In the vibrant city of Dubai, the healthcare landscape is ever evolving, and with it, opportunities for motivated nurses. Over the past few years, becoming a nurse in Dubai has transitioned from a challenging endeavour to a more accessible path, thanks to regulatory changes and a growing demand for healthcare professionals.
More than 200 nationalities are living and working in the UAE, with the expatriate community outnumbering the population of UAE nationals. Indians form the most prominent foreign community in the UAE, followed by Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, other Asians, Europeans, and Africans. This population contributes towards the wider healthcare community, and the need for healthcare workers in the region is gaining momentum.
Healthcare workers from many regions flock to Dubai, contributing to the healthcare sector with their skills and experiences, while benefitting from high wages and stability. Unlike many other professions in the Emirates, the requirement of prior work experience for nurses has been significantly relaxed, opening doors for fresh graduates and seasoned professionals alike.
Back in 2022, a pivotal announcement by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) marked a turning point in the nursing landscape. The requirement of two years of work experience, once a prerequisite for obtaining a nursing license, was lifted for registered nurses when they have their registration from Canada, the US, the UK, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, as English proficiency is a highly sought-after skill set for working professionals. Assistant nurses with a diploma of nursing that lasted more than 18 months are also eligible. For UAE graduates, the program and the university must be accredited by the Ministry of Education.
Under the revised regulations, registered and assistant nurses are no longer bound by the necessity of prior work experience to practice in Dubai. However, certain specialized roles such as school nurses, nurse practitioners, and specialty nurses may require candidates to meet additional educational criteria.
Dubai has worked towards enhancing its appeal as a destination for medical professionals, nurses in particular, from around the globe, offering a promising career path amidst a dynamic and growing healthcare sector. By prioritising accessibility and inclusivity while still emphasising the need for quality care, the city has set itself up well to attract more talent than ever.
The UAE health regulators and authorities are creating more conducive environment for professional practice for healthcare workers in the region with streamlined pathways which is a move OET welcomes and appreciates.
For more information, healthcare professionals are encouraged to check the requirements for licensing and registration with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP).