Convert MOH License to DHA - Process and Requirements

The UAE healthcare system is regulated by multiple authorities. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP, commonly referred to as MOH) oversees healthcare in the northern emirates, including Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is the regulator for the emirate of Dubai. An MOH license does not permit you to practice in Dubai, and a DHA license does not cover the northern emirates.

If you currently hold an MOH license and have secured a position in Dubai, or wish to relocate your practice to Dubai, you will need to convert your MOH license to a DHA license. The conversion process recognizes that you have already been through a licensing evaluation by a UAE health authority, which can simplify certain steps.

Eligibility for Conversion

To be eligible to convert your MOH license to a DHA license, you must meet the following criteria:

• Valid MOH license: Your MOHAP license must be current and in good standing at the time of application. An expired license may require additional steps or may not be eligible for direct conversion.
• No disciplinary actions: There should be no pending complaints, disciplinary proceedings, or restrictions on your MOH license.
• Minimum experience: You must meet the DHA's minimum experience requirements for your professional category. Having an MOH license does not waive the DHA's own experience thresholds.
• Confirmed employment in Dubai: You will need a job offer or employment contract with a DHA-licensed healthcare facility in Dubai, as the application is typically initiated by the employer.

Steps to Convert MOH License to DHA

The conversion process follows these general steps:

1. Secure a job offer in Dubai: Your new employer in Dubai will sponsor your DHA license application. Without a confirmed employer, you cannot initiate the conversion.
2. Gather your documents: Compile all required documents listed below. Many of these will be the same documents you submitted for your MOH license.
3. Your employer submits the application through Sheryan: The Sheryan portal is the DHA's online licensing system. Your employer will create or update your profile and submit the conversion request.
4. Dataflow verification: If you completed Dataflow verification for your MOH license, the DHA may accept the existing report, provided it is still within its validity period (typically 2 years). If not, you will need to initiate a new Dataflow case. Check with the DHA or your employer to confirm whether your existing report is transferable.
5. DHA Prometric exam: The DHA may require you to sit its own Prometric exam even if you passed the MOH exam. The DHA and MOH exams are separate assessments with different question banks. However, in some cases, particularly for certain specialties or professional categories, the DHA may grant an exemption.
6. DHA evaluation: The DHA reviews your complete application, including your MOH license history, Dataflow report, exam results if applicable, and supporting documents.
7. License issuance: If everything is approved, your DHA license is issued electronically through Sheryan.

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 MOH license copy
• Good standing certificate from MOHAP
• Medical degree certificate
• Specialty qualification or board certification (if applicable)
• Internship completion certificate
• Experience letters from all employers (on hospital or clinic letterhead)
• Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
• Dataflow verification report (if available and still valid)
• MOH Prometric exam result (for reference, though the DHA may require its own exam)
• New employment contract or offer letter from your Dubai employer

Exam Requirements

Whether you need to sit the DHA Prometric exam as part of the conversion is one of the most frequently asked questions. The answer depends on several factors:

• Exam exemption may be granted if you passed the MOH Prometric exam recently and the DHA determines that the exam sufficiently covers the competencies they require. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• You may need to sit the DHA exam if your MOH exam was taken a long time ago, if the DHA considers the MOH exam insufficient for your category, or if there have been significant changes to the DHA's assessment requirements since you last tested.
• Certain categories are more likely to receive exemptions than others. Specialists with recognized board certifications from countries on the DHA's preferred list may have an easier path.

The safest approach is to prepare for the possibility of taking the DHA Prometric exam. If you receive an exemption, that is a welcome bonus. If not, you will be ready. See our Prometric exam preparation guide for study tips.

Processing Time

The conversion timeline depends on several variables:

• If Dataflow is transferable and no exam is required: 2 to 3 weeks.
• If a new Dataflow case is needed: Add 4 to 6 weeks for Dataflow processing.
• If the DHA Prometric exam is required: Add time for exam scheduling, preparation, and result processing.
• Total estimated timeline: 2 to 8 weeks in most cases, depending on the factors above.

To expedite the process, ensure all your documents are prepared before your employer submits the application. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the DHA. Coordinate with your employer's licensing team, as they often have experience navigating the conversion process and can anticipate potential delays.

Important Considerations

• Professional category may differ: The DHA makes its own determination about your professional category (GP, specialist, or consultant). Even if you held a certain title under your MOH license, the DHA may classify you differently based on its own criteria.
• Keep your MOH license active: Your MOH license should remain active until your DHA license is issued, unless you have already left your position in the northern emirates. Letting your MOH license lapse before securing the DHA license could create complications.
• Visa transfer: Changing from an employer in the northern emirates to one in Dubai also involves a visa transfer. Your old visa must be cancelled and a new one issued by your Dubai employer. Coordinate these processes to avoid gaps in your legal residency status.
• Cost considerations: Budget for potential Dataflow fees, exam fees, and license application fees. In many cases, the new employer covers some or all of these costs, but this varies and should be clarified during contract negotiations.