UAE healthcare guide
What is MOHAP? Ministry of Health and Prevention
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) is the UAE's federal government body responsible for healthcare policy, regulation, and public health at the national level. While DHA and DOH handle healthcare regulation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively, MOHAP directly regulates the healthcare sector in the five Northern Emirates: Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) is the UAE's federal government body responsible for healthcare policy, regulation, and public health at the national level. While DHA and DOH handle healthcare regulation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively, MOHAP directly regulates the healthcare sector in the five Northern Emirates: Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain.
MOHAP licenses healthcare facilities and professionals in the Northern Emirates, operates federal hospitals and clinics, and leads national health campaigns including vaccination programmes, disease surveillance, and public health awareness initiatives. The ministry also plays a coordinating role across all emirates on matters of national health policy, pharmaceutical regulation, and emergency preparedness.
In recent years, MOHAP has focused on expanding healthcare access in the Northern Emirates, improving the quality of primary care, and developing a robust pharmaceutical regulatory framework. The ministry maintains the federal licensed facility register, which serves as the authoritative source for verifying the licensing status of healthcare providers in the Northern Emirates.
Last updated March 2026
FAQ
What does MOHAP stand for?
MOHAP stands for the Ministry of Health and Prevention. It is the UAE's federal health ministry responsible for national health policy and direct regulation of healthcare in the Northern Emirates.
Which emirates does MOHAP regulate?
MOHAP directly regulates healthcare in Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. It also sets national health policy that applies across all seven Emirates.
Does MOHAP operate hospitals?
Yes. MOHAP operates several federal hospitals and healthcare centres across the Northern Emirates, providing both primary and secondary care services.
How do I check if a clinic is licensed by MOHAP?
You can verify a facility's licence through the MOHAP website or the UAE Open Healthcare Directory. All licensed facilities are listed in MOHAP's official register.