowship (FRCP, FRCS, FACP, etc.) reviewed on case-by-case basis
Nurses
- BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) required; diploma nurses reviewed individually
- ICU, OR, NICU, A&E specialisations require documented experience + specialist exam
- DOH Registered Nurse exam via Prometric
Pharmacists
- B.Pharm or PharmD required
- DOH Pharmacist exam via Prometric
- Hospital vs community pharmacy scope differentiated
Allied Health
- Physiotherapists, radiographers, lab technicians, dietitians — all require DOH-specific exam
- Some allied health professions require a UAE-recognised postgraduate degree
License Renewal
- Renew 60–90 days before expiry
- Continuing Medical Education (CME) hours required: typically 20–30 hours/year
- Facility attachment must be active at renewal
- Penalty for late renewal: AED 500–2,000
Common Rejection Reasons
- DataFlow report shows discrepancy (often misspelled names — check carefully)
- Good Standing Certificate expired (valid only 6 months)
- Insufficient work experience for requested scope
- IELTS score below minimum
- Qualification not on DOH approved list
Tips for a Smooth Process
- Start DataFlow first — it's the longest step. Begin 3–4 months ahead.
- Use exact name matching — your name must match across all documents exactly as on passport.
- Get CME certificates ready — international CME is accepted; keep all certificates.
- Check the DOH approved qualifications list before applying — some institutions are not recognised.
- Book Prometric early — test slots in popular specialties fill up months in advance.