DHA vs MOHAP vs DOH: which authority covers your emirate
Which authority covers your emirate? Dubai uses Dubai Health Authority (DHA), and Abu Dhabi uses Department of Health (DOH). In the Northern Emirates, check who licenses your employer’s facility.
Facts last verified 5 October 2026. Updated 6 October 2026.
| Authority | Where it licenses | Portal and exam route | Start here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Health Authority (DHA) | Dubai | Sheryan; Prometric | DHA licence requirements |
| Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH); formerly HAAD | Abu Dhabi | TAMM; Pearson VUE after DOH approval | DOH licence requirements |
| Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) | Its licensed private facilities in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah | UAE PASS; written, oral or Prometric, by category | MOHAP licence requirements |
| Sharjah Health Authority (SHA) | SHA-licensed facilities in Sharjah | SHA e-services; exam if required | SHA licence service |
Ask the employer which authority licenses the facility before you apply. Sharjah has both MOHAP and SHA routes.
Shared qualifications and attempts
The four boards use the unified qualification rules. Each has its own steps. Your degree, job title and time away from work must meet its rules.
You get 3 exam attempts in total across DHA, DOH, MOHAP and SHA. Tell the new board about earlier attempts. After all 3, another board may give you a final attempt (unified qualification rules).
A pass does not let you work
An SHA assessment certificate does not let you practise (SHA assessment service). For DHA, your employer must activate your licence. For DOH, a facility must name you for a job. MOHAP needs an accepted work invitation.
Use your board’s profession page for the paper and pass mark. To change boards, check the UAE licence recognition conditions.