Working in the United Arab Emirates
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in the United Arab Emirates
700
Main language(s) spoken in the United Arab Emirates
English, Arabic
Other languages commonly spoken in the United Arab Emirates
Hindi, Urdu
Registration
Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice
Not Required
There is currently no unified national licensure system for occupational therapists in the UAE. Instead, each Emirate has its own regulatory health authority, with distinct requirements and pathways for professional licensing.
Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice
Required
Occupational Therapists must obtain licensure from one of three main regulatory authorities depending on the Emirate of practice.
1. Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)
Covers: Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah)
https://mohap.gov.ae/en/w/licensing-or-re-licensing-of-health-professional (External) ↗
2. Dubai Health Authority-Dubai (DHA)
https://dha.gov.ae/en/services/details?id=245&segment=professional_services (External) ↗
3. Department of Health-Abu Dhabi (DOH)
https://www.tamm.abudhabi/en/life-events/business/healthcare/healthcare-facilities/ManageaHealthcareProfessionalLicence (External) ↗
1. Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP)
Covers: Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah)
https://mohap.gov.ae/en/w/licensing-or-re-licensing-of-health-professional (External) ↗
2. Dubai Health Authority-Dubai (DHA)
https://dha.gov.ae/en/services/details?id=245&segment=professional_services (External) ↗
3. Department of Health-Abu Dhabi (DOH)
https://www.tamm.abudhabi/en/life-events/business/healthcare/healthcare-facilities/ManageaHealthcareProfessionalLicence (External) ↗
It is compulsory to join the Emirates Occupational Therapy Working Group in order to practice as an occupational therapist
No
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
No
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
English
Additional requirements for occupational therapists to practice
A minimum of two years of clinical experience is typically required for occupational therapists to obtain licensure. However, this requirement may be waived for graduates from specific countries or recognised jurisdictions, depending on the licensing authority’s criteria.
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
Occupational therapists in the UAE may seek employment through a range of sources, including international job platforms such as LinkedIn and Indeed, regional job portals, and direct applications to healthcare organisations. Recruitment agencies and professional networking also play a significant role in facilitating employment within the UAE context.
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
Once employed, the visa and residency permit are typically sponsored by the employer through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), which manages entry permits and residence visas.
For more information, you may check the website: https://gdrfad.gov.ae/en (External) ↗
For more information, you may check the website: https://gdrfad.gov.ae/en (External) ↗
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in the United Arab Emirates
Yes
Emirates Occupational Therapy Working Group has a membership category for occupational therapy assistants
Yes
It is compulsory to join the Emirates Occupational Therapy Working Group in order to practice as an occupational therapy assistant
No
Occupational therapy assistants require formal training in occupational therapy to work as such in the United Arab Emirates
Yes
Occupational therapy Assistants in the UAE are required to hold a formal qualification, either a degree as an occupational therapy assistant or a degree in occupational therapy, typically with less than two years of clinical experience.
Occupational therapy assistants need to register with a federal/national organisation to practice in the United Arab Emirates
No
There is currently no unified national licensure system for occupational therapy assistants in the UAE. Instead, each Emirate has its own regulatory health authority, with distinct requirements and pathways for professional licensing.
Occupational therapy assistants need to register with a state/regional organisation to practice in the United Arab Emirates
Yes
Occupational Therapy Assistants in the UAE obtain professional licensure through Emirate-level regulatory authorities, including:
-The Ministry of Health and Prevention - Covers: Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaima) (MOHAP): https://mohap.gov.ae/en/w/licensing-or-re-licensing-of-health-professional (External) ↗)
-The Dubai Health Authority(DHA): https://dha.gov.ae/en/services/details?id=245&segment=professional_services (External) ↗)
-The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH): https://www.tamm.abudhabi/en/life-events/business/healthcare/healthcare-facilities/ManageaHealthcareProfessionalLicence (External) ↗)
-The Ministry of Health and Prevention - Covers: Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaima) (MOHAP): https://mohap.gov.ae/en/w/licensing-or-re-licensing-of-health-professional (External) ↗)
-The Dubai Health Authority(DHA): https://dha.gov.ae/en/services/details?id=245&segment=professional_services (External) ↗)
-The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH): https://www.tamm.abudhabi/en/life-events/business/healthcare/healthcare-facilities/ManageaHealthcareProfessionalLicence (External) ↗)
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Emirates Occupational Therapy Working Group and was last updated on 1st April 2026. WFOT is not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or changes in the information provided. This information is intended as a guide and should be independently verified before making any decisions.
Education Programmes
There are no WFOT Approved Programmes in the United Arab Emirates at this time.