If you are a healthcare professional who wants to work in Abu Dhabi, you must get a Health Authority—Abu Dhabi (HAAD) license. This article provides a complete guide on HAAD licenses, including eligibility requirements and the application process.
What is HAAD License in the UAE?
A HAAD license is an official Department of Health—Abu Dhabi certification. It allows healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health workers to practice legally in Abu Dhabi.
The HAAD license is required for healthcare professionals who want to work in Abu Dhabi. It ensures that all practitioners meet the necessary standards of competence and ethics. The process is detailed but straightforward if you know what to expect.
Who Can Apply For HAAD License in Abu Dhabi?
The Department of Health (DoH) in Abu Dhabi licenses individuals with the necessary experience and skills to practice medicine in the emirate. Healthcare professionals eligible to apply for a HAAD license include:
- Physicians (consultants, medical practitioners, specialists)
- Dentists (consultants, GP dentists, specialists)
- Nurses and midwives
- Allied healthcare professionals
- Pharmacists
- Homeopathy
Haad License Requirements:
To apply for a HAAD license, ensure all your documents are in English. Below are the requirements for a HAAD nurse license, which are similar to those for doctors, dentists, and other healthcare professionals:
- Passport size photographs
- Copy of experience certificates*
- Copy of attested educational qualifications
- Copy of Emirates ID (if available)
- Copy of a “Good Conduct Certificate/Certificate of Good Conduct” from relevant regulatory authorities
- Copy of the staff data clearance form (provided in the application)
- Copy of the e-tarasol barcode
- Copy of the valid health license issued by the relevant regulatory authority of the country where you recently practiced
- Letter of nomination from an Abu Dhabi-based healthcare facility (for applicants sponsored by facilities)
- Copy of medical school transcripts
How To Apply For a HAAD License in Abu Dhabi?
Credits: Interface Medical Education
You can cross-check these steps with the video to ensure accuracy and completeness.
1. Create a UAE PASS Account
- Visit the UAE PASS website or download the UAE PASS app.
- Register for an account using your Emirates ID.
- Verify your email and phone number.
2. Dataflow Process
- Visit the Dataflow Group website.
- Select the HAAD application and fill out the required details.
- Submit all necessary documents (educational certificates, professional licenses, experience certificates).
- Pay the Dataflow fees.
- Wait for the primary source verification to be completed.
3. Complete the CID Form
- Download the CID form from the HAAD website.
- Fill out the form with accurate personal information.
- Attach the required documents (passport copy, recent photograph).
- Submit the form to the concerned authority.
4. Register on the TAMM Platform
- Go to the TAMM website.
- Create an account or log in with your UAE PASS.
- Navigate to the health professionals licensing section.
- Submit your application for the DOH (HAAD) exam.
5. Submit the Application through Etarasol
- Access the Etarasol system.
- Fill out the application form with your details.
- Attach required documents (educational certificates, Dataflow report).
- Apply and pay the relevant fees.
6. Book the Exam on Pearson VUE
- Visit the Pearson VUE website.
- Search for the DOH (HAAD) exam.
- Select a convenient test centre and exam date.
- Pay the exam fees and confirm your booking.
7. Prepare for the Exam
- Review the exam content outline provided by HAAD.
- Use study materials and practice tests to prepare.
- Make sure to understand the format and types of questions.
8. Take the Exam
- Arrive at the test centre on time with the necessary identification.
- Follow the exam instructions carefully.
- Complete the exam within the allotted time.
9. Receive Exam Results
- Wait for the exam results to be out.
- Check your results on the Pearson VUE website or the HAAD portal.
10. Apply for HAAD License
- If you pass the exam, apply for your HAAD license.
- Submit any additional required documents.
- Pay the licensing fees.
- Receive your HAAD professional license.
HAAD License Renewal:
Medical professionals with HAAD licenses must renew them before they expire. The healthcare facilities that sponsor them can request the renewal of their professional licenses.
How to Apply for HAAD License Renewal?
Like the initial application process, you can renew your HAAD license online. Follow these steps:
- Go to TAMM’s homepage.
- Scroll down to “Services by Category.”
- Find the “Health & Safety” section and click it.
- Click on the “Healthcare Professionals” option on the left.
- Click on the “Licensing and Certificates” tab.
- Scroll down to “Manage a Healthcare Professional Licence” and click it.
- When the new tab opens, click the “Start” icon on the top left.
- Sign in with UAE Pass.
- Follow the instructions to complete the renewal process.
HAAD License Renewal Costs
| Service | Cost (AED) |
| Application Fees | 100 |
| Change, Upgrade, or Add a Professional Title | 100 |
| Renew a Healthcare Professional Licence | 100 |
| Renew a Pharmacy Technician Licence for One Year | 100 |
| Renew a Physician’s Licence for Two Years | 1,600 |
| Renew a Licence for Nurses, Allied Health, and Pharmacists for One Year | 200 |
| Renew a Licence for Nurses, Allied Health, and Pharmacists for Two Years | 300 |
| Renew a Pharmacy Technician Licence for Two Years | 100 |
| Renew a Physician’s Licence for One Year | 850 |
| Re-registration of Licence for Physicians | 2,600 |
| Re-registration of Licence for Pharmacists, Allied Health, or Nurses | 300 |
Please note that it may take up to 17 working days to renew your license, according to TAMM.
HAAD License Validity:
A HAAD license is valid for five years from the date you pass the HAAD exam. It must always be current and valid while you are practising.
You must renew your license three months before it expires. Additionally, you might need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your hospital management to do so.
HAAD License Exam:
The HAAD License exam is a test that healthcare professionals must pass to get a medical license in Abu Dhabi. This license allows doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals to work legally in Abu Dhabi.
- Exam Attempts:
- You have three chances to pass the exam with any authority.
- You get one final attempt with a different authority if you fail all three times.
- You must declare how many times you have taken the exam with different authorities.
- Re-examination:
- Authorities can require you to retake the exam if they think it’s necessary.
- Exemption:
- Doctors with more than two years of privileges are exempt from the DoH exam.
HAAD License Exam Fee:
According to TAMM’s website, the exam fees differ based on the type of professional:
- Physicians: AED 100 for the Computer-Based Testing (CBT) exam.
- Technicians: Around AED 50 for the assessment.
Please note that these fees can change.
Final Takeaway:
This concludes our guide on obtaining and renewing a HAAD license. By following this guide, you can navigate the process with confidence and ease. Ensure you meet all the criteria, prepare diligently for the exam, and maintain your credentials for a smooth licensing experience. Healthcare professionals with a HAAD license can work in any hospital in Abu Dhabi, including branches of the UAE’s top healthcare chains in the emirate.
Expatriates who want to apply for a visa in Abu Dhabi or Dubai must obtain a medical certificate. Our guide includes a list of visa medical centres. Until then, stay tuned to read more blogs like these.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Who is eligible for the HAAD exam?
Eligibility requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree in nursing or an equivalent qualification with a minimum of 3 years of study from an accredited program.
- A valid and current national license.
- At least six years of postgraduate experience in an acute care tertiary hospital.
Q. Is the HAAD exam hard or easy?
The DHA exam is usually easier for nurses with years of experience. On the other hand, the HAAD exam is often harder because it focuses more on clinical knowledge.
Q. How many questions are in the HAAD exam?
The HAAD exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). You have 2.5 hours (150 minutes) to complete the exam, giving you 90 seconds per question.
Q. What is the benefit of the HAAD exam?
Obtaining a HAAD license for nurses in the UAE offers numerous benefits. It allows nurses to practice legally and ethically, ensuring they can provide high-quality care to patients. This also benefits the healthcare industry by maintaining high standards of care.
