Complete Guide to SMLE License Transfer to DOH Abu Dhabi 2026
Saudi Medical License Transfer to DOH Quick Summary
Healthcare professionals who already hold a valid Saudi license through the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) can often transfer or convert their Saudi license to a DOH license without repeating the licensing exam. SMLE pass result alone may NOT always be sufficient.
How can i transfer SMLE license to DOH /HAAD?
DOH (Department of Health) Abu Dhabi may allow health professionals specially doctors who are licensed in Saudi Arabia (SCFHS) to apply for a license transfer if they meet these conditions such as;
- Hold a valid/active SCFHS medical license
- Preferably having at least 2 years of clinical experience
- Having a Good Standing Certificate(also called Certificate of Current Professional Status) issued by SCFHS.
After meeting above conditions, start DOH Application via TAMM portal and upload the required documents.
Once your DataFlow process in completed then you can request to Transfer DataFlow PSV to DOH.
Since you already have an active/valid SMLE license, as a result DOH usually grants you exam exemption and issues an Eligibility letter which helps a candidate to activate DOH license with the help of a employer/health facility in Abu Dhabi UAE.
What is SMLE to DOH license transfer process, Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Create DOH Account Through TAMM - DOH licensing applications are usually submitted via TAMM Abu Dhabi. The process generally requires UAE PASS (if available), email registration, professional category selection.
- Step 2: Start DataFlow Verification - You must complete Primary Source Verification (PSV). Your education, experience and other related documents are commonly verified during this process.
- Step 3: Upload Required Documents - You will be required to upload common documents such as:
- Passport copy
- Passport-size photo
- Educational degree
- Internship certificate
- SCFHS license
- Good Standing Certificate
- Experience certificates
- Updated CV
- DataFlow reference number
- Step 4: Credential Review by DOH - DOH reviews qualification equivalency, specialty title, experience, licensing history, professional standing. Additional documents may be requested at this stage.
- Step 5: Exam Exemption Assessment - This is the most important part where candidates holding valid SCFHS license, SMLE qualification and sufficient experience may receive DOH examination exemption in many situations. However, exemption is NOT guaranteed, final decision depends on DOH evaluation.
- Step 6: Receive Eligibility Letter - If approved, DOH may issue Eligibility Letter / Eligibility Status. This means that candidate is eligible for DOH licensing, employer search can begin, and full license activation still pending.
- Step 7: Employer-Based License Activation - DOH licensing is usually employer-linked. You generally need Abu Dhabi hospital/clinic offer/ employer sponsorship. Only after employer linkage, final DOH license becomes active.
Is passing SMLE exam is enough for transfer?
No. SMLE pass result alone may NOT always be sufficient. DOH usually values:
- active SCFHS license
- recent clinical experience
- good standing
Is DOH license activation is employer-linked only?
Yes, DOH(Department of Health) license activation is employer/health facility linked, not independent. UAE law requires a healthcare professional to be sponsored by a DOH approved employer/health facility for health license activation, to be able to practice legally in UAE. Without a legitimate employer/health facility your eligibility letter doesn't give you practice rights in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Your Comments
"Ive a question regarding DOH/HAAD, what books do i have to study to pass the exam?? And what are the chances of getting a job in Abu Dhabi with (post internship) experience of 2 years in HAAD Pediatrics and neonatology?"
Dr. Sabahat Nazim
Medical Qualification: MBBS, MCPS
City, karachi, Pakistan
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osama ismail
Medical Qualification:bds
City,egypt
"Is there any expiration of your license of HAAD exam? When you passed the exam how long your license will last? Thank you!"
beth
Medical Qualification: nurse
City, Philippines
"hello, Please i wanted to know if i can take the Physician exam for HAAD here in Phils also? And where do i submit my credentials? Thank you and looking forward for a reply."
Nerissa
Medical Qualification: Physician
City, Manila, Philippines
"1.What is the procedure to register for HAAD exam"
Dr Ahmad Saeed
Medical Qualification:MBBS, MCPS (F/Med)
City,Karachi,Pakistan
"Just want to inquire, what was the address of PEarsonvue at cebu city?"
april fale
Medical Qualification:RN
City,Ormoc city
"Are there openings for my job description around UAE or Abu Dhabi?"
Melody Romero Santos
Medical Qualification: Registered Medical Technologist
City,Philippines
"I had a Saudi Commission for Health specialties license,having Diploma from U.K in chest medicine with 18 plus experience post diploma, at present are working in Chest medicine as a specialist physician, Do I need HAAD Exam or not? Dr.Aqeel Hussain Riyadh,K.S.A "
Aqeel Hussain
Medical Qualification:M.B.B.S, D.T.C.D (Wales) United Kingdom
City, Riyadh,Saudi-Arabia
"I would like to write M O H/H A A D exam .In Mumbai Do you Have any Center?"
Lawrance Thomas:P
Medical Qualification:3year Diploma In Nursing 7 YEARS OF nursing work experience
City, Mumbai,India
"hey i have just passed my bachelor degree. m i eligible to give HAAD exame?"
Aleem Shaikh
Medical Qualification:Bachelor of Physiotherapy
City,Pune, india
"what are the infomation needed to do the registration?"
nancy
Medical Qualification:B.Sc Nursing
City, cbe,india
"how as saudi liecence exzam I want your Idea"
barkat ali
Medical Qualification:B.A
City,mingora swat pakistan
"I want to know about all the details about the MOH exam for Doctors Job in UAE."
Dr. Abdul Aziz
Medical Qualification: MBBS
City, Islamabad-Pakistan
