UAE Allows Medical Faculty to Practise & Eases Graduate Licensing

The United Arab Emirates has introduced new measures that allow academic staff at medical universities and colleges to practise within healthcare facilities, while also easing licensing requirements for certain health graduates. The Ministry of Health and Prevention, in coordination with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, said the changes are designed to make better use of qualified professionals across both academic and clinical settings. Under the updated framework, physicians and other healthcare professionals working as faculty members can take on clinical roles, provided they meet the required qualifications and licensing conditions. In addition, teaching hours completed by academic staff will count toward Continuing Professional Development requirements, in line with approved medical education policies. A legal review of existing legislation, including unified medical licensing regulations, found no restrictions preventing faculty members from practising clinically, as long as their academic duties do not conflict with their professional responsibilities. The reforms also remove the requirement for six months of post-graduation experience for certain categories of healthcare workers. This exemption applies to registered nurses, assistant nurses, medical laboratory technicians and technologists, respiratory care technicians, and healthcare assistants, including both UAE-based and international graduates. Authorities may review other allied health specialisations on a case-by-case basis, while maintaining standards for patient safety and quality of care. Officials said the measures aim to modernise licensing procedures, improve efficiency, and better align workforce regulations with labour market needs, while preserving unified standards across the healthcare system.