The healthcare landscape in the UAE is dynamic, with professionals often moving between Emirates for better opportunities, lifestyle, or employer requirements. If you’re currently licensed under the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and are considering moving to Abu Dhabi or Al Ain, you’ll need to transfer your DHA license to HAAD (now DOH – Department of Health Abu Dhabi).

This blog explains everything you need to know about the DHA to HAAD conversion, including eligibility, required documents, timelines, and vice versa.

Can I Transfer My DHA License to HAAD?

Yes, you can transfer your DHA license to HAAD if you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. This process is commonly referred to as the license conversion or license transfer.

The transfer is not automatic. You must apply for a new license with DOH Abu Dhabi using your existing DHA license credentials, along with other supporting documents. You will also need an offer letter from an Abu Dhabi-based healthcare facility.

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DHA to HAAD Conversion Requirements

To initiate the transfer, you’ll need to meet the following criteria and submit supporting documentation:

✅ Eligibility Criteria:

  • Active DHA License: Must not be expired, suspended, or revoked.

  • Job Offer in Abu Dhabi: An official offer letter from a DOH-licensed employer in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain.

  • Good Standing Certificate (GSC): Issued by DHA, dated within the last 6 months.

  • Updated CV: Detailing your clinical experience.

  • Passport & Emirates ID

  • Experience Letters: If requested by the DOH

  • DataFlow Report: Your original DHA DataFlow report may be reused or partially reverified.

Note: Some professionals may be asked to reappear for the DOH exam, particularly if there’s a gap in practice or changes in regulation.

Transferring DHA to HAAD: Step-by-Step Process

The transfer process involves creating a new licensing file with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and uploading all relevant documents.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Secure a Job Offer

    • You must have an employment contract or offer letter from a DOH-approved healthcare facility.

  2. Gather Required Documents

    • DHA license copy, GSC, Emirates ID, passport, educational certificates, and experience letters.

  3. Submit Existing DataFlow Report

    • If you’ve already completed DataFlow for DHA, you may not need to repeat the full verification. You can request a report transfer or verification reuse.

  4. Assessment or Credential Review

    • DOH may evaluate your credentials or request an oral/written assessment. In many cases, the DHA exam is accepted by HAAD (subject to validation).

  5. Pay Licensing Fees

    • Charges vary by profession but usually range between AED 1,000–2,500.

  6. Receive Eligibility Letter

    • Once approved, you’ll receive a DOH eligibility letter and your license will be issued after credentialing and facility sponsorship.

DHA to HAAD Conversion Time

The typical timeline for transferring your DHA license to HAAD is:

  • Document Verification: 2–4 weeks (faster if using existing DataFlow)

  • Application Review: 5–10 working days

  • Total Duration: 3 to 6 weeks, depending on document accuracy and employer support

Delays can occur if:

  • The job offer is not from a DOH-licensed facility

  • Documents need re-verification

  • There are discrepancies in your work history or gaps in employment

Transfer License from DHA to HAAD: Key Tips

  • Keep your DHA license active during the transfer process.

  • ✅ Always get a Good Standing Certificate directly from DHA’s Sheryan portal.

  • ✅ Work with a licensed healthcare facility or consultancy that understands the process.

  • Don’t resign from your Dubai job until you’ve received DOH approval.

  • ✅ If your DHA license is expired, renew it first before applying for transfer.

Ready to Start Your Medical Career in UAE?

Have questions about your medical license or facility setup? Contact us today and let’s make your journey seamless!

How to Transfer HAAD License to DHA

The process to transfer a HAAD (DOH) license to DHA is quite similar, with slight variations in the application portal and criteria.

Requirements:

  • Active HAAD/DOH license

  • Offer letter from a DHA-approved healthcare employer

  • Good Standing Certificate from DOH

  • DataFlow report (original or transfer request)

  • Emirates ID, Passport, academic and experience credentials

Steps:

  1. Get a job offer from a DHA-licensed facility in Dubai

  2. Create an account on the DHA Sheryan portal

  3. Submit all documentation and initiate licensing

  4. If eligible, DHA will approve your transfer and issue a license under your new employer

Note: Similar to DHA-to-HAAD, a new exam is usually not required if the existing license and practice history are current and verifiable.

Transferring your DHA license to HAAD (or HAAD to DHA) is a structured and achievable process, especially for professionals already working in the UAE. The key is having an active license, a valid job offer, and accurate documentation. While the process takes time, with the right preparation and guidance, you can smoothly transition your career across Emirates.

If you need expert help to handle the entire transfer process — from gathering documents to dealing with the DOH or DHA portals — Montgo Health offers full licensing assistance for doctors, nurses, lab techs, and pharmacists in the UAE.


Frequently Ask Questions

Q. Can DHA convert to HAAD?

A. Yes, a DHA license can be converted to HAAD (now DOH – Department of Health Abu Dhabi), provided you meet the eligibility criteria, have a job offer from a DOH-licensed facility, and submit the necessary documents, including a Good Standing Certificate. The process is known as license transfer or conversion.

Q. Can I use a DHA license in Abu Dhabi?

A. No, you cannot directly use a DHA license to practice in Abu Dhabi. However, you can transfer your DHA license to HAAD/DOH by applying through the DOH portal with an Abu Dhabi employer’s sponsorship and completing any additional assessments if required.

Q. Is a HAAD license accepted in Dubai?

A. No, a HAAD license is not valid in Dubai for clinical practice. You must transfer your HAAD license to DHA by applying through the DHA Sheryan portal, submitting your credentials, and obtaining a job offer from a DHA-approved healthcare facility.

Q. What is the difference between DHA and MOH HAAD?

  • DHA (Dubai Health Authority): Required to work in Dubai.

  • HAAD/DOH (Department of Health Abu Dhabi): Required to work in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

  • MOH (Ministry of Health and Prevention): Required for other Emirates like Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, etc.
    Each licensing body operates independently, and licenses are not interchangeable without a formal transfer process.

Q. What is the age limit for DHA?

A. There is no strict official age limit for the DHA exam. However, candidates over 65 years of age may face additional scrutiny or restrictions. For most healthcare roles, professionals up to 60 years of age are commonly eligible, especially with active experience.

Q. What is the passing score for the DHA exam?

A. The passing score for the DHA exam generally ranges from 60% to 70%, depending on your healthcare profession. The exam is computer-based, consisting of MCQs, and focuses on clinical knowledge, decision-making, and evidence-based practice.