Glossary

The step where a healthcare facility links an approved registration to its establishment, converting it into an active practice license that allows clinical work.

Healthcare practitioners distinct from physicians, dentists, and nurses, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, radiographers, laboratory technicians, and other specialized healthcare workers.

Formal procedure for challenging a licensing decision, exam result, or regulatory action through submission of additional evidence and review by appeals committee.

Non-refundable fee paid when submitting a license or registration application to cover administrative processing costs. Separate from license issuance fees.

Government-issued authorization allowing a company to legally operate a business in a particular location. Separate from healthcare professional licenses but required for facility operation.

Dedicated professional assigned to guide applicants through the licensing process, coordinate document submission, track application status, and serve as primary point of contact.

Educational activities designed to maintain, develop, or increase the knowledge, skills, and professional performance of physicians. CME credits are required for license renewal.

The ongoing process of following all applicable laws, regulations, standards, and internal policies that govern how a healthcare practice or facility must operate, including licensing requirements, quality standards, and safety protocols.

Senior healthcare professional title in the UAE indicating highest level of qualification and experience in a specialty, typically requiring specialist qualification plus additional years of consultant-level practice.

Legal right protecting original works of authorship such as written materials, training documents, website content, and marketing materials used by healthcare organizations.

A legally separate business entity owned by shareholders. It can own property, enter contracts, and provides limited liability to its owners. Used for larger healthcare organizations.

Ongoing education and training activities that healthcare professionals must complete to maintain and enhance their skills, knowledge, and competence. Required for license renewal.

Requirement that UAE health data be stored within UAE-based servers or certified cloud providers, ensuring patient data sovereignty and compliance with local regulations.

A third-party verification service commonly used by UAE health authorities to verify the authenticity of educational credentials, work experience, and licenses directly from source institutions.

The regulatory body that licenses and regulates healthcare professionals and facilities in Dubai. DHA ensures compliance with healthcare standards and oversees all medical licensing in the emirate of Dubai.

A gap in active clinical practice which can affect renewal or require re-assessment. Maintaining active registration without practice gaps helps avoid re-assessment requirements.

The process of certifying documents through official channels (often including Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UAE Embassy) to verify their authenticity for use in the UAE.

Formerly known as HAAD (Health Authority - Abu Dhabi), DOH is the regulator and licensing authority for healthcare professionals and facilities in Abu Dhabi.

Baseline criteria to apply for MOHAP/DHA/DOH licensing, such as recognized medical degree, minimum post-graduate experience (typically 2-3 years), and clean disciplinary history.

Official recognition or transfer of credentials from one health authority to another, facilitating license portability across emirates without complete re-application.

PQR-based waiver from sitting the local licensing exam, often granted to applicants from Tier 1 countries with specific recognized international exams or active licenses and sufficient experience.

On-site evaluation by health authority inspectors to verify compliance with licensing requirements, safety standards, equipment specifications, and operational protocols before license issuance or renewal.

Designated economic zones in the UAE offering benefits such as 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and streamlined business setup. Healthcare facilities in free zones may have specific licensing requirements.

A medical doctor who provides primary care and treats a wide variety of medical conditions, serving as the first point of contact for patients in the healthcare system.

Official letter from a current or previous medical council or authority stating that a healthcare professional is licensed with no outstanding disciplinary or malpractice findings. Required by all UAE health authorities.

Health Authority - Abu Dhabi, the former name of the Department of Health (DOH). Now rebranded as DOH but still commonly referenced in historical contexts.

Authorization issued by health authorities (DHA, DOH, MOHAP) permitting a facility to operate and provide healthcare services. Requires compliance with facility standards, layout requirements, and staffing regulations.

Intangible creations such as trademarks, copyrights, patents, and trade secrets that are legally protected. Healthcare facilities may need IP protection for their brand, processes, or technologies.

Regulatory review and approval of healthcare facility floor plans and design to ensure compliance with space, safety, infection control, and operational standards before construction or renovation.

Periodic process to extend the validity of a registration or license, typically requiring continuing professional development (CPD/CME) evidence and confirmation of no gaps in practice.

The process of moving or converting a license or registration between different health authorities (e.g., from DHA to DOH or MOHAP). This allows professionals to practice in different emirates.

Knowledge and competence assessment (computer-based test, OSCE, oral exam) required for many applicants, especially those not exempted under Tier 1 status or recognized boards.

A business structure that combines pass-through taxation with limited liability protection for its owners. In the UAE, healthcare facilities may be structured as LLCs, with specific requirements for healthcare ownership.

Verification that medical devices and equipment meet UAE regulatory standards and are approved for use in healthcare facilities. Required for facility licensing.

The federal regulator that licenses healthcare professionals for all emirates except Abu Dhabi and Dubai (i.e., Sharjah, Ajman, UAQ, RAK, Fujairah). MOHAP sets national healthcare policies and standards.

A practical examination format used to assess clinical skills, communication abilities, and clinical reasoning through standardized patient scenarios and skill stations.

Harmonized standards defining acceptable degrees, training, experience, and exams for all UAE health authorities (DHA, DOH, MOHAP). Requirements differ by profession and tier but are aligned across regulators.

Formal authorization to practice clinically in a specific emirate or authority, usually linked to a particular healthcare facility. Healthcare registrations convert into licenses when an employer activates them.

Mandatory process where regulators verify the authenticity of degrees, experience certificates, licenses, and Good Standing Certificates directly from issuing bodies, often through third-party providers like DataFlow.

The estimated duration for health authorities to review and approve applications, typically ranging from 2-12 weeks depending on application type, completeness, and authority workload.

Regulatory confirmation that a healthcare professional meets qualification and experience requirements for a title/specialty. Registration is valid for a specific period (typically 1-5 years) and must be activated by a facility to become an active practice license.

The specific procedures, actions, and processes that a healthcare professional is permitted to undertake based on their license category, title, and specialty.

Healthcare professional who has completed specialty training and holds specialist qualifications in a specific medical field (e.g., cardiology, pediatrics, surgery).

Mandated minimum ratios of healthcare professionals to patients or specific staffing levels required for different types of healthcare facilities and services.

Remote clinical consultation via video, audio, or digital platforms where diagnosis and treatment decisions may be made. Governed by specific telehealth standards and requires appropriate licensing.

Remote interpretation of clinical data such as medical images, lab results, or diagnostic tests to establish or refine a diagnosis. Subject to stricter regulations than simple consultations.

The provision of healthcare services remotely using telecommunications technology, including video consultations, remote monitoring, and digital health platforms. Subject to specific DHA and DOH regulations.

Ongoing remote monitoring of patient health parameters using devices and applications with healthcare professional oversight. Part of comprehensive telehealth services.

Regulatory classification of countries and qualifications (Tr1, Tr2, Tr3). Tier 1 countries often have more favorable recognition with possible exam exemptions, while Tier 2/3 usually require full assessment and examinations.

Legal permit issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or free zone authority allowing a business to conduct commercial activities in the UAE.

Any word, name, symbol, logo, design, or slogan that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services. Healthcare facilities trademark their names and logos for brand protection.

A national digital gateway being rolled out to create one professional profile recognized by all UAE health authorities, enabling practitioners to move and obtain licenses across entities without resubmitting documents.