DHA vs MOH vs DOH: Which UAE Licence Do You Need?

One of the most common questions overseas healthcare professionals ask is 'which UAE licence do I need — DHA, MOH or DOH?' The answer comes down to a single decision: which emirate do you want to work in. The UAE does not have one national health licence; each regulator governs specific emirates, and your licence is tied to that authority.

DHA — Dubai Health Authority

DHA licenses professionals working in Dubai (private and government). It is well known for a thorough process and clear digital systems (the Sheryan platform). If your target employer is a Dubai hospital or clinic, you need a DHA licence.

DOH — Department of Health, Abu Dhabi (formerly HAAD)

DOH regulates practice in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, including Al Ain and the Western Region. It runs its own examination and registration requirements through the TAMM platform. To work in Abu Dhabi, you need a DOH licence.

MOHAP — Ministry of Health & Prevention

MOHAP is the federal authority that licenses practice in the Northern Emirates — Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain. (Sharjah also operates its own emirate-level regulator, the SHA, for certain facilities.) MOHAP is generally the route if you plan to work outside Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

What they have in common

All three follow the same broad journey: DataFlow Primary Source Verification of your credentials, authority registration, a computer-based Prometric exam built to a profession-specific blueprint, and finally licence issuance. Eligibility, exam content and pass marks vary by profession and grade.

Key differences at a glance

• Scope: DHA (Dubai), DOH (Abu Dhabi), MOHAP (Northern Emirates).
• Platform: DHA uses Sheryan; DOH uses TAMM; MOHAP uses Sheryan/MOHAP e-services.
• Exam: All Prometric computer-based, but each has its own blueprint and passing standard.
• Fees: Government, DataFlow and exam-vendor fees are set by those bodies and differ by profession — always budget them separately from any consultancy fee.
• Transferability: A licence is emirate-specific. Moving from, say, Dubai to Abu Dhabi usually means a fresh application with the new authority, though your verified DataFlow report can often be reused.

How to choose without wasting an application

1. 1Decide the emirate first — ideally based on a confirmed or likely job offer.
2. 2Match it to the authority: DHA for Dubai, DOH for Abu Dhabi, MOHAP for the Northern Emirates.
3. 3Check your profession's specific eligibility (qualification level, minimum experience) with that authority before you pay any fees.
4. 4If you want maximum mobility across the UAE or GCC, consider a dual-licence plan so your verified documents work harder.

A note on 'MOH'

People often say 'MOH exam' out of habit; for the Northern Emirates the correct current authority is MOHAP. Always confirm requirements on the official regulator's website, as processes are updated periodically.

If you're unsure which route is fastest and most cost-effective for your profession, a free eligibility assessment from OnClick Healthcare will map the right authority and the exact steps for your case.