HAAD stands for the Health Authority Abu Dhabi, the regulatory body responsible for licensing and overseeing healthcare professionals in the emirate. For expatriates planning to work in the medical field in Abu Dhabi, obtaining a HAAD license is a mandatory requirement to legally practice. The licensing system ensures that healthcare practitioners meet the emirate’s professional standards and helps maintain the quality and safety of medical services. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the HAAD license, including eligibility, application steps, exams, fees, required documents, verification, renewal, transfer, and cancellation processes.
- Who Needs a HAAD License in Abu Dhabi?
- What Are the Required Documents for Getting a HAAD License?
- How to Apply for a HAAD License in Abu Dhabi
- When Does HAAD License’s Exam Take Place?
- How Much Is HAAD License Fees?
- How Can You Verify Your License?
- How Can You Cancel Your License?
- What Are the Steps for HAAD License Renewal?
- How Long Does HAAD License Transfer Take?
- Key Takeaways
- FAQs
Who Needs a HAAD License in Abu Dhabi?
A HAAD license is issued by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) and is mandatory for anyone who wishes to work legally in the healthcare sector within the emirate. Without this license, medical professionals are not permitted to practice in Abu Dhabi, regardless of their qualifications or experience.
The purpose of the HAAD licensing system is to ensure that all healthcare practitioners meet strict professional, educational, and ethical standards. This helps maintain high-quality healthcare services and protects patient safety across Abu Dhabi.
Healthcare professionals who are required to obtain a HAAD license include, but are not limited to:
- Physicians and medical doctors
- Pharmacists
- Nurses
- Dentists
- Midwives
- Chiropractors
- Alternative medicine practitioners (such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Unani medicine)
- Osteopathic medicine practitioners
- Naturopathic medicine practitioners
- Homeopathy practitioners
To apply for a HAAD license, candidates must submit their application and complete credential verification through the DataFlow system, followed by meeting examination and eligibility requirements set by the Department of Health.
This licensing requirement applies to both UAE nationals and expatriates planning to work in Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector.
What is a DataFlow Website?
The DataFlow website is an official online platform used for Primary Source Verification (PSV) of a healthcare professional’s credentials as part of the HAAD licensing process in Abu Dhabi. It verifies the authenticity of an applicant’s educational qualifications, professional licenses, work experience, and personal documents directly with the issuing institutions.
During the DataFlow process, the submitted documents are reviewed and verified by contacting universities, licensing bodies, and previous employers. This ensures that all credentials are genuine, accurate, and meet the standards set by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. Completing DataFlow verification is a mandatory step for obtaining a HAAD license and helps maintain transparency, credibility, and high-quality healthcare services across the emirate.
What Are the Required Documents for Getting a HAAD License?
To apply for HAAD licensing, you should ensure that all the personal documents are written in English. You will find below the HAAD nurse license requirements which are similar to doctors, dentists and other healthcare professions:
- Copy of the applicant’s passport (must be valid)
- Experience certificate
- Staff data clearance form
- Medical malpractice insurance
- Recent and valid Health Professional license issued by the relevant regulatory authority
- Educational qualifications
- A recent photo with white background (must be recent)
- A completed declaration form signed by the applicant
If you are also wondering about how to check HAAD license status online, you can do that through the same HAAD website
How to Apply for a HAAD License in Abu Dhabi
If you want to get this license you need to register for the exam via the official website and follow these steps:
- Register to HAAD website
- Choose “e-Licensing” and click on “Examination.”
- Choose the date from “Exam Scheduling.”
- Enter the application number.
- Choose “Book” button.
- Pay the exam fees, then print the ticket.
- The exam score will be sent immediately after the exam.
When Does HAAD License’s Exam Take Place?
The final step to get the HAAD license is the exam, once the applicant passes all the HAAD license verification criteria.
Moreover, the exam takes place via an outsourced test provider called PearsonVue – you will log into it, book a suitable time and date for you, and print out the invoice because you will need it when going to the test center.
How Much Is HAAD License Fees in 2026?
The cost of obtaining a HAAD license in Abu Dhabi varies depending on the type of facility and the healthcare professional’s role. The fees are generally divided into application fees and license (issuance) fees.
Application Fees
Application fees apply only to professionals working in private and semi-government healthcare facilities.
- All medical professionals: AED 100
License Fees
License fees apply only to professionals working in private healthcare facilities and differ by profession:
- Doctors: AED 3,000
- Nurses and technicians: AED 1,000
How Can You Verify Your License?
HAAD license verification takes 10 working days. You should provide copies of the required documents mentioned below.
- Verification form
- Previous license
- Valid passport
- Copy of Degree/Qualification.
This is in addition to a copy of the cash deposit with amount of AED 500 to this account:
- Bank: Dubai Islamic Bank
- Beneficiary Name: Dubai Health Authority – Health Regulation Sector
- Account number: 001700005099742
- IBAN: AE960240001700005099742
All the processes including regarding HAAD can be done by Sheryan Verification especially if the HAAD license status canceled or you need to re-register.
How Can You Cancel Your License?
Regarding HAAD license cancellation and re-registration, it can be done through Sheryan website.
It should be applied by a delegated healthcare facility representative and by following prerequisites such as: making sure that a new medical director fulfills the rule and is assigned to complete the service.
Other HAAD license requirements depend on the cancellation reason until the status is canceled.
What Are the Steps for HAAD License Renewal?
You can apply for HAAD license renewal every 5 years and it’s done through the following steps:
- Visit HAAD website
- Choose the required documentation
- Pay the requested fees in the Health Professional Licensing section
- You will receive your renewal by courier Empost
Required Documents for HAAD License Renewal
Here is the list of the documents you need upon renewing your license:
- A copy of your Emirates ID, passport, and photo
- A copy of Dataflow report
- Form number 1 and 2
- Experience certificate
- Copy of family book
- A copy of good conduct certificate
- Copy of health license
- Appointment notice
- Your residency transcript
- A copy of residency visa
Renewal Fees
Similarly to the exam fees, renewal fees differ from one healthcare profession to another. The application fee is AED 100. Besides, the renewal fee for physicians is AED 850, and for nurses, pharmacists, and allied health is AED 200.
How Long Does HAAD License Transfer Take?
The average transfer process time is 15 days and the certificate’s validity are 6 months. You can do this by registering to Dataflow HAAD.
Key Takeaways
The HAAD license is mandatory for healthcare professionals in Abu Dhabi. It ensures medical staff meet strict standards before practicing. Professions like doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and alternative medicine practitioners must apply. Applications are processed through the DataFlow system. Candidates must register, schedule, and pass the exam to obtain the license.
Applicants must submit required documents, pay fees, and complete verification. Fees vary depending on the profession. The license is valid for five years and requires renewal with updated documents. Transfers take about 15 days. Cancellation and re-registration can be done via Sheryan online services.
That’s all about the HAAD license. You can now apply for it and start pursuing your medical career in the UAE capital.
If you’re planning to work in the UAE’s healthcare sector in Dubai, then have a look at the DHA guide on Property Finder.
FAQs
The overall HAAD licensing timeline depends on document verification, exam scheduling, and approval stages. On average, the process can take a few weeks, provided all documents are complete and DataFlow verification is cleared without delays.
Yes, candidates who do not pass the HAAD exam are allowed to retake it. However, retake attempts are subject to eligibility rules, waiting periods, and additional exam fees as defined by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
No, a HAAD license is specific to Abu Dhabi. Healthcare professionals wishing to work in other emirates, such as Dubai or the Northern Emirates, must apply for the relevant licenses (such as DHA or MOH) or request a license transfer if applicable.
