UAE Overhauls Medical Licensing to Boost Healthcare

Apr 7, 2026

85 min

Apr 7, 2026 10:31

UAE's amended medical licensing rules to transform healthcare delivery, experts say on World Health Day

## New Licensing Rules

On World Health Day, the UAE announced significant changes to its medical licensing system. These reforms allow medical faculty to practice in hospitals and remove the six-month internship requirement for certain health graduates. This initiative, effective from April 1, aims to enhance the country's healthcare workforce and improve service delivery.

## Industry Impact

Experts believe these changes will address long-standing issues in healthcare systems by integrating education and clinical practice. Avinav Nigam, CEO of TERN Group, highlights that the reforms will streamline the transition of trained professionals into active roles, aided by AI tools for better workforce planning.

## Educational Benefits

Sanitha Ron from Medcare Hospitals notes that the policy will improve patient care and training standards by allowing educators to bring academic insights into clinical settings. This will foster collaboration between hospitals and universities, enhancing both education and patient care.

## Acknowledging Existing Models

The Thumbay Group, known for its teaching healthcare network, sees this as validation of their approach. Akbar Moideen Thumbay emphasizes that allowing faculty to practice in hospitals strengthens academic medicine and aligns education with real-world practice.

## Graduate Experiences

Recent graduates from Gulf Medical University have already benefited from the new rules. Mohammed Alassady and Andleeb Yousuf, among others, have quickly transitioned into roles without the previous internship delay, highlighting the practical benefits of the reforms.

## Future Outlook

These reforms are part of the UAE's broader vision to modernize its healthcare system by 2031. Officials believe the changes will enhance the link between education and practice, maintain high care standards, and optimize human capital. Dr. Amin Al Amiri from MoHAP notes that enabling faculty practice will enrich the healthcare environment with advanced expertise.

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