What Is the Process to Apply for a HAAD License in the UAE?

If you’re a healthcare professional aiming to work in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain, obtaining a HAAD license—now officially referred to as the Department of Health (DoH) license—is essential. The Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD) was the former regulatory body, but the licensing process is still commonly referred to as “applying for a HAAD license.”

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process to apply for HAAD license, eligibility criteria, documents required, and tips for successfully securing your professional license to work in the UAE’s capital region.

What Is a HAAD License?

The HAAD license allows qualified healthcare professionals to legally practice in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, under the regulation of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH). The license ensures that practitioners meet the UAE’s medical, ethical, and professional standards.

Who Needs to Apply for HAAD License?

Healthcare professionals who wish to work in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain must apply for HAAD license. This includes:

• General practitioners

• Specialist doctors

• Dentists

• Nurses and midwives

• Pharmacists

• Physiotherapists

• Laboratory technicians

• Radiographers and other allied health professionals

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for HAAD License

Before starting the process, make sure you meet the basic eligibility requirements:

• Recognized Degree: Must possess a degree/diploma from an accredited institution.

• Clinical Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience post-internship (varies by profession).

• Professional License: Valid registration or license in your home country.

• Good Standing: A Good Standing Certificate from previous licensing authority (usually valid for 6 months).

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for HAAD License

1. Create a DOH Account

Start by registering on the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH) portal. Create a personal login and begin the application process.

👉 Visit the DOH website

2. Document Verification via DataFlow

The next major step is to undergo Primary Source Verification (PSV) through DataFlow. This step confirms the authenticity of your academic degrees, professional licenses, work experience, and good standing certificate.

Documents needed:

• Passport copy

• Passport-size photo

• Degree and mark sheets

• Experience certificates

• Home country license

• Good Standing Certificate

💡 Tip: Ensure all documents are translated into English and are clear and attested.

3. Schedule the HAAD Exam (Pearson VUE)

Once your documents are verified, you’ll receive a DataFlow report and eligibility ID. You can then schedule your HAAD exam, conducted via Pearson VUE in various test centers worldwide, including India, the Philippines, and the UAE.

Exam Details:

• Computer-based test

• Varies by profession (MCQs for most)

• Time: 2 to 3 hours

• Passing score: Usually 60–70%, depending on category

🧠 Prepare well using mock tests, course materials, and online study platforms.

4. Apply for Professional Classification

Submit your classification application after clearing the exam. This helps DOH determine your professional level (e.g., General Practitioner, Specialist, Consultant).

5. Job Offer and License Activation

You cannot practice until your license is fully activated. This occurs after:

• You receive a job offer from a DOH-approved healthcare facility.

• The employer applies for license activation on your behalf.

• Medical fitness tests and security clearance are completed.

🎉 Once approved, you can begin legally practicing in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain.

How Long Does It Take to Get a HAAD License?

The process from start to finish can take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on how quickly you submit documents, how soon your DataFlow is verified, and your exam schedule.

Benefits of a HAAD License

• Eligibility to work in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

• Competitive salary packages and benefits.

• Recognition across the UAE health sector.

• Potential for license conversion to DHA or MOH if you move cities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Uploading blurred or incorrect documents to DataFlow.

• Skipping the Good Standing Certificate.

• Applying with expired experience letters or licenses.

• Not preparing adequately for the HAAD exam.

Final Thoughts

To apply for HAAD license, you need to be diligent, detail-oriented, and well-prepared. It’s not just about passing an exam— it’s about proving your qualifications, ethics, and readiness to deliver healthcare in a highly regulated environment.

Whether you’re a fresh nursing graduate from India, an experienced physician from Egypt, or a lab technician from the Philippines, applying for a HAAD license is a major milestone in your UAE healthcare career.

Need Help with the Licensing Process?
Let Montgo Health guide you through the entire journey—from document preparation to DataFlow and exam coaching. Our experts specialize in helping professionals like you start a new chapter in the UAE healthcare system.

Frequently Ask Questions

Q. What is the cost of the HAAD exam in India?

A. The HAAD (now DOH) exam fee is approximately $258 USD (around ₹21,000 INR), excluding DataFlow and document verification charges.

Q. How to get a HAAD license in the UAE?

A. To get a HAAD license, complete DataFlow verification, pass the HAAD exam via Pearson VUE, get classified by DOH, and activate your license through an employer.

Q. How to write a HAAD exam in India?

A. You can schedule and write the HAAD exam in India at authorized Pearson VUE test centers after receiving your eligibility ID from DOH.

Q. Are HAAD and DHA the same?

A. No, HAAD (now DOH) is for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, while DHA governs healthcare licensing in Dubai. Each has a separate exam and process.

Q. What is the passing score for HAAD exam for doctors in Abu Dhabi?

A. The general passing score for the HAAD exam is around 60–70%, depending on the medical specialty and exam format.

Q. Can I give the DHA exam from India?

Yes, the DHA exam can be taken from India through Pearson VUE test centers after completing eligibility and DataFlow verification.