Becoming a Licensed Physiotherapist in the UAE
To practice physiotherapy in the UAE, you must secure a professional license issued by the relevant health authority of the emirate where you intend to work. The licensing process varies slightly depending on the governing body, but all follow a structured pathway involving credential verification, assessment, and formal approval. The primary licensing authorities in the UAE are:
MOHAP (Ministry of Health and Prevention): Federal license valid across the emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. Apply via MOHAP Portal
DHA (Dubai Health Authority): License required for practicing in Dubai. Apply via DHA Sheryan Portal
DOH (Department of Health, formerly HAAD): Required for practicing in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, including Al Ain and Al Dhafra regions. Visit DOH PQR | Apply via TAMM
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Hold a recognized Bachelor’s or higher degree in Physiotherapy.
Have a minimum of 2 years of relevant clinical experience.
Obtain a Good Standing Certificate from their home country’s licensing authority.
Demonstrate English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/OET) if the degree was not taught in English.
Steps to Obtain a License
1. Credentials Verification
Complete Primary Source Verification (PSV) through DataFlow to authenticate your academic and professional documents.
2. Application Submission
Submit your application through the appropriate platform:
MOHAP: Via the MOHAP website using UAE PASS.
DHA: Through the DHA Sheryan portal.
DOH: Via Abu Dhabi’s TAMM portal.
3. Examination
MOHAP Exam: 150 multiple-choice questions, 3½-hour CBT exam.
DHA Exam: CBT exam followed by an oral assessment.
DOH Exam: 100-question CBT exam, approximately 2½ hours.
Exams are scheduled through Prometric (MOHAP), Sheryan (DHA), and Pearson VUE (DOH).
Licensing
After passing the examination, your license will be issued upon payment of applicable fees:
MOHAP: Federal license for multiple emirates.
DHA: Professional license specific to Dubai.
DOH: Professional license specific to Abu Dhabi.
Licensing
Licenses require annual renewal, including:
Payment of renewal fees.
Submission of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits.
Quick Reference Table
| Licensing Authority | Emirate(s) | Exam Type | Clinical Experience | Approx. Fees (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOHAP | Federal | CBT (150 questions) | 2–3 years | 880–910 |
| DHA | Dubai | CBT assessment | 1–2 years | Varies per stage |
| DOH | Abu Dhabi | CBT (100 questions) | 1–2 years | ~250 + Pearson VUE |