DOH Licensing — Department of Health, Abu Dhabi

DHA (Dubai Health Authority) licenses authorise practice in Dubai only, while DOH (Department of Health Abu Dhabi) licenses are required to practise in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. The two authorities have separate application portals, fee structures, and exam formats — a DHA license is not transferable to Abu Dhabi and vice versa. MOHAP licenses cover all remaining UAE emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, RAK, and UAQ). Doctors working across multiple emirates may need separate licenses for each jurisdiction.

Total DOH licensing costs for a doctor typically range from AED 4,500 to AED 5,600. This includes: DataFlow PSV verification (AED 1,100–1,500), the DOH exam fee via Pearson VUE (AED 800–900), the DOH application fee (AED 300–500), and the license issuance fee. Some employers in Abu Dhabi absorb licensing costs as part of the employment contract. Always request the latest fee schedule directly from the DOH portal, as fees are subject to change.

Both exams are broadly similar in structure and level of difficulty — they are based on the Prometric computer-based testing platform and assess clinical knowledge relevant to your specialty. The DOH exam was formerly known as the DOH (formerly HAAD) exam. Preparation strategies are the same for both: speciality-specific MCQ banks, clinical case review, and understanding UAE-specific protocols. Many doctors report that both exams are manageable with 4–8 weeks of dedicated preparation using quality study materials.

A DOH medical license is valid for one year (365 days) from the date of activation. Renewal must be initiated within 6 months of the expiry date and requires evidence of Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits, a clean employment record, and payment of renewal fees. Renewal is completed through the TAMM Abu Dhabi platform using UAE Pass. License lapses can result in a new full application being required, so early renewal is strongly recommended.

A DHA license cannot be directly transferred to a DOH license. If you relocate from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, you must undergo the full DOH application process, including a new DataFlow PSV (unless it was completed recently and the report is still accepted), a new DOH exam (unless exempt), and new employer sponsorship. However, an existing DataFlow PSV report completed for the DHA may be accepted for the DOH application within its validity period — confirm this with the DOH at the time of application.