Practice Healthcare Legally in Dubai DHA License
A Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license is mandatory for all healthcare professionals and facilities operating in Dubai — doctors, dentists, nurses, clinics, pharmacies, and wellness centers.
DHA Licensing Covers Every Healthcare Role
Individual Practitioner License
Doctors, dentists, nurses, physiotherapists, and all licensed healthcare professionals require an individual DHA license to practice in Dubai.
Clinic & Facility License
Medical clinics, polyclinics, day surgery centers, and specialist centres require a separate DHA facility license in addition to practitioner licenses.
Pharmacy License
Retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, and pharmaceutical wholesalers all require DHA facility licensing with specific compliance requirements.
Allied Health Professions
Physiotherapists, dietitians, radiographers, lab technicians, and 100+ allied health professionals need DHA licensing to operate in Dubai.
Telemedicine License
DHA issues specific telemedicine authorisations for online consultations, remote diagnosis, and digital health platforms serving Dubai patients.
Wellness & Aesthetics
Medical aesthetics, laser clinics, medical spas, and wellness centres require DHA facility registration and licensed practitioner approvals.
Your DHA License in 5 Steps
Eligibility Assessment
We review your qualifications, country of graduation, and specialty against DHA's approved lists and equivalency requirements.
Document Compilation
Gather primary source verification, Good Standing Letter, professional references, and credential authentication from issuing bodies.
DHA Application
Submit your application via the DHA Sheryan portal. We manage the complete online submission and follow up on status.
Good Standing Letter
Obtain a verified Good Standing Letter from your home country licensing authority — a mandatory DHA requirement.
DHA Exam & License
Sit the DHA competency exam if required for your specialty. Upon passing, your DHA license is issued within 5–10 business days.
DHA vs DOH & MOH
| Feature | DHA (Dubai) | DOH (Abu Dhabi) | MOH (Other Emirates) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Dubai (all facilities) | Abu Dhabi (SEHA + private) | All other Emirates |
| Issuing authority | Dubai Health Authority | Dept. of Health Abu Dhabi | Ministry of Health UAE |
| Exam requirement | Specialty-dependent | Specialty-dependent | Required for most |
| Processing time | 4–8 weeks | 4–10 weeks | 6–12 weeks |
| Telemedicine coverage | Dubai patients only | Abu Dhabi patients only | Other emirates only |
| Validity period | 1–2 years (renewable) | 1–2 years (renewable) | 1 year (renewable) |
DHA License FAQs
Which professions are required to hold a DHA license?
All healthcare professionals practicing in Dubai must hold a valid DHA license. This includes doctors (all specialties), dentists, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, dietitians, radiographers, laboratory technicians, medical aesthetics practitioners, and over 200 other allied health professions. Practicing without a DHA license is a criminal offense in Dubai.
How long does the DHA licensing process take?
The DHA licensing process typically takes 4–8 weeks from application submission to license issuance, depending on your specialty, country of graduation, and document readiness. Professionals from countries on DHA's approved list with pre-verified credentials may be processed faster. Our team expedites the process by ensuring all documents are prepared correctly before submission.
Do I need a DHA license or a DOH license?
If you intend to practice in Dubai (including Dubai Healthcare City, private hospitals, clinics, or pharmacies in Dubai), you need a DHA license. If you intend to practice in Abu Dhabi, you need a DOH (Department of Health) license. If you wish to practice in other emirates such as Sharjah, Ajman, or Ras Al Khaimah, you need a MOH license. Arab First can assist with all three licensing types.
Can I practice in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
No. DHA and DOH licenses are emirate-specific. If you wish to practice in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you must obtain separate licenses from both the DHA and DOH. Some professionals maintain dual licensing for this purpose. We can manage both applications simultaneously to minimise total processing time.
What is the DHA license renewal process?
DHA licenses are valid for 1–2 years depending on the license type. Renewal requires completion of Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit hours as prescribed by the DHA, payment of renewal fees, and submission of updated documents if your employment or facility has changed. We offer annual renewal management services to ensure your license never lapses.
Get Your DHA License Today
Our experts are ready to guide you. Fill the form and we'll get back to you within 2 business hours.