NB. Applicants should check current requirements with the licensing authority, as these vary according to specialty and are subject to change.

Sources: Unified Healthcare Professionals Qualification Requirements (The Ministry of Health – UAE, Department of Health -Abu Dhabi, Dubai Health Authority, Sharjah Health Authority) [15].

An examination is usually not required for consultant physicians who have completed their specialist training in Austria, Australia, Belguim, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, UK or USA [15].

For General Practitioners, those who have completed recognised training in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, UAE, UK or USA are exempted from the licensure examination [15].

Nurses and midwives who have completed recognised training in the following countries from taking an exam: Austria, Australia, Belguim, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, USA [15].

Additional equivalency criteria may be applied at the discretion of each individual authority. UAE nationals and children of Emirati women who meet the PQR requirements for the applied title are exempted from the authority examinations [15, 20].

For the DOH (Abu Dhabi), the DataFlow report must be completed before booking examinations (fig. 1). For the DHA and MOH, these exams may be booked while waiting for the DataFlow report. However, for the DHA, the DataFlow must be completed before any oral examination (figs. 2, 3). The time frame for assessments depends on the specialist panel or test centre availability.

Three attempts are allowed to pass either CBT or oral exams. Applicants may be granted one last attempt in a different authority after failing three attempts with another authority [15]. If still unsuccessful, the professional may only apply for a different speciality or a higher title with a new qualification providing they fulfill the relevant PQR criteria. [24].

1.Registration and licensing
The DHA and MOH issue a registration certificate, which can be shown to potential employers as proof of eligibility to practice in the UAE. Once the Dataflow and any examination are successfully completed, an application for registration can be submitted (figs. 2, 3). The DHA or MOH usually responds within 1-2 weeks, and may ask for additional information if required. The registration is activated into a license once the candidate successfully secures a job. Registration is valid for one year for the DHA or 5

years for the MOH and can be easily renewed, provided there is no discontinuity in practice.

For the DOH (Abu Dhabi) there is no registration certificate issued. The applicant must have an employer sponsorship letter in order to complete the licensing process (fig. 1)

Once a professional obtains their license, they must comply with Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements for their specialty in order for this to be renewed on an annual basis [15]. Physicians and dentists in surgical specialties should provide logbook(s) as a prerequisite for renewing the license [15].

Professional licensing fees are payable at different stages of the process and are subject to change. See relevant websites for the current fees [16, 17, 18].