Professional Directory Guide
How to Verify a Doctor’s License in Dubai
Step-by-step guide to checking DHA credentials before your appointment
99,520
Total professionals
24,186
Physicians
5,505
Facilities
46
Specialties
Why Verify Before Your Appointment
With 99,520 healthcare professionals practicing across 5,505 facilities in Dubai, verifying a doctor's credentials is both easy and important. The DHA maintains a public registry that anyone can access for free.
Verification protects you from unlicensed practitioners, confirms the doctor's specialty matches your needs, and ensures they are actively affiliated with the facility you plan to visit.
Step-by-Step: Using DHA Sheryan
Go to the DHA Sheryan Portal
Visit sheryan.dha.gov.ae in your browser. The portal is free and requires no login.
Select 'Search Healthcare Professional'
Click the search option on the homepage. You can search by name, license number, or specialty.
Enter the Doctor's Name
Type the full name as it appears on their business card or the facility's website. Use English transliteration.
Review the Results
Check: license status (Active), specialty, grade (Specialist/Consultant), license type (FTL/REG), and affiliated facility.
Cross-Reference with Facility
Confirm the doctor is listed at the facility where you plan to visit. If there's a mismatch, contact the facility directly.
Using the Zavis Professional Directory
The Zavis Professional Directory provides an alternative interface to browse all 99,520 DHA-licensed professionals. You can filter by specialty, category, facility, and area. Each listing shows the professional's name, grade, license type, and facility.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious if:
- The doctor does not appear in the DHA Sheryan registry at all
- Their license status shows as inactive, expired, or suspended
- Their listed specialty doesn't match what they claim to practice
- They are not affiliated with the facility where you found them
- They refuse to provide their DHA license number when asked
If you encounter any of these issues, report them to the DHA complaints line or visit the DHA website for the formal complaint process.
Verification for Other Emirates
DHA Sheryan only covers Dubai. For other emirates, use the respective portals:
- Abu Dhabi: Department of Health (doh.gov.ae)
- Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, UAQ, Fujairah: MOHAP (mohap.gov.ae)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a doctor's license in Dubai?
Visit the DHA Sheryan portal at sheryan.dha.gov.ae, click 'Search Healthcare Professional', and enter the doctor's name or license number. The system will show their license status, specialty, grade (Specialist/Consultant), license type (FTL/REG), and facility. You can also use the Zavis Professional Directory for a searchable interface.
Is the DHA Sheryan portal free to use?
Yes, the DHA Sheryan portal is completely free and open to the public. Anyone can search for and verify healthcare professionals without creating an account. The portal covers all licensed professionals in Dubai.
What should I check when verifying a doctor?
Verify: (1) License status is active, (2) Specialty matches what they claim, (3) Grade matches (Specialist vs Consultant), (4) They are affiliated with the facility where you plan to visit them, and (5) The license hasn't expired. If any of these don't match, contact the facility or DHA directly.
Can I verify doctors from Abu Dhabi or other emirates?
DHA Sheryan only covers Dubai. For Abu Dhabi, use the DOH portal (doh.gov.ae). For other emirates, check the MOHAP portal (mohap.gov.ae). Each health authority maintains its own registry of licensed professionals.
How often is the DHA registry updated?
The DHA Sheryan registry is updated in real-time as licenses are issued, renewed, or revoked. The Zavis Professional Directory, which mirrors 99,520 records from the DHA registry, is updated periodically to reflect the latest data.
Related Guides
Specialist vs Consultant in Dubai: What’s the Difference?
Learn the difference between a Specialist and Consultant in Dubai's healthcare system. Understand DHA licensing grades, experience requirements, and how to choose the right doctor for your needs.
How DHA Medical Licensing Works in Dubai
Understand how medical licensing works in Dubai under the Dubai Health Authority. Learn about license types, eligibility requirements, the application process, and how DHA regulates healthcare professionals.
FTL vs REG License: What’s the Difference?
Learn the difference between FTL (Full-Time License) and REG (Registered) license types in Dubai's DHA system. Understand what each means for healthcare professionals and patients.
How to Choose the Right Medical Specialist in Dubai
A practical guide to choosing the right medical specialist in Dubai. Learn how to evaluate credentials, compare specialists vs consultants, and find the best doctor for your condition.
Data Source
99,520 healthcare professionals across 5,505 facilities. Last updated 2026-04-03. Source: DHA Sheryan Medical Registry.
Source: Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Sheryan Medical Professional Registry. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Verify professional credentials directly with DHA before making healthcare decisions.