Ministry of Health & Prevention(MOHAP) in UAE: A Complete Guide

MOHAP (Ministry of Health & Prevention) is a Federal Health Authority of the UAE, established in 1971 to organize and improve the healthcare system in the UAE. It issues licenses across the five Northern Emirates—Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah—with a specific set of medical standards ensuring public safety. Being a federal body, MOHAP makes protocols for the approval and disapproval of healthcare facilities, aligning with UAE Federal Law No. 4 of 2015 concerning Medical Liability and Law No. 5 of 2019 on the regulation of health professions. For instance, in 2024, it approved about 1,200+ new healthcare facilities—a 17% increase from that of 2023.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention is also responsible for consistently checking the fitness of medical staff and evaluating the credibility of the new expatriated professionals. It has set an exam for checking the education standards of doctors coming to UAE. Additionally, to ensure patients’ safety, it makes rules and regulations for the facilities regarding the services they provide.

MOHAP plays a key role in maintaining the overall health system in the UAE through its various initiatives, including Mandatory Genetic Testing in Premarital Screening, National Programme for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, and Patient Safety Friendly Hospitals Initiative. With these proactive approaches towards health, MOHAP is not only appreciated locally but also becomes the focal point for global awards. For instance, it won the Excellence in Health Tech Innovation Award at the Tech Innovation Awards, organized by Entrepreneur Middle East.

What is MOHAP in the UAE? 

MOHAP (Ministry of Health & Prevention) is the Federal Health Authority that regulates healthcare standards in the UAE by issuing medical licenses, making laws, conducting inspections and protocols, implementing national health programs, promoting medical research, and conducting exams for expatriate doctors. It offers licensing services in the northern emirates, including Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and  Fujairah. While Dubai and Abu Dhabi have local authorities (DHA and DOH) that provide a license.

Who and when was MOHAP established in the UAE?

MOHAP (Ministry of Health & Prevention) was established by His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan on December 2, 1971, following the Federal Law No. 1 of 1972 of the UAE.  This establishment successfully helped in improving public health and providing medical services in the UAE as per the global health standards.

What was the purpose of establishing MOHAP in the UAE?

The purpose of establishing the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)  was to prioritize national health by focusing on prevention, quality care, and innovation through structured policies. It has to work on hospital development, digital health adoption, and patient-centered services, applying strict international standards to health infrastructure, pharmaceutical safety, and therapeutic systems.  

The ministry has to support health awareness campaigns and enforce governance through regulatory frameworks. Some of the purposes are mentioned below

1. Organize public healthcare
2. Develop national health policies
3. Control communicable diseases
4. Regulate medical professions
5. License healthcare facilities
6. Provide healthcare services
7. Promote health research
8. Support preventive medicine
9. Ensure drug regulation

Who regulates MOHAP in the UAE?

MOHAP is regulated by the Federal Government, with specific sectors and emirates overseen by the Emirates Drug Establishment, Emirates Health Services, and local health authorities such as DHA and DOH. The government made specific laws based on which operations are performed in MOHAP. Some of these laws are:

• Federal Law No. 1 of 1972
• Federal Law No. 4 of 1983
• Federal Law No. 5 of 2019
• Federal Law No. 14 of 2014
• Federal Decree Law No. 4 of 2016
• Federal Law No. 8 of 2019
• Cabinet Decision No. 40 of 2019

What are the rules and regulations of MOHAP?

The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) maintains a clear and structured legal framework to regulate the national healthcare system. This framework includes federal laws, cabinet decisions, ministerial resolutions, and official circulars that govern medical licensing, public health, pharmaceuticals, telemedicine, and ethical medical practices. I have examined these documents closely and selected examples from each category available on MOHAP’s official legislation portal.

These legal instruments ensure consistency, safety, and accountability across healthcare services while supporting the UAE’s long-term health strategy. The examples below reflect MOHAP’s ongoing efforts to align healthcare delivery with global standards and national priorities.

Cabinet Decisions

1. Cabinet Decision No. 40 of 2019 – Regulates the federal medical licensing system.
2. Cabinet Decision No. 21 of 2017 – Approves the unified health insurance policy.
3. Cabinet Decision No. 33 of 2020 – Concerns the regulation of medical liability.
   

Federal Laws

1. Federal Law No. 4 of 1983 regulates the pharmaceutical profession and pharmaceutical institutions.
2. Federal Law No. 14 of 2014 regulates and instructs the control of communicable diseases.
3. Federal Law No. 5 of 2019 pertains to the practice of human medicine and surgery.
   

General

1. Federal Law No. 8 of 2019 for medical products, professionals, and healthcare facilities.
2. Cabinet Decision No. 31 of 2018 for the regulation of health advertisements.
3. Ministerial Decision No. 550 of 2017  concerns the regulation of medical laboratories.
   

Health Policies

1. The National Policy for the Promotion of Mental Health aims to enhance mental health services.
2. National Policy for the Control of Non-Communicable Diseases focuses on reducing the burden of chronic diseases.
3. The National Immunization Policy establishes guidelines for vaccination programs.
   

Ministerial Decisions

1. Ministerial Decision No. 550 of 2017 – Regulates medical laboratories.
2. Ministerial Decision No. 28 of 2018  for the regulation of medical fitness examinations.
3. Ministerial Decision No. 1121 of 2018 – Pertains to the regulation of health advertisements.
   

Circulars

1. Circular No. 9 of 2020  for the use of telemedicine services.
2. Circular No. 14 of 2021 – Provides guidelines for the management of COVID-19 cases.
3. Circular No. 5 of 2019 for the regulation of antibiotic prescriptions.

What services does MOHAP provide in the UAE?

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) delivers a wide range of essential health services through its official platform. I have reviewed the services currently available, with a focus on regulatory and licensing support for individuals and medical facilities. These include permits for importing medicines and equipment, re-licensing of healthcare professionals, and validation of medical reports. 

Each service plays a direct role in improving compliance, safety, and patient care across the UAE. My goal is to guide you through the core offerings that are crucial for both healthcare providers and individuals seeking access to licensed medical support. The following summary outlines high-utility services that reflect MOHAP’s operational standards and ongoing commitment to quality and accessibility.

1. Medical Licensing Services

• Attestation of Medical Leaves and Reports
• Issue of Permit to Import Medicines for Personal Use
• Renewal of License to Practice as a Pharmacist
• Re-licensing of a Doctor
• Re-licensing of a Pharmacist
• Registration of Change to the Professional Title of a Pharmacist
• Treatment Abroad
• Licensing of a Doctor or Dentist to Utilize Services of a Private Health Facility

2. Attestation of Medical Leaves and Reports
3. Issue of Permit to Import Medical Equipment
4. Issue of Permit to Import Medicines from a Local Agent
5. Renewal of Licenses for Nursing and Medical Professionals
6. Healthcare Professional Evaluation
7. Issue of Permit to Import Medicines for Personal Use

Why is MOHAP important in the UAE’s healthcare system?

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) drives the core functions of the UAE’s healthcare system. I focus on its structured services and nationwide authority. With defined responsibilities, MOHAP ensures consistent healthcare quality across all emirates. 

I analyze its essential roles that impact public health and service delivery. Each function reflects the government’s push for accessible, safe, and innovative care. Below is a breakdown of MOHAP’s key responsibilities that shape the country’s healthcare framework.

1. National Health Policy Leadership
2. Licensing and Regulation
3. Public Health Oversight
4. Essential Health Services Provider
5. Drug and Medical Product Control
6. Digital Health and Innovation
7. Health System Integration

How can a healthcare professional register with MOHAP?

To register with MOHAP, you have to get a medical license, which includes the following steps:

• Log in to the MOHAP portal
• Submit a new application
• Upload all required documents
• The facility conducts an initial review and referral
• MOHAP reviews the submitted application
• Pay the applicable fees
• Appear for the oral assessment and license exam (if required)
• Obtain and activate your MOHAP license

What are MOHAP’s initiatives in research and innovation?

MOHAP drives research and innovation to improve healthcare quality and efficiency across the UAE. I explore how its initiatives push scientific advancement and smart health solutions. These programs align with national goals for digital transformation and evidence-based care. MOHAP invests in technology, data, and collaboration to boost patient outcomes and service delivery. Below are the main initiatives shaping its forward-thinking healthcare approach.

1. National Health Research Strategy
2. Innovation Strategy in Health
3. Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostics and Health Services
4. Smart Health Services and Apps
5. Genomic Medicine and Precision Health Projects
6. Collaborative Research with International Institutions
7. MOHAP Innovation Lab
8. Annual Health Innovation Awards
9. Integration of Big Data in Public Health
10. Digital Health Transformation Programs

What opportunities does MOHAP offer for practicing healthcare in the UAE?

MOHAP provides structured pathways for healthcare professionals to build rewarding careers in the UAE. I highlight how it enables local and international practitioners to access licensing, development, and service opportunities. These offerings support clinical growth, innovation, and public health impact. MOHAP’s programs create space for continuous learning, specialization, and collaboration. Below are the key opportunities available for practicing healthcare under MOHAP.

1. Medical Licensing
2. Job Opportunities in Public Health Facilities
3. Specialization and Training Programs
4. Collaborations with International Institutions
5. Participation in Research and Innovation Projects
6. Healthcare Professional Development Initiatives
7. Digital Health Integration
8. Continuing Medical Education (CME) Programs
9. Volunteer and Philanthropy Roles in Health Initiatives
10. Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Health Tech and Services