What is Locum Work in UAE?
Locum positions are temporary or relief roles — covering staff absences, seasonal peaks, or project-based requirements. UAE hospitals increasingly use locum staff for:
- Holiday/Ramadan cover (significant spike in demand)
- Maternity leave cover
- New department launches
- Project-based clinical trials
- Temporary surge capacity
Licensing Requirements for Locum Work
You must hold a valid UAE license to practise as a locum:
- Dubai: DHA license (even for 1-day shifts)
- Abu Dhabi: DOH license
- Northern Emirates: MOHAP license
Your license must be specific to the emirate where you are working — a DHA license does not permit locum work in Abu Dhabi.
NOC (No Objection Certificate)
If you are already employed full-time, your primary employer must issue a NOC for locum work. This is a standard requirement under UAE Labour Law. Practising without NOC can result in disciplinary action.
Types of Locum Arrangements
| Type | Duration | Typical Professions |
|---|---|---|
| Ad-hoc shifts | 1 day – 1 week | Nurses, Pharmacists, Lab Tech |
| Short-term contract | 1–6 months | Doctors, Specialists, Physio |
| Part-time contract | Ongoing | All professions |
| Project contract | 3–12 months | Specialists, Admin |
Locum Rates (2026)
| Profession | Daily Rate (AED) |
|---|---|
| General Practitioner | 800 – 1,800 |
| Specialist Doctor | 1,500 – 4,000 |
| Registered Nurse | 400 – 750 |
| ICU/ER Nurse | 550 – 900 |
| Pharmacist | 500 – 850 |
| Physiotherapist | 500 – 900 |
| Radiographer | 450 – 750 |
Finding Locum Work
- Job boards (like Lala Healthcare — filter by "Part-time" or "Contract")
- LinkedIn — "Locum nurse Dubai" search
- Specialist locum agencies: Medicruit, Globe Locums (international)
- Direct to hospital HR departments
- Professional community groups (WhatsApp, Facebook)
Legal Considerations
- Always sign a formal contract — verbal agreements are not enforceable
- Ensure your locum rate is clearly stated in AED
- Confirm payment terms: weekly, bi-weekly, or end of contract
- Check whether the facility will provide malpractice insurance for the locum period
- VAT: Locum income through a company may require VAT registration (if annual revenue > AED 375,000)
Visa Status for Locum Workers
You need a valid UAE residence visa to work as a locum. Options:
- If employed full-time elsewhere: your existing employment visa covers locum work with NOC
- If not employed: you need a UAE visit visa or freelancer permit (available through MOHRE)
- Golden Visa holders can work freely across all sectors