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DOH (Abu Dhabi) AED 12,000–18,000/month Tax-Free Income DataFlow + Exam

DOH License for Physiotherapists in Abu Dhabi

Complete step-by-step guide to obtaining your DOH (Department of Health – Abu Dhabi) physiotherapy license. Everything Indian physiotherapists need to know about DataFlow verification, the DOH Prometric exam, document requirements, fees and processing timelines.

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Understanding DOH

What is the DOH License?

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) is the healthcare regulatory authority for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Formerly known as HAAD, the DOH licenses all healthcare professionals practising in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region.

The DOH license is a mandatory requirement for any physiotherapist wishing to work in Abu Dhabi’s public or private healthcare sector. Whether you plan to work in a government hospital like Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, a private clinic on Abu Dhabi’s Reem Island, or a rehabilitation centre in Al Ain, you must hold a valid DOH license.

The licensing process is managed through the DOH’s online portal and involves three main stages: Primary Source Verification through DataFlow, a Prometric licensing examination, and final document review leading to the issuance of an Eligibility Letter.

Key Distinction: DOH vs HAAD

The Department of Health was previously known as HAAD (Health Authority – Abu Dhabi). The name changed to DOH in 2018, but the regulatory function and licensing requirements remain the same. You may still see references to HAAD in older documentation — both refer to the same Abu Dhabi licensing authority.

DOH at a Glance

Jurisdiction

Abu Dhabi Emirate, Al Ain, Western Region

Exam Type

Prometric Computer-Based Test (MCQ)

English Requirement

IELTS 6.0 / OET B (or English-medium education proof)

Typical Timeline

3–6 months

Validity

Renewed annually through employer in Abu Dhabi

DOH vs DHA vs MOH

How DOH Differs from DHA and MOH

Understanding the differences between the three UAE health authorities is crucial for choosing the right licensing pathway.

FeatureDOH (Abu Dhabi)DHA (Dubai)MOH (Other Emirates)
Coverage AreaAbu Dhabi, Al Ain, Western RegionDubai Emirate onlySharjah, Ajman, UAQ, RAK, Fujairah
Exam PlatformPrometric (DOH exam)Prometric (DHA exam)Prometric (MOH exam)
Pass Score60%60%60%
English Test RequiredIELTS 6.0 / OET BIELTS 6.0 / OET BIELTS 6.0 / OET B
Average SalaryAED 12,000–18,000/moAED 8,000–16,000/moAED 7,000–12,000/mo
Application PortalDOH Portal (Najat)DHA Sheryan PortalMOH Portal
Processing Time3–6 months3–6 months3–5 months
DHA License Guide MOH License Guide
DOH Licensing Process

Step-by-Step DOH License Process

Follow these steps to obtain your DOH physiotherapy license in Abu Dhabi.

1

DataFlow Primary Source Verification

Submit your BPT/MPT degree certificates, academic transcripts and work experience letters to DataFlow Group. DataFlow directly contacts your Indian university and previous employers to verify authenticity. This is the first and most critical step.

Cost: ~AED 1,050 Timeline: 4–8 weeks
2

Create DOH Account & Submit Application

Register on the DOH Najat portal and submit your licensing application. Upload your DataFlow verification report, passport copy, degree certificates, IELTS/OET scores, experience letters, and state council registration.

3

DOH Prometric Exam

Once your application is approved, you will receive an exam eligibility notification. Book and sit for the DOH Physiotherapy Prometric exam. The exam can be taken at Prometric centres across India — Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata and others.

Fee: ~AED 735 2–3 hours, 100–150 MCQs
4

Receive Eligibility Letter

After passing the exam and document verification, DOH issues an Eligibility Letter confirming you meet all requirements for employment as a physiotherapist in Abu Dhabi.

5

License Activation via Employer

Once you secure a job offer in Abu Dhabi, your employer activates your DOH license through their facility registration. You will receive your full DOH Practicing License and can legally begin working.

Employer handles activation

Get Expert DOH Guidance

Not sure about the DataFlow process or need help preparing for the DOH exam? Our consultants specialise in DOH licensing for Indian physiotherapists.

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UAE Licensing Guides

DHA License Guide (Dubai) MOH License Guide (Other Emirates) UAE Physiotherapy Guide DHA Exam Preparation
Eligibility

DOH Eligibility Requirements

BPT or MPT degree from a recognised Indian university with full-time clinical training

Minimum 2 years post-qualification clinical experience as a physiotherapist

IELTS 6.0 overall or OET Grade B, OR proof of English-medium education

Valid state physiotherapy council registration with good standing

No fitness-to-practise issues or criminal record

Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity

Documents Required

Document Checklist for DOH

BPT/MPT degree certificate (attested)

Academic transcripts for all years of study

Internship completion certificate

Work experience letters from all employers (on letterhead)

State physiotherapy council registration certificate

IELTS or OET score report

Valid passport (all pages copy)

Updated CV / Resume

2 passport-size photographs (white background)

Good standing letter from state council (within 3 months)

Fees & Timeline

DOH Licensing Fees Breakdown

Approximate costs for obtaining a DOH physiotherapy license in Abu Dhabi.

StageApprox. Fee (AED)Approx. Fee (INR)Timeline
DataFlow Primary Source VerificationAED 1,050₹24,0004–8 weeks
DOH Application FeeAED 850₹19,0002–4 weeks
DOH Prometric Exam FeeAED 735₹17,000Can take in India
IELTS/OET (if required)AED 1,100₹16,000Results in 13 days
License Activation (employer)VariesUsually covered by employerUpon job offer
Total EstimatedAED 3,000–4,000₹69,000–92,0003–6 months

* Fees are approximate and subject to change.

DOH Exam

About the DOH Physiotherapy Prometric Exam

The DOH physiotherapy licensing exam is a computer-based test administered through Prometric. It is designed to assess your clinical knowledge and competency to practice physiotherapy in Abu Dhabi.

Exam Format

Format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) Questions: 100–150 Duration: 2–3 hours Passing Score: 60% Delivery: Prometric test centres globally Available in India: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Kochi

Core Topics Covered

• Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy • Neurological Physiotherapy • Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy • Paediatric Physiotherapy • Geriatric Physiotherapy • Electrotherapy & Modalities • Orthopaedic Assessment • Therapeutic Exercise
Preparation Tip

Most Indian physiotherapists find the DOH exam moderately challenging. Focus your preparation on musculoskeletal and neurological topics, which form the largest portion of the exam. Use standard physiotherapy textbooks and practice with Prometric-style MCQs.

Exam Retake Policy

If you do not pass the DOH exam on your first attempt, you can reapply after a waiting period of 30 days. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but each attempt requires a fresh exam fee payment. Focus your preparation on your weaker areas using the score breakdown provided by DOH.

Ready to Start Your DOH Licensing Journey?

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Common Questions

DOH License Frequently Asked Questions

DOH (Department of Health – Abu Dhabi) is the regulatory authority for healthcare professionals in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, including Al Ain and the Western Region. The DOH license allows physiotherapists to legally practise across all public and private healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi.

Yes, DOH and DHA are completely separate licensing authorities. DOH governs the Abu Dhabi emirate, while DHA governs Dubai. They have different application portals, fee structures, and slightly different exam formats. A DOH license is only valid in Abu Dhabi and cannot be used to practice in Dubai.

The DOH licensing process typically takes 3–6 months from start to finish. The DataFlow verification phase takes 4–8 weeks, document review by DOH takes another 2–4 weeks, and you need to factor in time for exam preparation.

The DOH physiotherapy exam is a computer-based test (CBT) administered through Prometric. It consists of 100–150 multiple choice questions with a 2–3 hour time limit. The exam covers musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary, paediatric, and geriatric physiotherapy. The passing score is 60%.

No. A DOH license is only valid in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. To work in Dubai, you must hold a DHA (Dubai Health Authority) license. However, some large healthcare groups operate across both emirates and may help you transfer or obtain both licenses.