Introduction
If you are a healthcare professional planning to practice in Abu Dhabi, getting your DOH license is a key step. The Department of Health (DOH) in Abu Dhabi ensures that only qualified, safe, and experienced professionals serve patients in its hospitals and clinics.
In 2025, the licensing rules are clear but detailed, covering education, exams, verification, health checks, and more. This guide breaks down everything you need to know in simple terms so you can smoothly navigate the DOH licensing process and start working in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system with confidence.
Understanding the DOH and Its Role
The Department of Health (DOH) is the regulatory body that governs the licensing of healthcare professionals in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Its goal is to maintain high standards of care by making sure that doctors, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, and other practitioners are properly qualified and safe to practice. Before someone can legally work in a healthcare role in Abu Dhabi, they usually need a valid DOH license.
To apply, healthcare professionals use DOH’s e-licensing system, often via the TAMM portal, which is Abu Dhabi’s online government services platform. This makes the process more streamlined, but there are strict checks to meet.
Key License Requirements: What DOH Looks For in 2025
1. Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR)
A core requirement for a DOH license is meeting the PQR, the Professional Qualification Requirement. These rules define which education level, training, experience, and skills are needed for different healthcare roles.
The PQR ensures that each professional holds the right degree (such as a medical degree, nursing diploma, or allied health qualification) and has relevant experience. This minimizes risk and ensures safety in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system.
2. Language Proficiency
Healthcare professionals must be competent in English and Arabic, or at least satisfy DOH’s language requirement.
This requirement helps ensure good communication with patients and other medical staff, which is critical for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
3. Valid Professional License (If Applicable)
If you already have a healthcare license in your home country or another UAE emirate, DOH may require proof that this license is valid and not restricted.
This rule prevents professionals with disciplinary issues or revoked licenses from transferring without proper evaluation.
4. Personal Medical Check
All applicants must undergo a medical fitness test approved by DOH to show they are physically healthy enough to work in healthcare.
This typically involves visiting a DOH-approved doctor and running specific health tests to make sure there are no conditions that would compromise patient care or the safety of the professional.
5. Primary Source Verification (PSV)
One of the most important steps is Primary Source Verification. DOH requires verification of your educational certificates, experience, and training from the original institutions.
This verification is often done through the DataFlow Group, a trusted third-party service, to confirm that your credentials are real and valid.
6. Licensing Exam or Assessment
Most healthcare professionals must pass a DOH licensing exam, which is usually a computer-based test conducted by Pearson VUE.
The exam checks clinical knowledge and practical skills. In some cases, there may be an oral assessment, especially for surgical specialties.
However, some professionals may be exempt from the exam if they hold a license from certain countries or have very strong credentials.
7. Good Standing Certificate
DOH asks for a Good Standing Certificate (GSC) from your current or previous regulatory body (in your home country or the UAE), confirming that you have no disciplinary actions or malpractice history.
This document helps ensure that the applicant has a clean professional record.
8. Continuing Medical Education (CME) Requirements
Once licensed, you must maintain your DOH license by completing a certain number of CME hours each year.
The number of required hours depends on your profession:
- Physicians / Dentists: 40 CME hours annually
- Nurses: 20 CME hours
- Allied Health / Pharmacists: 10–20 hours
If you have taken a break from practice (for example more than two years), you may need to join DOH’s Return Back to Practice program and earn specified training and CME credits. Department of Health Abu Dhabi
9. Practice Gap Rules
If you have not worked for more than two years, DOH may require you to complete extra training and CME credits.
This ensures you stay up to date with medical practices and remain competent in your field.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
- Create an Account on TAMM: Use the TAMM (Abu Dhabi’s government portal) to start your licensing application.
- Upload Documents: Submit your academic certificates, license (if any), good standing certificate, passport, and other required documents. Make sure they are properly attested if needed.
- Do PSV Verification: Initiate the Primary Source Verification (PSV) via DataFlow to validate your credentials.
- Medical Fitness Test: Book and complete the required medical test with a DOH-approved clinic.
- Apply for the Exam: If you need to take the DOH licensing exam, register via Pearson VUE and pay the exam fee. Prepare with study guides and past papers, if available.
- Attend Return-to-Practice (If Needed): If you’ve been out of practice, join the DOH Return Back to Practice program and complete required CME or training.
- Review and Approval: DOH reviews your application, verification, and exam results. Once everything is approved, they issue your license through the e-licensing system.
- License Activation: Your employer (hospital or clinic) usually needs to activate your DOH license once hired.
Fees to Expect
Getting a DOH license involves several costs:
- PSV (DataFlow) fees
- Application fees via TAMM
- Pearson VUE exam fee
- Medical test fee
- License issuance fee
For example, a general physician’s total licensing cost is estimated at AED 5,327.
Renewal of the DOH License
Your DOH license must be renewed regularly. The renewal usually involves:
- Paying a renewal fee
- Submitting proof of CME credits
- Confirming your good standing
The renewal process ensures that all healthcare professionals maintain updated knowledge and continue to meet DOH’s standards.
Why the DOH License Is Important
- Legal Requirement: You cannot practice legally in Abu Dhabi without a DOH license.
- High Professional Standards: The licensing process ensures that only capable and qualified professionals serve patients.
- Better Career Opportunities: Licensed professionals can work in both private and public healthcare settings in Abu Dhabi.
- Job Security: Many healthcare employers prefer or require licensed staff, giving you stability.
- Patient Trust: A DOH license reassures patients and employers that you are regulated and competent.
Common Challenges and Tips
- Lengthy Document Verification: PSV can take a few weeks. Start early and gather all your educational, experience, and licensure documents.
- Exam Stress: Use reliable study resources. Practice DOH exam-style questions so you feel ready on test day.
- Practice Gap Issues: If you’ve been out of practice for years, plan for the Return Back to Practice program and CME requirements.
- Renewal Planning: Track your CME credits and renewal dates to avoid license expiry.
- Medical Test Scheduling: Book your medical fitness exam in advance. DOH-approved clinics may have limited slots.
Future Outlook: Digital Licensing by 2026
DOH is part of a broader move to fully digital and unified licensing across the UAE by 2026. The Times of India This means a smoother, faster, and more transparent process for licensing. With this change, applying for, renewing, and updating your DOH license may become easier in the coming years.
Conclusion
Getting a DOH license in Abu Dhabi is a vital step for any healthcare professional aiming to work in the emirate. The 2025 requirements include proving your education and experience, passing verification checks, completing a medical exam, and usually taking a licensing test. Even if you have a gap in your practice, DOH offers pathways to return. The process may feel complex, but it is designed to maintain high standards in healthcare and protect patients.
With the right preparation, clear documents, and a good understanding of what’s needed, you can secure your DOH license and begin a promising career in Abu Dhabi’s hospitals and clinics. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or allied health worker, meeting these requirements opens doors to great opportunities in one of the region’s leading healthcare markets.
