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