Convert HAAD License to DHA - Process and Requirements

Before diving into the conversion process, it helps to clarify the terminology. The Health Authority Abu Dhabi (HAAD) was the regulatory body for healthcare in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. In 2018, HAAD was restructured and became part of the Department of Health (DOH) Abu Dhabi. Many doctors and healthcare professionals still refer to it as HAAD, and the term remains widely used in everyday conversation and online discussions.

For the purposes of this guide, "HAAD license" and "DOH license" refer to the same thing: your professional healthcare license issued by the Abu Dhabi health authority. When we discuss converting to a DHA license, we are talking about obtaining the Dubai Health Authority license that permits you to practice in the emirate of Dubai.

The two authorities operate independently, each with its own licensing requirements, exam systems, and regulatory frameworks. However, because both are UAE-based authorities, there is a degree of mutual recognition that can simplify the conversion process compared to applying for a DHA license from scratch.

Eligibility for Conversion

To convert your DOH (HAAD) license to a DHA license, you must satisfy the following conditions:

• Valid and active DOH license: Your Abu Dhabi license must be current at the time of application. If it has expired, you may need to renew it first or provide additional documentation explaining the lapse.
• Good standing: You must have no disciplinary actions, complaints, or restrictions on your DOH license. A good standing certificate from the DOH will be required.
• Meet DHA experience requirements: Even with a valid DOH license, you must meet the DHA's minimum experience thresholds for your desired professional category.
• Employment in Dubai: A confirmed job offer or employment contract with a DHA-licensed facility in Dubai is required, as the employer initiates the licensing process.

Steps to Convert DOH (HAAD) License to DHA

The conversion process involves the following steps:

1. Accept a job offer in Dubai: Your Dubai-based employer will be your license sponsor and will manage the application through the Sheryan portal.
2. Obtain a good standing certificate from DOH: This confirms your license status in Abu Dhabi and that there are no issues on your record. You can request this through the DOH's online services.
3. Compile your documents: Gather all required documentation listed below. Since you have been through a UAE licensing process before, most of these documents should already be in your possession.
4. Your employer submits the application through Sheryan: The DHA's online portal is used for all licensing applications, including conversions from other UAE authorities.
5. Dataflow verification review: If you completed Dataflow verification for your DOH license and the report is still within its validity period (usually 2 years), the DHA will typically accept it. If it has expired, a new Dataflow case will be needed.
6. Exam assessment: The DHA will determine whether you need to sit the DHA Prometric exam or whether your DOH exam qualifies for an exemption (see below for details).
7. DHA evaluation and approval: The DHA reviews your complete file and, if all requirements are met, issues your DHA license.

Required Documents

You will need to provide the following documents for the conversion:

• Valid passport copy (minimum 6 months validity)
• Passport-sized photograph (white background, recent)
• Current DOH (HAAD) license copy
• Good standing certificate from DOH
• Medical degree certificate
• Specialty qualification or board certification (if applicable)
• Internship completion certificate
• Experience letters from all employers, including your Abu Dhabi employer (on official letterhead)
• Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
• Dataflow verification report (if available and still valid)
• DOH exam result or Prometric exam result
• New employment contract or offer letter from your Dubai employer
• Emirates ID copy (if you have one from your time in Abu Dhabi)

Exam Exemptions

One of the most significant advantages of converting a DOH license to a DHA license is the possibility of exam exemption. Here is what you need to know:

• Exemptions are more common for DOH-to-DHA conversions than for MOH-to-DHA conversions. This is partly because both the DOH and DHA use Prometric as their exam provider, and there is a degree of alignment in their assessment standards.
• The DHA evaluates each case individually. Factors that influence whether you receive an exemption include how recently you took the DOH exam, your professional category, your specialty, and the specific exam you sat.
• Specialists with recognized board certifications from countries on the DHA's preferred list (which includes many Western countries, as well as certain Arab Board and Asian specialties) are more likely to receive exemptions.
• GPs may have a higher chance of being required to sit the DHA exam, as the GP-level exams between authorities may have more variation in content and standards.
• If your DOH exam was taken more than 2 to 3 years ago, the DHA is more likely to require you to take their own exam to ensure your knowledge is current.

Even if you expect an exemption, it is wise to be prepared for the possibility of taking the exam. Having study materials ready allows you to respond quickly if the DHA determines that an exam is needed. See our Prometric exam preparation guide for resources.

Processing Time

The DOH-to-DHA conversion is typically one of the faster licensing pathways:

• Best case (Dataflow transferable, exam exemption granted): 1 to 2 weeks.
• Typical case: 2 to 4 weeks.
• If new Dataflow is required: Add 4 to 6 weeks for the Dataflow process.
• If the DHA exam is required: Add time for exam scheduling (usually 2 to 4 weeks to secure a date) and result processing.

The overall timeline also depends on how quickly your employer submits the application, how responsive you are in providing any additional documents the DHA requests, and the current processing volume at the DHA.

Comparison: DOH to DHA vs. Fresh DHA Application

To illustrate the advantage of the conversion pathway, here is a comparison of the two approaches:

• Dataflow: Often transferable with DOH conversion, versus completing from scratch with a fresh application.
• Prometric Exam: Exemption possible with DOH conversion, versus required in most cases for fresh applications.
• Processing Time: 2 to 4 weeks typical for conversion, versus 6 to 12 weeks typical for fresh applications.
• Documentation: Most documents already available from DOH process, versus full set required for fresh applications.

The conversion pathway is clearly more efficient, which is one reason why gaining experience in Abu Dhabi first and then moving to Dubai is a strategy some doctors employ.

Important Considerations

• Professional category reassessment: The DHA will make its own determination about your professional category. If you were classified as a consultant by the DOH, the DHA may or may not assign the same category. Differences in categorization criteria between the two authorities can occasionally result in a different classification.
• Timing your move: Coordinate the cancellation of your Abu Dhabi visa with the issuance of your Dubai visa to avoid gaps in your residency status. Some doctors arrange for their new Dubai employer to begin the visa process before they formally exit their Abu Dhabi position.
• Keep your DOH license active: Do not cancel or allow your DOH license to expire until your DHA license has been confirmed. Having an active UAE health authority license strengthens your conversion application.
• Housing and logistics: Moving from Abu Dhabi to Dubai involves practical considerations beyond licensing. Factor in housing, commute, and cost-of-living differences between the two emirates. See our Living in Dubai section for practical guidance.
• Dual licensing: In some cases, doctors who wish to practice in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai may maintain licenses with both authorities. This requires meeting the requirements of each authority independently and is typically only practical for doctors working with organizations that have facilities in both emirates.