What is MOHAP?
MOHAP (وزارة الصحة ووقاية المجتمع) is the federal Ministry of Health and Prevention. It regulates healthcare professionals in the five Northern Emirates: Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.
Note: Dubai uses DHA, Abu Dhabi uses DOH. MOHAP covers everywhere else.
Who Needs MOHAP Licensure?
- Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and allied health professionals
- Anyone working in government or private hospitals/clinics in the Northern Emirates
- Overseas healthcare professionals relocating to the Northern Emirates
MOHAP Licensing Process
Step 1 — Create Your MOHAP Account
Register on the MOHAP eServices portal (mohap.gov.ae). You will need a valid Emirates ID or passport.
Step 2 — Primary Source Verification (DataFlow)
MOHAP requires DataFlow Group PSV (Primary Source Verification) for all overseas-qualified professionals. This verifies your degree, experience letters, and professional registration.
DataFlow typically takes 4–8 weeks and costs AED 900–1,500 depending on your profession.
Step 3 — Qualification Evaluation
Your credentials are assessed against UAE standards. Shortfalls may require a prometric exam.
Step 4 — Prometric Exam (if required)
Many professions require passing a HAAD/MOHAP/Prometric exam. Study materials are available through the official exam provider (Pearson VUE / Prometric UAE).
Step 5 — Good Standing Certificate
You must provide a Good Standing Certificate from your home country licensing body (e.g., NMC for UK nurses, PRC for Philippines nurses). Valid for 3–6 months.
Step 6 — License Issuance
Once approved, your MOHAP license is issued. It is valid for 1–2 years and must be renewed before expiry.
Key Fees (2026)
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| DataFlow PSV | AED 900–1,500 |
| Prometric Exam | AED 500–800 |
| License Fee | AED 500–1,200 |
| Good Standing Certificate | Varies by country |
MOHAP vs DHA vs DOH — Quick Reference
| Authority | Coverage | Portal |
|---|---|---|
| MOHAP | Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, Fujairah, UAQ | mohap.gov.ae |
| DHA | Dubai | dha.gov.ae |
| DOH | Abu Dhabi | doh.gov.ae |
Important: A MOHAP license does NOT allow you to work in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. You need separate DHA or DOH licensure for those emirates.
Renewal
Renew your MOHAP license 60 days before expiry. Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits may be required (typically 20 CME hours per year for licensed professionals).
Contact MOHAP
- Website: mohap.gov.ae
- Call Centre: 800-MOHAP (66427)
- Working Hours: Sunday–Thursday, 7:30 AM – 2:30 PM