To practice as a pharmacist in Abu Dhabi, you must obtain a license from the Department of Health (DOH), which was previously known as the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD). The DOH license is mandatory for all healthcare professionals working within the Emirate and ensures that international standards of competency and ethics are met. The process involves meeting specific criteria, verifying credentials, and successfully passing the DOH licensing examination.

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Phase 1: Eligibility and Credentialing

The initial phase is about establishing that your qualifications and professional experience are recognized by the DOH.

Meet the DOH Eligibility Criteria

As per the DOH Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR), applicants must generally meet the following:

• Education: Hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm) or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) from a recognized institution.
• Professional Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of post-qualification experience as a licensed pharmacist is typically required for international graduates.
• Registration: Possess a valid, active license to practice in your home country or previous country of practice.
• Good Standing: Provide a Good Standing Certificate (GSC) from your current licensing body, issued within the last six months.
• Attestation: Academic documents must be attested (legalized) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in your home country and the UAE Embassy there before submission.

Register on the DOH/TAMM Portal

You must register an account on the DOH licensing portal (often accessed through the Abu Dhabi government’s unified TAMM platform). This is where you submit your application and manage the entire licensing process.

Submit for Primary Source Verification (DataFlow)

The DOH mandates that all essential documents—including your degree certificate, transcripts, professional license, and experience letters—undergo Primary Source Verification (PSV) through the DataFlow Group.

• Purpose: DataFlow directly contacts the issuing bodies (university, council, employers) to verify the authenticity of your credentials.
• Initiation: You submit your documents and pay the PSV fees through the DOH/TAMM portal.

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Phase 2: Licensing Examination

Once your credentials are verified and approved, you can proceed to the mandatory DOH licensing exam.

Receive Eligibility to Book the Exam

After the DataFlow report is positive and the DOH reviews your file, you will be deemed eligible to proceed. You may then be issued an eligibility number or letter allowing you to book the exam.

Register and Prepare for the DOH Exam (HAAD Exam)

The DOH licensing exam (historically referred to as the HAAD Exam) is a Computer-Based Test (CBT), typically administered by Pearson VUE.

• Format: The exam consists of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs).
• Syllabus: The content covers essential knowledge domains, including clinical pharmacology, therapeutics, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmaceutical care, medication safety, and local UAE pharmacy laws and ethics.

Sit the DOH CBT Exam

Book a date and sit the exam at an approved Pearson VUE testing center. These centers are available in Abu Dhabi and in various countries worldwide.

Receive the DOH Assessment Result

Upon passing the exam, the DOH will issue an Assessment Result or Eligibility Certificate. This certificate is a prerequisite for formal licensing and job seeking in Abu Dhabi.

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Phase 3: Employment and Final Licensure

The final steps involve securing a job and formally activating your license to practice.

Secure an Employment Offer in Abu Dhabi

With a positive DOH Assessment Result, you can actively search for and secure a job offer from a DOH-licensed healthcare facility in Abu Dhabi (e.g., a hospital or community pharmacy). The employer plays a crucial role in the final licensing steps.

Complete Medical Fitness and Visa Requirements

Once employed, you must complete the mandatory Medical Fitness Test in the UAE for your residency visa. Your employer will also arrange for your work permit and residency visa.

Obtain Professional Liability Insurance

You must be covered by Professional Liability Insurance (PLI), which is usually arranged and provided by your employing facility.

Final License Issuance (Activation)

Your employer submits the final application to the DOH for your professional license activation, linking your eligibility status to their facility. Once approved, the DOH issues your official license, allowing you to legally commence practice as a pharmacist in Abu Dhabi.

Maintain CPD

To maintain your DOH license, you must fulfill ongoing requirements, including completing the mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours each year and renewing your license before its expiration date.