Guides
DHA, DOH, MOHAP or SHA: which authority licenses you
The four health authorities share one set of qualification requirements. Where you will work decides which one you apply to.
One set of requirements
The Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements, the PQR, cover all four authorities: DOH, MOHAP, DHA and SHA.
The qualification requirements for your title are the same across all four authorities.
Each authority keeps its own internal processes.
Where you will work decides the authority
DHA licenses professionals in Dubai, DOH in Abu Dhabi, SHA in Sharjah and MOHAP in the other emirates.
Titles with their own rules
A few titles are licensed differently. A Massage Therapist is licensed by DHA only.
In Dubai, most psychology titles and social workers are licensed by the Community Development Authority.
In Dubai, emergency medical services staff are licensed by Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services.
Moving from one authority to another
If you move your licence from one UAE authority to another and it has expired, it must not be more than 6 months past its expiry date.
Sources
- PQR April 2025, section cover page, page 1
- PQR April 2025, section 3.7, page 14
- PQR April 2025, section 3.6, page 14
- PQR April 2025, section 18, Emergency Medical Services, page 89
- PQR April 2025, section 18, Massage Therapist, page 109
- PQR April 2025, section 18.32, page 112
- PQR April 2025, section 18.37, page 118
- SHERYAN, Healthcare Professional Licensing page, Questions, "Which authority should I apply to?"
PQR is the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements, April 2025, of DOH, MOHAP, DHA and SHA.