The HAAD (Health Authority Abu Dhabi) license, DHA license, and MOH license are among the most commonly recognised medical licenses for healthcare professionals in the UAE. While it’s well-known that a medical license is essential for working in the healthcare sector, many professionals still feel confused about the specific requirements for each license and its necessity.
Don’t worry – we are here to clear up any confusion you may have regarding these licenses. In this blog, we’ll focus on providing a clear understanding of the HAAD license and its importance and how to get it without any hassle.
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HAAD licensing is a mandatory certification required for healthcare professionals and facilities to practice within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates. This license is issued by the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi, which is the regulatory body overseeing the healthcare sector in the region.
The HAAD license ensures that medical practitioners, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals, meet the necessary qualifications and standards to provide safe and effective healthcare services. The process to obtain this license involves passing exams, verifying educational credentials, and meeting experience requirements.
It plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality of healthcare delivery in Abu Dhabi, aligning with the UAE’s broader goals of improving public health and healthcare infrastructure. Lets delve into more details on HAAD licensing.
Is Doh and HAAD the same?
No, DOH and HAAD are not the same but they are closely related. HAAD, or the Health Authority Abu Dhabi, was the regulatory body responsible for overseeing healthcare services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. In 2019, HAAD was restructured and renamed the Department of Health (DOH).
While DOH now carries out the same functions that HAAD once did, such as licensing healthcare professionals, regulating healthcare facilities, and setting policies, the change reflects an organizational shift. Therefore, while the roles and responsibilities remain the same, the name change from HAAD to DOH marks a new phase in the governance of healthcare in Abu Dhabi.
How to get HAAD license: A Comprehensive Guide
The HAAD exam is a mandatory eligibility test conducted by the Health Authority Abu Dhabi for healthcare professionals who wish to practice medicine in Abu Dhabi. Passing this exam is a crucial step in obtaining a professional license for medical practice in the emirate.
As a leading HAAD medical licensing agency in UAE, we provide a comprehensive guide to help you understand everything you need to know before applying for the HAAD exam, along with the necessary documents for the application process.
This blog covers:
- Qualifications and eligibility criteria
- Registration process
- Required documents for submission
- How to apply for the HAAD exam
Qualifications and eligibility criteria
The qualification and eligibility criteria for the HAAD exam vary depending on the healthcare profession.
Eligibility Requirements for Doctors
If you are a doctor and looking to attend the HAAD exam, then here is the eligibility:
You must have an MD or an equivalent medical degree from a recognised university. You must have a supervised practice as experience, If you have not practiced in the last two years, a fellowship or clinical training in related field from a recognized professional body is mandatory. Depending on the position you are applying for, you will need to provide relevant proof of your experience. Healthcare professionals who have an interruption of clinical practice exceeding two (2) years and opting to be licensed in the UAE must follow the CME/CPD requirements. All CME/CPD credits must be related to the practice specialty of the healthcare professional and according to the CME/CPD specific requirements of the Authorities
Eligibility Requirements for Nurses
For nurses, a Bachelor’s degree or diploma in nursing is essential, unless stated otherwise. For those applying for Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) positions, a Master’s degree is required. A minimum of one year’s experience in a hospital setting is needed, with proof of experience to match the level of the position being applied for. All nursing roles require a fellowship in a professional body and a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Required bachelor’s degree must be a minimum of three (3) years full-time course duration.
Eligibility Requirements for Pharmacists
Pharmacists must have an undergraduate degree in Pharmacy. You must also hold a current national license and provide proof of experience, depending on the level or position you are applying for.
It is important to ensure that your educational documents and certificates are genuine and properly attested by the relevant authorities. These documents will be verified as part of the application process. Once you are eligible, then the next phase is the data flow
Primary Source Verification (PSV) at Data Flow Website
As the name suggests, the Primary Source Verification (PSV) process involves reviewing your professional and educational certificates to verify their authenticity. The DataFlow website, provided by the Department of Health (DOH), outlines the necessary steps you need to follow during the process to obtain your HAAD certificate. Let’s take a look at the steps involved in the DataFlow process:
- Document Verification: The first step is to submit all your educational, professional, and experience certificates for primary verification. The DataFlow team will contact your institutions directly to confirm the authenticity of these documents.
- Payment Submission: The certificate verification process comes with a payment fee. This step is mandatory, and your application will only proceed after the successful verification of your credentials.
- Track Your Application Status: You can monitor the progress of your application through the DataFlow website. Once your documents are successfully verified, you will receive a confirmation message.
If any discrepancies are found in your certificates, your application will be rejected.
Steps to Obtain HAAD License in UAE
Once the verification process is complete, follow these steps to register for the HAAD exam and obtain your license:
- Visit the official HAAD website.
- Select “e-Licensing” upload all necessary documents and then click on “Examination.”
- Choose your preferred exam date from the “Exam Scheduling” section.
- Enter your application number.
- Press the “Book” button to confirm your appointment.
- Make the payment for your exam fees, and then click on “Print” to obtain a physical copy of your exam ticket.
- After taking the exam, you will receive your score in a few days.
When is the HAAD License Exam?
The HAAD exam is managed by an outsourced provider, PearsonVue. Once your HAAD license verification is completed, you can schedule your exam. Select your desired date and time, print your ticket, and prepare for the offline exam at the test center.
By following the above steps, you can get a HAAD license. But we know that still you want to know more about HAAD licensing, renewal, document types etc. No worries! We will help you. Let’s go through some queries and answers for more clarification.
Documents Needed for Getting HAAD License
Prior to the application for HAAD licensing, you have to ensure that all certificates are in English. Here we list out the HAAD nurse license requirements, which are almost similar to those of other healthcare professions:
- Passport copy of applicant
- Experience certificates
- Good standing certificate
- Residency certificate
- Recent and valid Health Professional license recognised by the authority
- Educational certificates
- A recent photo with white background
- A completed declaration form signed by the applicant
Additionally, if you want to check the status of your HAAD license, you can do so through the HAAD official website.
How Could You Cancel Your License?
HAAD licenses are managed through the TAMM platform, which is used for healthcare licensing and other services in Abu Dhabi.
If you’re looking to apply for or manage a HAAD license, you will need to use the TAMM portal or the DoH (Department of Health – Abu Dhabi) website.
The application should be submitted by an authorized representative from the healthcare facility, ensuring that the new medical director meets all necessary regulations and is designated to oversee the service.
Additional HAAD licensing requirements may vary depending on the reason for cancellation, and the status remains canceled until further action is taken.
Cancellation is required if you no longer intend to practice in Abu Dhabi or are transferring to another emirate or country.
If you are employed, your employer or facility sponsor must usually initiate the cancellation request on your behalf.
Make sure all outstanding liabilities or dues with your employer (e.g., end-of-service benefits) are settled before initiating the cancellation.
Once canceled, you cannot practice medicine in Abu Dhabi unless you reapply for a new license.
What Are the Steps for HAAD License Renewal?
Renewal of HAAD license should be done after 5 years and it can done through the following steps:
- Visit official HAAD website
- Choose the necessary documentation
- Pay the renewal fees in the Health Professional Licensing section
- The renewed HAAD license will reach your address by courier
Documents Needed for HAAD License Renewal
Go through the list out below to know about the documents needed for renewing your license:
- The copies of your recent photo, Emirates ID and passport
- Dataflow report copy
- Form No. 1 and 2
- Experience certificates and conduct certificates
- Copy of family book and health insurance
- Appointment letter
- Your residency transcript and residency visa
These are general queries and information regarding the HAAD license. If you want to know more about medical licensing, then don’t hesitate to seek expert advice.
CareerLink HR: Expert Guidance for Medical Licensing Needs
Medical licensing is a critical process designed to ensure that healthcare professionals meet the necessary qualifications and standards to provide safe, effective care to patients. The licensing process helps protect public health by ensuring that only qualified professionals are authorised to practice medicine, thereby reducing the risk of malpractice and ensuring quality care for patients.
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