Countries > UAE for Doctors > Door 1
UAE for Doctors
The UAE operates a multi-jurisdictional licensing framework governed by four distinct health authorities: DHA (Dubai), DoH (Abu Dhabi), MOHAP (Northern Emirates), and DHCR (Dubai Healthcare City). All operate under a single standardized framework — the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR Version 3). Door 1 is for physicians who have completed their primary degree and required clinical experience, or who hold recognized specialty qualifications, and want the legal right to practice in the UAE.
Pathway Snapshot
Self-assess your qualification tier under PQR, verify your credentials through DataFlow, pass the required licensing exam (or qualify for an exemption), obtain your Eligibility Letter, secure employment with a licensed facility, and activate your practicing license.
Complete Journey (GP): Medical Graduation → 2 Years Post-Internship Experience → DataFlow PSV → Licensing Exam → Eligibility Letter → Facility Employment → License Activation → Practice in UAE.
Complete Journey (Specialist): Medical Graduation → Specialty Qualification → DataFlow PSV → Licensing Exam (or Exemption) → Eligibility Letter → Facility Employment → License Activation → Specialist Practice.
The UAE authorities use different exam delivery partners. Confirm the correct provider for your target authority before booking.
| Professional Title | Academic Qualification Required | Minimum Post-Qualification Experience |
|---|---|---|
General Practitioner (GP) |
MBBS or equivalent + 1-Year Supervised Internship | 2 Years of clinical experience post-internship |
Specialist (Tier 1) |
US Board, UK CCT / Royal College Fellowships, Canadian Board, Australian Fellowship | No post-qualification experience required |
Specialist (Tier 2) |
Arab Board, European State Boards, Master's degrees with clinical training | 0–2 years depending on nationality and country of training (per PQR) |
Specialist (Tier 3) |
Specific national Master's degrees / clinical diplomas | 1–3 years depending on nationality and country of training (per PQR) |
Consultant |
Tier 1 or Tier 2 specialty qualification + documented post-specialty practice | 2 Years (Tier 1) to 5 Years (Tier 2/3) post-specialty practice |
Experience requirements under the PQR are two-dimensional — they depend on both the qualification tier and the country where clinical training was obtained. The figures above reflect the general framework. Confirm your specific category directly with the relevant UAE health authority.
You may not need to sit the licensing exam if you hold:
Exam delivery varies by authority. Confirm the correct provider for your target authority before booking.
| Parameter | DHA (Dubai) / MOHAP | DoH (Abu Dhabi) |
|---|---|---|
Delivery Partner |
Prometric CBT Centers (Global) | Pearson VUE |
Question Format |
100–150 Single Best Answer MCQs | 100–150 Single Best Answer MCQs |
Test Duration |
2.5 to 3 Hours (150–180 minutes) | 2.5 to 3 Hours (150–180 minutes) |
Passing Cut-Score |
60% Overall | 60% Overall |
Attempt Allowance |
3 Attempts per authority | 3 Attempts per authority |
Validity of Result |
Eligibility Letter valid for 1 Year | Eligibility Letter valid for 1 Year |
Core Exam Topics (GP Track):
Attempt Exhaustion Rule: If a candidate fails 3 consecutive attempts, they face a 12-month restriction period during which they must complete verified clinical practice or continuing education before requesting an exceptional retake approval.
What we offer
Our USMLE Step 2 CK and SMLE question banks cover the core clinical subjects tested on the UAE GP licensing exam. A dedicated UAE GP course with full Dermatology, ENT, and Ophthalmology coverage is in development.
DHA, DoH, and MOHAP are separate legal entities with independent licensing requirements. Official pathways exist for transferring a license between authorities without retaking the full exam. For example, MOHAP operates a Transfer License from DHA/DoH service for eligible applicants with an active license and clean professional record. Requirements vary by authority pair. Confirm the specific transfer rules with the target authority (DHA Sheryan, DoH TAMM, or MOHAP) before applying.
| Stage / Requirement | Authority / Provider | Estimated Fee (AED) | Estimated Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
Initial Credential Evaluation |
DHA / DoH / MOHAP | ~200–300 AED | ~$55–$80 |
DataFlow Verification (PSV) |
DataFlow Group | ~700–1,200 AED | ~$190–$325 |
Licensing Exam Fee (Prometric or Pearson VUE) |
Prometric / Pearson VUE | ~800–1,100 AED | ~$220–$300 |
Eligibility Letter Issuance |
Authority Portal | ~200–500 AED | ~$55–$135 |
Final License Activation |
Paid by Employer / Facility | ~1,000–3,000 AED | ~$270–$815 |
Note on Fees: All fees are set by the respective UAE health authorities, DataFlow, Prometric, and Pearson VUE and are subject to change. Figures shown are approximate and based on 2026 data. Always confirm exact fees on the official portals before payment.