Comprehensive Analysis and Comparative Review of Medical Licensing Processes Across the GCC

Summary:

The assessment of medical licensure procedures across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations—specifically the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH), Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Ministry of Health (MOH) in the UAE, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS), Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP) in Qatar, Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB), and National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) in Bahrain—reveals a system characterized by high standardization in initial verification but significant regulatory divergence in subsequent phases.

Strategic analysis indicates that the most accessible pathway is contingent upon the applicant's origin of training. For specialists trained in recognized Western countries (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, Australia), the SCFHS Saudi Arabia route is often the easiest and fastest, as these professionals are frequently granted an exam waiver, eliminating the largest single hurdle.2 For other International Medical Graduates, DHA Dubai and NHRA Bahrain offer the most standardized, transparent, and financially predictable routes, assuming the candidate is prepared for the mandatory licensing examination. The primary difficulties encountered by all foreign applicants involve navigating documentation complexities and managing the strict timelines associated with the PSV process.

Section 1: The GCC Regulatory Ecosystem: A Foundation for Practice

1.1 Overview of the Six Principal Licensing Bodies and Jurisdictional Authority

Medical practice within the GCC is governed by distinct regulatory bodies that control licensure within specific geographical jurisdictions. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), three separate authorities operate: the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for the Emirate of Dubai, the Department of Health (DOH, formerly HAAD) for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP/MOH) for the Northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain).5 This structure results in a fragmented licensing model; a DHA license is valid only in Dubai and requires a conversion process to practice in Abu Dhabi or the Northern Emirates.1

In contrast, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the State of Qatar, and the Sultanate of Oman employ more centralized, monolithic licensing systems. The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) regulates all health specialties kingdom-wide.2 Similarly, the Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP) under Qatar’s Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) regulates all practitioners throughout Qatar.7 The Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) and the National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) in Bahrain also govern their respective countries through centralized regulatory frameworks, simplifying internal professional mobility once licensed.

1.2 Standardized Credential Verification: The Centrality of Primary Source Verification (PSV)

This PSV phase is consistently identified as the key procedural bottleneck, regardless of the target country. DataFlow verification generally takes 30 to 45 days for DHA applications, though the SCFHS process is frequently cited as taking 6 to 8 weeks.1 Because eligibility reviews (10-15 business days) and exam scheduling (as early as one week) are typically quicker once verification is complete, the duration of the PSV phase fundamentally dictates the overall minimum application timeline. Delays often arise when institutions in the applicant's home country are slow to respond to the verification requests, an element outside the applicant's direct control. Therefore, initiating the PSV early, ideally before securing a job offer, represents a key strategic move to optimize the overall time-to-license.

A mitigating factor is the established process for PSV transferability. An applicant who successfully completes a DataFlow verification for one GCC regulator (e.g., SCFHS) may transfer the report to another (e.g., DHA, DOH, OMSB, DHP). This involves a transfer fee and minor re-verification, but significantly accelerates cross-country applications, offering a substantial advantage to professionals seeking future career mobility within the region.2

1.3 Universal Eligibility Requirements: Experience Benchmarks and Good Standing Certificates (GSC)

The six health authorities enforce uniform minimum professional standards to ensure competency in the expatriate workforce. For International Medical Graduates seeking a General Practitioner (GP) title, a near-universal requirement is the completion of a recognized medical degree and internship, followed by a minimum of two years of clinical experience gained post-internship.3 This clinical experience must be hands-on and gained during a salaried employment period; non-clinical or teaching experience is generally not considered relevant.3

All regulators mandate the submission of a Certificate of Good Standing (GSC) from the professional licensing authority in the applicant’s home country or country of last practice. This certificate ensures a clean professional track record and must typically be issued within the last six months to be considered valid.4

Regulators in the UAE, particularly DOH and MOHAP, also impose strict rules regarding gaps in practice. If an applicant has not been in active professional practice for more than two years, they must provide documentation of alternative medical training details or face requirements for additional training or re-evaluation.8 This constraint is a substantial procedural hurdle for doctors returning from extended non-clinical breaks, such as academic research or parental leave. Furthermore, specialists, particularly those in surgical fields, must often submit a detailed surgical or clinical logbook or case summary. This documentation is required by DHA and MOHAP to quantify the depth and breadth of their experience and is a prerequisite for advanced title licensing.3

Section 2: UAE Licensing Triad: DHA, DOH, and MOH

The UAE’s decentralized licensing structure necessitates a detailed examination of each authority's specific workflow, particularly concerning examination requirements and fee structures.

2.1 DHA Dubai Licensing Pathway: Speed and Standardization

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) utilizes the Sheryan portal for its licensing workflow. The process is highly standardized and follows sequential stages: initial registration (1-2 days) $\rightarrow$ mandatory DataFlow PSV (30-45 days) $\rightarrow$ Eligibility Review (10-15 business days) $\rightarrow$ scheduling and passing the Prometric Exam $\rightarrow$ and finally, License Issuance (5-10 business days after securing a job offer).1 The entire process averages 6 to 12 weeks, contingent on the speed of the PSV phase and the exam scheduling.1

The DHA examination is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) administered via Prometric. It typically involves 100 to 150 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) completed over 2 to 3 hours, with a passing threshold generally set between 60 percent and 70 percent.5 The fee for these Prometric examinations is typically around $280.12

The financial structure of the DHA process involves low-to-moderate initial outlays but a substantial final fee. While DataFlow PSV costs range from $300 to $450 and the Prometric exam costs $110 to $150, the final license issuance fee for doctors is significant, ranging from AED 2,000 to AED 3,000 (up to approximately $820).1 This structure minimizes the financial risk for applicants who fail the exam, as the regulator collects the primary licensing revenue only upon successful qualification and confirmed employment. A job offer is mandatory for the final license to be issued, although eligibility can be granted beforehand.1

2.2 DOH Abu Dhabi (HAAD) Licensing Pathway: Higher Clinical Scrutiny

The Department of Health (DOH) in Abu Dhabi manages licensing for the emirate and Al Ain. DOH assessments are conducted either by Pearson VUE or the National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS).5 While similar in structure to DHA, the DOH exam is often reported to be more challenging, ranking from Moderate to High difficulty due to its greater emphasis on clinical scenarios and comprehensive case-based questions, particularly for specialists.6 The passing score is generally 60 percent to 65 percent.5

DOH also enforces particularly stringent criteria for those seeking entry into training programs, such as residency. Non-UAE nationals applying for training must have a graduation certificate issued less than five years prior to application and must possess a Transcript Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or above (equivalent to 80 percent).13 This focus on recent academic achievement reflects DOH's commitment to immediate clinical readiness. Furthermore, safety and competency reviews are mandatory for all senior practitioners; doctors aged 60 and above must provide a certificate confirming their physical and mental fitness, issued by the Emirates Health Services (EHS).8

2.3 MOH UAE (Northern Emirates) Licensing: Standardization of Process

Licensing for the Northern Emirates is managed by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). The MOHAP workflow follows a highly standardized pathway that includes mandatory security approval via an 'Introductory Statement' submission, DataFlow verification, and subsequent review by a MOHAP officer upon acceptance of a work invitation.8

The required documentation is extensive, including a passport, Introductory Statement, insurance against medical errors, a Good Standing Certificate, and experience certificates.8 Surgical specialists must also submit a surgical logbook.11 The final licensing fee for doctors operating in private facilities is AED 3,000 (approximately $820), matching the final cost of the DHA license.8 MOHAP also facilitates the Licensing of a Visiting Doctor, a streamlined pathway for temporary practice that still requires core documentation such as a GSC and insurance against medical errors.11

2.4 Inter-Emirate License Transferability: The Conversion Process

A critical regulatory element within the UAE is the limited portability of licenses across the three main health authorities. Although DHA, DOH, and MOH licenses are described as "transferable," this transfer requires a specific conversion or re-verification process.1 Holding a license in one emirate, such as Dubai (DHA), does not grant automatic permission to practice in another, such as Abu Dhabi (DOH). Instead, the existing license provides a strong advantage for an expedited eligibility review, often leading to a waiver of the repeat licensing exam. However, the applicant must still navigate the administrative procedures, pay associated fees, and meet the specific criteria of the new jurisdiction. This process underscores the necessity for foreign applicants to carefully select their primary practice location, as internal movement within the UAE health sector still incurs secondary administrative costs and timelines.

Section 3: Saudi Arabia (SCFHS) and Qatar (DHP): The High-Demand Markets

3.1 SCFHS Saudi Arabia Licensing via Mumaris Plus: A Conditional Shortcut

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) manages all professional classifications and licensing through its centralized online platform, Mumaris Plus.2 Applicants register, upload documents for professional classification, and await a determination of eligibility and potential exam requirement.2

The DataFlow Primary Source Verification phase for SCFHS is generally considered to be slower than in the UAE, typically requiring 6 to 8 weeks.2 Once this report is issued, the SCFHS proceeds with the final assessment.

The most critical strategic differentiator in the entire GCC landscape is the SCFHS exam waiver policy. The SCFHS waives the requirement for the Saudi licensing examination for physicians who have successfully completed their training in countries with internationally recognized, high-standard medical training programs, including the UK, Ireland, France, the USA, Canada, and Australia.2 For eligible specialists, this policy bypasses the most significant logistical and academic hurdle, drastically simplifying the licensing procedure. For this elite group, the SCFHS process is often reduced to PSV and administrative classification, transforming the overall timeline from potentially 5+ months (if an exam is required) to approximately 6 to 8 weeks, making it potentially the quickest and least risky pathway.

For IMGs who do not qualify for the waiver, a licensing exam (Prometric CBT or sometimes an online evaluation session) is mandatory.2 SCFHS issues an "Eligibility Number" allowing the applicant to register for this exam once their professional classification is approved.14

3.2 DHP MOPH Qatar Licensing: Efficiency Post-Verification

The Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP) under the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in Qatar is responsible for the registration and licensing of all healthcare practitioners, utilizing unified policies irrespective of the applicant's country of origin.7 General requirements include a recognized medical degree, a minimum of one year of relevant clinical experience in the specialty, and documentation proving compliance with Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements.15

Once all required documents, including PSV verification, are submitted, the DHP stands out for its relatively rapid eligibility review process. The stated processing time for new licenses for physicians and dentists is only 15 working days.16 This rapid turnaround in the post-documentation review phase suggests high administrative efficiency once the DataFlow verification—which usually takes one to two months—is complete.2 If an IMG has thoroughly prepared and verified their credentials, Qatar offers a highly streamlined pathway to the final licensing approval.

Section 4: Oman (OMSB) and Bahrain (NHRA): Strategic Entry Points

4.1 OMSB Oman Licensing: Mandatory Exam and Sponsorship

The Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) overseas medical licensing through the Oman Medical Registration System (OMRS).9 Eligibility requires a recognized degree, a minimum of two to three years of work experience for General Practitioners, and a clear professional record.9 The verification phase involves Primary Source Verification (PSV), which can take one to two months.17

A key requirement for OMSB applicants is the mandatory passing of the OMSB Prometric exam.9 Unlike some GCC authorities where the examination might be waived or conducted through alternative assessment, the OMSB exam is a prerequisite for most IMGs.

Crucially, the final stage of the application requires the foreign applicant to be sponsored by an Oman-based healthcare facility (hospital or clinic).9 This contrasts with the DHA process, which grants eligibility before a job offer is secured. In Oman, the job offer and subsequent facility sponsorship are integrated earlier into the final approval steps, making secure employment a prerequisite for completing the licensing procedure. Upon successful completion of the exam and securing sponsorship, the applicant receives the valid OMSB medical license, which may be a General, Specialist, or Temporary license.17

4.2 NHRA Bahrain Licensing: Cost-Effective and Dual PSV Option

The National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA) in Bahrain offers one of the most cost-effective and flexible licensing routes in the GCC. The Bahrain Licensure Examination (BLE) is administered by Prometric. For example, the dental licensure exam consists of 100 MCQs taken over 2.5 hours, with a passing score of 60 percent.18 The cost for the Prometric examination is $184.5 (or 69.5 BHD), which is significantly lower than the fees quoted for many UAE exams.10

A unique advantage offered by NHRA is the choice between two PSV vendors: DataFlow or QuadraBay.10 This competitive vendor environment can offer applicants financial flexibility and efficiency. For example, the Regular PSV Package for DataFlow costs 120 BHD (approximately $320), while the equivalent Regular Package from QuadraBay is 110 BHD (approximately $295).10

Furthermore, the NHRA administrative fees are notably low compared to the UAE authorities. The application fee is 20 BHD, and the license issuance fee for doctors ranges from 60 BHD to 100 BHD (approximately $160 to $265), depending on the title (General, Specialist, or Consultant).10 This low barrier to entry, combined with a standardized exam and dual PSV option, positions Bahrain as a highly accessible and predictable market for IMGs.

Section 5: Comparative Analysis of Investment and Return

5.1 Comparative Matrix of Application Processes, Timelines, and Costs

A detailed comparison of the logistical and financial investment required for each GCC jurisdiction is necessary for strategic career planning.

Comparative Matrix of Application Processes, Timelines, and Costs

5.2 Analysis of Licensing Exams: Format, Difficulty, and Strategic Waivers

The nature of the licensing examination is often the deciding factor in the difficulty of entry. While most GCC exams are Computer-Based Tests (CBT) with Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) and a passing score around 60 percent to 70 percent 5, the content and administrative policies vary significantly.

5.3 The Strategic Return: Compensation and Professional Environment

The rigorous nature of GCC licensing processes is offset by the substantial professional and financial returns available in these markets. The UAE, for instance, has become a major hub for medical professionals due to its rapid healthcare expansion and high compensation. The average salary for a doctor in the UAE is reported to be $182,012 annually.19

Crucially, this compensation is often tax-free, leading to significantly higher disposable income than is common in many Western nations, effectively mitigating the high costs of living in major cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.19 Beyond compensation, the GCC offers a robust professional environment, including access to advanced, modern hospitals, collaboration with leading international institutions, opportunities for research, and support for continuous medical education (CME) and specialization.20 This investment in infrastructure is driven by a region-wide dependency on expatriate health workers, necessitated by shortages in nationally trained professionals and specialized disciplines like cardiology and oncology.21 This sustained high demand simplifies the employment search once licensure is secured.

Section 6: The "Easiest" Route, Difficulties, and Strategic Advantages

6.1 Analysis of Difficulties and Critical Bottlenecks

While GCC licensing authorities have streamlined their digital portals, several critical difficulties persist for foreign applicants.

The primary administrative difficulty remains the dependency on third-party Primary Source Verification. Since the applicant's status hinges on the speed and responsiveness of their previous educational institutions and employers, this process—taking 30 to 60 days—is difficult for the applicant to expedite.1 Common reasons for application rejection or prolonged delays include submitting low-quality documents, inconsistent dates across work experience letters, or missing key certificates like the internship certificate.1

The second major difficulty is the exam itself, which presents both a logistical and academic challenge. Although the exams are standardized, they require intensive preparation. Applicants who fail the exam face limitations on retakes; for instance, the DHA allows only three attempts per year.1 Finally, for surgical or specialist titles, the requirement to produce a meticulously detailed surgical logbook or case summary adds a complex administrative burden, particularly for IMGs whose home country regulatory systems do not enforce standardized digital log-keeping.

6.2 Positive Factors and Strategic Advantages

The GCC regulators are actively simplifying processes to attract global talent. One key development is the increased availability of provisional licenses. These permits allow qualified International Medical Graduates and specialists to begin practice based on verified credentials while they finalize the requirements for full licensure, directly addressing urgent staffing needs in specialties like cardiology and oncology.22

Furthermore, the overall quality of life and remuneration package provide strong strategic advantages. The zero-income-tax environment directly translates the high average salary into maximum disposable income.19 Coupled with world-class infrastructure, excellent international schooling options, and access to vibrant expatriate communities, the career move into the GCC offers a significant lifestyle enhancement alongside professional advancement.20

6.3 Conclusion: Determining the Most Accessible Path for Foreign Applicants

Determining the "easiest" route to obtaining a medical license in the GCC is conditional and depends heavily on the applicant’s educational and professional history.

Scenario 1: The Western-Trained Specialist (The Easiest Route)

For physicians and specialists who completed their medical training or residency programs in internationally recognized jurisdictions—including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe—the recommended path is SCFHS Saudi Arabia.

The rationale is driven by the high probability of an exam waiver offered by SCFHS.2 Eliminating the mandatory licensing exam effectively removes the highest risk and longest preparatory phase of the application. For this demographic, the process is streamlined to credential verification (6–8 weeks) and administrative classification, resulting in the lowest assessment risk and the fastest time-to-practice.

Scenario 2: The Experienced International Medical Graduate (IMG) (The Most Predictable Route)

For International Medical Graduates who must take a licensing exam, the most predictable and accessible routes are DHA Dubai and NHRA Bahrain.

DHA Dubai offers the fastest post-PSV administrative review (10–15 days) and the quickest final license issuance (5–10 days post-job offer).1 The Prometric exam is standardized, facilitating focused preparation. NHRA Bahrain provides a strong alternative, characterized by the lowest overall administrative and final licensing fees ($160–$265) and the unique flexibility of choosing between two PSV vendors (DataFlow/QuadraBay).10 These two authorities provide clearly defined steps, making the investment in time and preparation highly predictable.

The Most Difficult Routes (Conditional)

The most difficult pathways are typically conditional:

1. DOH Abu Dhabi (HAAD) Exam: The requirement for more complex, case-based clinical scenarios in the assessment process results in a higher reported difficulty compared to the standardized DHA exam.6

2. SCFHS Saudi Arabia (for IMGs requiring the exam): Combining the typically slower PSV timeline (6–8 weeks) with the necessity of an exam results in the longest potential end-to-end timeline, often exceeding 16 weeks. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: What is Primary Source Verification (PSV), and why is it the main bottleneck?
   PSV is the mandatory, standardized process (via DataFlow or QuadraBay) where the GCC regulators verify the authenticity of an IMG's academic, licensure, and experience documents directly with the issuing institutions. It is the main bottleneck because the time (30-60 days) depends entirely on the speed of response from the IMG's previous employers and universities, which is outside the applicant's control.

2. Q: What is the minimum experience requirement for a General Practitioner (GP) in the GCC?
   A near-universal requirement for an IMG seeking a GP license is a minimum of two years of relevant clinical experience gained post-internship. This must be hands-on, salaried experience; non-clinical or teaching time is generally not accepted.

3. Q: If I get PSV verification for SCFHS, can I use it for DHA or DHP?
   Yes. PSV reports are generally transferable between GCC regulators (e.g., SCFHS to DHA, DOH, DHP). This requires paying a transfer fee and re-verification but significantly accelerates cross-country applications, offering future professional mobility within the GCC.

4. Q: Which GCC regulator is the easiest/fastest for specialists trained in the USA, UK, or Canada?
   SCFHS Saudi Arabia is the easiest route for this group because it waives the mandatory licensing exam. This simplifies the process to just credential verification (6-8 weeks) and administrative classification, drastically reducing the time-to-practice.

5. Q: What is the main difference between DHA and DOH licensure in the UAE?
   The UAE has a fragmented licensing model: DHA covers Dubai, and DOH (formerly HAAD) covers Abu Dhabi. A license from one emirate requires a conversion/re-verification process to practice in the other. DOH exams are often reported to be more challenging, focusing on complex clinical scenarios.

6. Q: Why is NHRA Bahrain considered a predictable and cost-effective route for IMGs?
   NHRA Bahrain is cost-effective due to its low overall administrative and final licensing fees (as low as $160-$265). It is predictable because it offers a standardized, low-cost exam and allows the applicant to choose between two PSV vendors (DataFlow or QuadraBay), fostering efficiency.

7. Q: Is a job offer mandatory to start the licensing process in the GCC?
   No, you can generally start the process and gain Eligibility status (including passing the exam) without a job offer (e.g., in DHA Dubai). However, a final job offer and facility sponsorship are typically mandatory for the final license to be issued and activated.

8. Q: What is the general format and passing score for the GCC licensing exams?
   Most GCC licensing exams (Prometric CBT) are Computer-Based Tests (CBTs) consisting of Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs). The passing score generally ranges from 60 percent to 70 percent, depending on the authority and specialty.

9. Q: What is the main procedural hurdle for surgical specialists?
   Surgical and procedural specialists are often required to submit a meticulously detailed surgical or clinical logbook or case summary to quantify the depth and breadth of their experience. This adds a complex administrative burden, especially for IMGs whose home country systems do not mandate digital log-keeping.

10. Q: What is the advantage of DHP MOPH Qatar's process compared to the others?
    The DHP in Qatar stands out for its relatively rapid post-PSV administrative efficiency. The stated processing time for new licenses for physicians, once all documents are submitted, is only 15 working days, suggesting a quick turnaround in the final eligibility review phase.
    

Works cited

1. DHA License Process for Doctors 2025: Steps, Requirements & Fees - ExamCure, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://www.examcure.com/blog/dha-license-process-guide-for-doctors-2025-step-by-step-with-requirements-fees-and-timeline

2. Guide to Medical Licensing (SCFHS) in Saudi Arabia | Allocation ..., accessed on October 27, 2025, https://www.allocationassist.com/medical-licensing-scfhs-in-saudi-arabia/

3. PQR 2025 - Dubai Health Authority, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://services.dha.gov.ae/sheryan/wps/contenthandler/war/SheryanHomeThemeStatic/themes/Portal8.5/docs/PQR_April_2025.pdf

4. DHA Dataflow Process 2025: Complete Step-by-Step Verification Guide - ExamCure, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://www.examcure.com/blog/dha-dataflow-process-step-by-step-guide-for-2025

5. DHA vs DOH vs MOH Exam: Which UAE License Is Right for You? - Academically, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://academically.com/blogs/dha-test-vs-doh-vs-moh/

6. DHA vs HAAD Exams: Key Differences and Licensing Guide 2025 - Global Med Connect, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://globalmedconnect.ae/blogs/dha-vs-haad-exams-key-differences-and-licensing-guide-2025/

7. Registration & Licensing - Department of Healthcare Professions (DHP), accessed on October 27, 2025, https://dhp.moph.gov.qa/en/Pages/Registration.aspx

8. Licensing and Re-licensing of a Health Professional | Ministry of Health and Prevention - UAE, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://mohap.gov.ae/en/w/licensing-or-re-licensing-of-health-professional

9. How Can a Foreigner Get a Medical License in Oman?, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://omanbusinesssetup.com/blog/how-can-a-foreigner-get-a-medical-license-in-oman/

10. Pharmacy NHRA Application Cost Fees type Amount Entity Application fees 20 BHD NHRA License issuance fees • Pharmacist 120 BH, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://www.nhra.bh/Departments/HCP/Fees/MediaHandler/GenericHandler/documents/departments/HCP/Fees/Cost%20-%20Aug%202022.pdf

11. Licensing of a Visiting Doctor | Ministry of Health and Prevention - UAE, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://mohap.gov.ae/en/w/licensing-of-a-visiting-doctor

12. DHA Healthcare Professional Licensing Assessment Guideline - Dubai Health Authority, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://services.dha.gov.ae/sheryan/wps/contenthandler/war/SheryanHomeThemeStatic/themes/Portal8.5/docs/Final_Online_Exam_Guideline_CBT.pdf

13. Medical Residency Program | Department of Health Abu Dhabi, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://www.doh.gov.ae/en/programs-initiatives/meed/advance-training-program/medical-residency-program

14. Getting Your Saudi Professional Health License, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://www.hziegler.com/articles/saudi-license.html

15. How to Get a QCHP License in Qatar: Essential Steps for 2025 | Allocation Assist, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://www.allocationassist.com/how-to-get-a-qchp-license-in-qatar-essential-steps-for-2025/

16. DHP Processing Time Qatar 2025 Updated Licensing & Evaluation Timelines by MoPH, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://meembusiness.com/dhp-processing-time-qatar/

17. How Can a Foreigner Get a Medical License in Oman? | GCS Group, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://setupdubai.business/how-can-a-foreigner-get-a-medical-license-in-oman/

18. Bahrain Prometric Dental Licensing Exam (BDLE) | NHRA Coaching for Dentistry Graduates, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://academically.com/dentist/bahrain-prometric-dental-licensing-exam-bdle-nhra-coaching-for-dentistry-graduates/

19. Highest Paying Countries for Doctors in 2025 | Top Salaries - USMLE Strike, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://usmlestrike.com/highest-paying-countries-for-doctors/

20. Living and Working in the GCC as a Healthcare Professional - TERN Group, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://www.tern-group.com/blog/living-and-working-in-the-gcc-as-a-healthcare-professional

21. Capacity building in health care professions within the Gulf cooperation council countries: paving the way forward - PubMed Central, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6417223/

22. How to Secure a Doctor's Job in GCC Countries with TERN: A 2025 Guide, accessed on October 27, 2025, https://www.tern-group.com/blog/how-to-secure-a-doctors-job-in-gcc-countries-with-tern-a-2025-guide