Explained: How to Check a Healthcare Practitioner Is Licensed in the UAE

Whether you are booking a physiotherapist, a dentist, a nutritionist or an aesthetic treatment, the person treating you should hold a licence from the UAE health regulator for that emirate, and so should the clinic. Checking takes a few minutes, and it is free.

Who licenses whom

• Dubai: Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
• Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra: Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH).
• Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah: Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).
• Sharjah: private facilities have been registered with MOHAP, and in July 2025 the Sharjah Executive Council issued a decision regulating health activities and professions in the emirate through the Sharjah Health Authority. Until that transition is complete, check with both.

Before you check: ask two questions

1. What is your licence title? It should match the service you are booking. A licence in one discipline does not cover another.
2. What is your licence number, and which authority issued it? A licensed professional can tell you straight away.

Then check that number yourself on the regulator's own website. A screenshot, a business card or a certificate on the wall is not a check.

Dubai: two DHA tools

• Dubai Medical Registry (services.dha.gov.ae › medical-directory): search a professional by name and filter by licence type, speciality, area or facility. Facilities can be searched too.
• Verify Professional License/Registration Status (DHA Sheryan): enter a licence number or DHA Unique ID to see active and cancelled licences.

Licensed facilities in Dubai also display their DHA licence, typically at reception.

Abu Dhabi: DoH tools

The Department of Health lists its public tools on its Lists and Tools page, including Find a Medical Professional, Find a Healthcare Facility and Search with Facility Licence Number, which shows a facility's licence details.

Northern Emirates: ask, then confirm with MOHAP

We could not find a public name search for MOHAP licences. Ask to see the practitioner's licence card, note the name, licence number and facility, and confirm it with MOHAP through its website, smart app or call centre.

If something does not add up

Each regulator accepts complaints free of charge: DHA through its medical complaints service, DoH through TAMM, and MOHAP through its website or app (for private facilities in the Northern Emirates).

This explainer is for general information and is not medical or legal advice. Regulator tools and procedures change; always rely on the regulator's own website.