If you are an Indian doctor planning to work in the UAE, you need to understand the difference between DHA and HAAD (now DOH) licensing — because choosing the wrong one means you cannot practise in your intended emirate. This guide compares both exams specifically for doctors, covering jurisdiction, format, requirements, and which license offers the better career opportunity.
Jurisdiction: Where Each License Applies
- DHA (Dubai Health Authority): Valid only in Dubai.
- DOH (Department of Health Abu Dhabi, formerly HAAD): Valid only in Abu Dhabi.
- MOHAP: Valid in the remaining five emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah).
Your license must match the emirate where you will work. A DHA license does not authorise you to practise in Abu Dhabi, and vice versa.
Exam Format Comparison
Both use Prometric computer-based exams with similar structures:
The exam content is nearly identical — both test clinical knowledge across internal medicine, surgery, O&G, paediatrics, psychiatry, emergency medicine, and pharmacology. Preparation resources are interchangeable.
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Eligibility Requirements
Both authorities require:
- A recognised MBBS degree
- Active medical registration in your home country
- Minimum 2 years of post-qualification clinical experience (general practice) or more for specialist positions
- DataFlow credential verification
- Current BLS certification
The main difference emerges at the specialist level. DHA and DOH have slightly different criteria for specialist classifications, fellowship requirements, and years of experience. If you are applying as a specialist rather than a general practitioner, check the specific criteria for your specialty with each authority.
Salary and Career Comparison
Dubai (DHA)
- General practitioner: AED 25,000–40,000/month
- Specialist: AED 40,000–70,000+/month
- Higher base salaries, larger private sector, more job vacancies
- Higher cost of living, particularly housing
Abu Dhabi (DOH)
- General practitioner: AED 22,000–35,000/month
- Specialist: AED 35,000–60,000+/month
- Strong government hospital system (SEHA) with excellent benefits
- Better housing allowances and benefits packages in government roles
- Lower cost of living than Dubai
In net terms (salary minus living costs), Abu Dhabi government positions often match or exceed Dubai private sector positions, thanks to generous housing and education allowances.
License Transferability
You can transfer between DHA and DOH licenses, provided your license is active and you meet the other authority's eligibility criteria. The transfer process takes 2 to 4 weeks and may involve additional administrative fees. However, you cannot practise in one emirate on the other's license while the transfer is processing.
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Which Should You Choose?
Choose DHA if: you have a job offer in Dubai, you prefer the private sector, or you want the largest market with the most vacancies. Dubai's medical tourism sector also offers unique opportunities for specialists.
Choose DOH if: you have a job offer in Abu Dhabi, you prefer government hospital employment with structured benefits, or you value a lower cost of living. Abu Dhabi's SEHA hospital system is well-regarded and offers strong career development.
If you do not have a job offer yet: Start with DHA. Dubai has more active recruitment, particularly for general practitioners and mid-level specialists. You can always transfer to DOH later if an Abu Dhabi opportunity arises.