Department of Health Abu Dhabi HAAD License

Abu Dhabi provides high-quality healthcare to its residents. The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), formerly known as the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD), regulates and oversees the healthcare system. It ensures that hospitals, clinics and medical professionals follow strict safety and quality standards. The DoH also monitors public health, promotes healthy living, and encourages medical advancements. ...read more

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🔎 What You Will Learn in This Guide

In this guide, you will learn everything about the Department of Health (DoH) Abu Dhabi License and how to manage it. 

Here’s what we’ll cover —

What is the DoH (HAAD) License? – Understand its purpose and importance for healthcare professionals

📝 How to Apply for a DoH License? – Step-by-step process to obtain your license and start practicing in Abu Dhabi

💰 Fees & Required Documents – Know the costs and paperwork needed for a successful application

🔄 How to Renew Your DoH License? – Learn the process of keeping your license valid and up to date

How to Cancel Your DoH License? – Step-by-step guide to officially cancel your license if you no longer need it

Health Insurance UAE Plans

The above plans and premiums are for AED 1,000,000 Sum insured for 1 Adult of 30 Years for Dubai city.
The above plans and premiums are for AED 1,000,000 Sum insured for 1 Adult of 30 Years for Dubai city.

What is the Department of Health (HAAD)? 

The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) is the authoritative body overlooking the healthcare industry in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi. It sets strategies for the healthcare industry and analyses the overall health conditions of UAE nationals and the residents of the Emirate as well as the medical facilities. 

DoH also creates programs to raise awareness about adopting healthy living standards in Abu Dhabi. Besides designing a framework, it also inspects the hospitals in case of regulation violations and enforces standards. Through these efforts, DoH ensures a well-regulated and efficient healthcare system for the community.

Role of DoH (HAAD) in Abu Dhabi

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (HAAD) plays an important role in maintaining and improving the healthcare system across the emirate. 

☑️The DoH formulates comprehensive plans to improve the health system and monitors the population's health status. This involves analysing health data to identify trends and areas needing attention

☑️The DoH establishes and enforces regulations to ensure healthcare providers adhere to quality and safety standards. This includes setting guidelines for medical practices, conducting inspections and taking corrective actions when necessary to maintain high standards of care

☑️The department continuously assesses the performance of healthcare services so that they meet established benchmarks. This involves collecting and analysing data on various health indicators, facilitating improvements where needed and promoting accountability among healthcare providers

☑️By disseminating evidence-based guidelines and facilitating professional development, the department makes sure that the latest and most effective medical practices are implemented across the emirate

☑️The initiatives by DoH aim to educate the public on preventive healthcare measures, promote wellness and encourage lifestyle choices that lead to better health outcomes

☑️The DoH determines licensing criteria, issues licenses and maintains up-to-date records of licensed healthcare professionals

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What is a HAAD License?

To work in the healthcare industry in the UAE, all practitioners are required to have a professional license. The eligibility criteria, however, differ as per the profession. In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (previously called Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD)) issues the license. 

Following healthcare professionals require HAAD license — 

  1. Doctors
  2. Dentists
  3. Nurses
  4. Pharmacists
  5. Other Professions (like physiotherapists, homeopathy, alternative medical practitioners and more)

How to Get a Department of Health Abu Dhabi License?

To work as a healthcare professional in Abu Dhabi, you must obtain a DoH license. Here’s a step-by-step guide — 

  1. Create an Account on DataFlow – Register on the DataFlow platform to begin your application.
  2. Complete Primary Source Verification (PSV) – Submit your educational and professional documents for verification.
  3. Log into the TAMM Platform – Access the TAMM system using your Unique Identification Number (UIN).
  4. Submit Application & Documents – Upload all required documents, including certificates and proof of experience.
  5. Pay Application Fees – Complete the fee payment to proceed with the process.
  6. Book an Exam (If Required) – If your profession requires an exam, schedule your test.
  7. Take the Exam (If Applicable) – Appear for and pass the required licensing exam.
  8. Link to a Healthcare Facility – If not already linked, connect your application to a healthcare employer.
  9. Pay the License Issuance Fees – Once approved, complete the final payment for your license.
  10. Receive Your DoH License – After approval and payment, you will be issued your official DoH healthcare license.

📝 When Applying for a DoH License

No More Than 4 Attempts – You are allowed only 4 attempts to pass the assessment across UAE health authorities. If you exceed this limit, you will not be eligible to reapply

🏥 Healthcare Facility Requirement – Your workplace must have the right specialty for your profession. Make sure the facility is approved before applying

📚 When Preparing for Exams

📝 Some Professions Require Two Exams – Certain titles may need both a written and an oral exam. You’ll know this after your credentials are reviewed.

🔤 No Translators Allowed – All exams are in English, and no translators are permitted in the oral examination. Make sure you're well-prepared!

Documents Necessary to Obtain Department of Health Abu Dhabi License

The following are the documents required to obtain a DoH license or HAAD license  in Abu Dhabi –

Document Name

Explanation

Other Required Details

Academic Qualifications

Educational certificates issued by an accredited institution in the country of issuance. The program must be full-time

The certificate must be listed in the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements document

Family Book

Proof of UAE nationality or relation to an Emirati mother (for children of Emirati women)

Required for UAE Nationals and children of Emirati women

Good Standing Certificate

A certificate from a health regulatory body confirming the applicant’s professional conduct

Must be issued within six (6) months of the application submission

Health License/Registration

A valid healthcare license from the regulatory authority in the country where the applicant worked

The license must be valid during the required experience period

Official Nomination Letter (if applicable)

A letter from a healthcare facility in Abu Dhabi specifying the requested job title

Only required if the applicant is nominated by an employer

Logbook for Surgical Specialties

An official document listing operations performed, issued by the healthcare facility

Must be signed and stamped by the facility

Valid Resuscitation Course Cards

Certification required for certain healthcare professionals

Applicable to nurses, midwives, EMTs and TC&M professionals

Mother’s Family Book & Applicant’s Birth Certificate

Proof of relation for children of Emirati women

Required only for children of Emirati women

Passport

A valid passport copy

Must be valid at the time of application

Photograph

A recent passport-size photo

White background, taken within the last three months.

Most Recent Employment Certificate(s)

A letter issued by a healthcare facility confirming the applicant’s experience

Should list designation and duration (start and end dates)

Transcript or Residency Program Certificate

A document verifying the applicant’s study or training duration

Must follow the exact durations listed in the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements document

Fees Required for Department of Health Abu Dhabi License

To obtain a Department of Health (DoH) Abu Dhabi License, applicants must pay various fees, including application, examination and license issuance fees. 

The following table provides a breakdown of the required DoH license fees — 

Fee Type Amount (AED) Notes
Application Fees 100 Standard application processing fee
Request Submission Fee 100 Required for submitting the licensing request

Examination Fees

Varies

Depends on the examination type and category

Examination Company

450-470-490

Varies depending on the requested title

Written Exam (Physicians, Dentists & Pharmacists)

100

Required for these specific professions

Written Exam (Other Categories)

50

Applicable to all other healthcare professionals

Oral Exam & Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) (Physicians, Dentists & Pharmacists)

0

No fee required for these categories

Oral Exam & OSCE (Other Categories)

100

Applicable to non-physician, dentist and pharmacist categories

License Issuance Fees

Varies

Based on profession and license validity.

Physicians & Dentists (1-Year Validity)

2500

License fee for one year.

Physicians & Dentists (2-Year Validity)

3350

License fee for two years.

Pharmacists (1-Year Validity)

300

License fee for one year.

Pharmacists (2-Year Validity)

600

License fee for two years.

Pharmacy Technicians (1-Year Validity)

150

License fee for one year.

Pharmacy Technicians (2-Year Validity)

350

License fee for two years.

Other Categories (1-Year Validity)

200

License fee for one year.

Other Categories (2-Year Validity)

400

License fee for two years.

 

💰 When Paying Fees & Submitting Documents

💳Payment Validity: 30 Days – Once you reach the payment step, you must complete it within 30 days or your application may be canceled.

📄 Document Validity: 90 Days – Attach all requested documents within 90 days of starting your application or you may need to resubmit them.

How to Renew Your DoH or HAAD License?

A Department of Health (DoH) Abu Dhabi license is valid for one or two years, depending on the profession. Healthcare professionals must renew their licenses before expiration to continue practicing legally. The renewal process confirms that medical practitioners maintain updated qualifications and comply with healthcare standards in Abu Dhabi.

Follow the given steps to renew your DoH license in Abu Dhabi —

  1. Visit TAMM Abu Dhabi and log in using your ID number or UAE PASS.
  2. Choose Department of Health - Abu Dhabi services and apply for the renewal of your medical professional license.
  3. Submit all necessary documents for verification through the DataFlow system. This may include your Continuing Medical Education (CME) certificates and updated professional records.
  4. Once document verification is complete, the application is transferred to the Health Licensing Department for further review.
  5. If the applicant meets the DoH requirements, they will be approved for the next phase of the renewal process.
  6. Complete the license renewal payment as per the DoH fee structure.
  7. After approval, the renewed DoH license will be issued.

DoH license renewal fees are given in the table below —

License Type

Validity

Renewal Fee (AED)

Healthcare Professional License

1 Year

100

Physician License

1 Year

850

Physician License

2 Years

1,600

Nurse, Allied Health, and Pharmacist License

1 Year

200

Nurse, Allied Health, and Pharmacist License

2 Years

300

Pharmacy Technician License

1 Year

100

Pharmacy Technician License

2 Years

100

 

🔄 When Renewing or Linking Your License

🔗 Healthcare Facility Link Validity: 90 Days – Once you receive approval, you must link your license to a healthcare facility within 90 days.

🎟️ Exam Booking Validity: 6 Months – If your application requires an exam, you must book it within 6 months or your approval may expire.

Cancellation of Health Department Abu Dhabi License

If you're a healthcare professional in Abu Dhabi and wish to cancel your Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD) license, it's essential to follow the proper procedures for compliance with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) regulations.License cancellation is necessary if you plan to cease practicing in the emirate or are transitioning to a different role that doesn't require a HAAD license.​

  1. Draft an official letter stating your intention to cancel your HAAD license. Include your full name, license number, profession and the reason for cancellation.​
  2. Access the TAMM platform using your UAE PASS or registered credentials.​
  3. Go to the Department of Health services section.Locate and select the option for "Manage a Healthcare Professional License" or a similar service related to license management.​
  4. Upload your cancellation request letter and any other required documents.​
  5. After submission, the DoH will review your application. Make sure that you monitor your registered email and the TAMM platform for any correspondence or additional requirements.​
  6. If you possess a physical copy of your HAAD license, you may be required to return it to the DoH. Follow any instructions provided during the cancellation process.​
  7. Upon successful cancellation, discontinue all professional activities under the HAAD license. Practicing without a valid license is prohibited.​

Important - A fee of AED 100 is required to cancel your DoH license.

What is a HAAD license?

The HAAD license (now called the DoH license) is required for healthcare professionals who want to work in Abu Dhabi. It is issued by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH).

Who needs a HAAD (DoH) license?

Doctors, nurses, dentists, pharmacists, and allied health professionals must have a valid DoH license to work in Abu Dhabi.

Can I use my HAAD (DoH) license in Dubai?

No, a HAAD (DoH) license is only valid in Abu Dhabi. If you want to work in Dubai, you need a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license.

How long is a HAAD (DoH) license valid?

A DoH license is valid for 1 or 2 years, depending on your profession. You must renew it before it expires.

What happens if I fail the HAAD (DoH) exam?

You can retake the exam, but you cannot fail more than 4 times across UAE health authorities (DoH, DHA, MOH).

Can I apply for a HAAD (DoH) license if I don’t have a job?

Yes, but to activate your license, you must link it to a healthcare facility within 90 days after approval.

How can I check my HAAD (DoH) license status?

You can check your application status on the TAMM platform (www.tamm.abu dhabi).

Can I cancel my HAAD (DoH) license if I leave Abu Dhabi?

Yes, you can apply for license cancellation through the TAMM portal or your employer can do it for you.

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