How Can Doctors from India Get a UAE Medical License?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a leading destination for healthcare professionals seeking better career opportunities, high salaries, and a multicultural working environment. For Indian doctors looking to practice in the UAE, obtaining a medical license is a crucial step. The process, while structured, involves multiple stages — from eligibility assessment to exams and final licensing. In this blog, we’ll break down how Indian doctors can get a UAE medical license, along with some tips to make the journey smoother.

1. Understand the Licensing Authorities in the UAE

First, it’s important to know that the UAE does not have a single, unified medical licensing body. Instead, licensing is done by different health authorities depending on the emirate:

• For Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA)


• DOH (Department of Health, Abu Dhabi) – formerly HAAD, for Abu Dhabi


• MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention) – for Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah


• DHCC (Dubai Healthcare City) – a free zone with its own regulations

If you want to work across multiple emirates, you’ll either need to apply separately or, once licensed by one authority, transfer or convert your license (this depends on your job and employer).