The healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi is experiencing exponential growth in 2025 and, in order to sustain it, pharmacists from all over the world, i.e., India, will be needed.
The objectives by the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DOH) — formerly known as HAAD (Health Authority of Abu Dhabi) — is to keep the quality standards of healthcare delivery at a high level.
For Indian pharmacists willing to relocate to Abu Dhabi, the first steps in their career might include education about the pharmacy workflow, training on drugs, exams, and work prospects in this ever-changing city.
DOH Abu Dhabi is the body in charge of licensing and regulating healthcare professionals in the emirate, including pharmacists, through the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi.
Irrespective of the place of work, a pharmacist must be qualified to obtain their license based on the theoretical as well as the clinical skills. The DOH ensures that pharmacists recruited from abroad follow rigorous international standards in safety, care, and ethical practices.
Eligibility for Indian Pharmacists
Trained pharmacists are the largest group among the licensed practitioners in Abu Dhabi. The DOH pharmacist licensing exam for Indian candidates will be permitted ONLY if Indian applicants hold:
- A pharmacy degree from a credible institution of India, such as B.Pharm, M.Pharm, or Pharm.D.
- A valid registration certificate from the Pharmacy Council of India.
- Two years of pharmaceutical work experience in the last six years, with at least one year in a retail or hospital setting—corporate or sales experience alone is usually not sufficient.
- Recently employed with no more than a two-year gap in the history of employment.
- A certificate of good standing issued by the Indian Pharmacy Council or the employer.
- All the necessary documents, such as degree certificates, transcripts, experience letters, and identity proof, have been converted into English or Arabic if needed.
DOH Exam: Format and Preparation
The Department of Health (DOH) exam for pharmacists is a computer-based test consisting of multiple-choice questions that aim to measure candidates’ pharmaceutical knowledge, clinical skills, and their capability to use pharmacy principles within the UAE context.
The test is generally about 2.5 hours long and usually has around 150 questions with the pass mark being 60% or greater. Once the credentials are authenticated by DOH, candidates can go to the Pearson VUE portal to register and book their exam.
Essential learning
- Pharmaceutical sciences (pharmacology, pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry)
- Clinical pharmacy and therapeutics
- Pharmacy calculations and compounding
- Drug safety and pharmacovigilance
- UAE pharmacy laws and ethics
- Patient counseling and communication skills
To prepare effectively and score well, one should comprehend the exam outline, solve previous year MCQ papers, get coached through online classes or put up workshops specifically catering to DOH exam aspirants, and lastly, revise pharmacy regulations peculiar to the UAE.
First, the documents for authentication and the process forthe application
All application paperwork submitted to DOH should be in line with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs certified and authenticated guidelines. The DataFlow verification must be performed, where educational certificates, registration certificates, and employment experience are verified by the Indian authorities in charge of the respective areas and the DOH.
Candidates additionally have to submit a current passport, recent passport-sized photographs, a no-objection certificate or an offer of work from a healthcare employer in Abu Dhabi, and a certificate of good conduct.
After the green light for the application and the successful passing of the DOH exam, a pharmacist is handed a professional license that legally authorizes him to work in Abu Dhabi.
Also Read: All About DHA Exam
Career Prospects and Salaries
Pharmacists licensed by the DOH Abu Dhabi in 2025 have many career opportunities to choose from, such as:
- Hospitals in the government and private sectors
- Community and retail pharmacies
- Companies of pharmaceutical distribution
- Clinical research institutions
- The regulatory agencies and the health authorities
Among the factors that affect the salaries of pharmacists are experience, employer, and role. In general, the salaries range from AED 5,000 to AED 20,000 per month, along with some benefits like health insurance, accommodation, and an annual return ticket to the home country.
The solid healthcare infrastructure and the constant investments in the pharmaceutical sector have made Abu Dhabi a desirable destination for Indian pharmacists who are looking for career progression and overseas exposure.
As an Indian Pharmacist living in Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with all the comforts of a modern city, high-standard healthcare facilities, safety, and cultural diversity.
- Indian expats find it very convenient to live in the UAE as Indian grocery stores, restaurants, and cultural events are easily accessible to them.
- The city also provides very good schools, leisure facilities, and flying to India is very convenient due to the availability of many flights.
Know More: Dubai Health Authority Exam
Conclusion
For Indian pharmacists looking to work abroad, the scenario of Abu Dhabi in 2025 is not only very promising but also conducive with explicit licensing procedures, the demand for the healthcare sector always being on the rise, and rewarding financially.
Achieving this goal is dependent on exam preparation, document verification at the right time, and adherence to the DOH instructions.
Being on the path to a license can open the door to many opportunities, such as working in the healthcare sector, which is thriving, getting international exposure, and being of real help to patients of Abu Dhabi by providing health services.
Before Indian pharmacists head to Abu Dhabi, they ought to monitor any changes to the local exams or rules, and also get advice from professionals in the field. Preparation and being up-to-date with the information are essential to achieve the goal of working in the pharmacy of Abu Dhabi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a pharmacist make in Abu Dhabi?
A pharmacist’s salary in Abu Dhabi ranges from AED 5,000 to potentially over AED 20,000 per month, according to experience and work setting.
How to become a pharmacist in Abu Dhabi?
You will need at least:
- Two years of experience is required.
- Not more than a two-year gap in the applicant’s work record.
- Obtain a license from the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD) by passing their licensing exam (DOH).
- The assessment certificate is valid for 5 years.
What is the exam for pharmacists in Abu Dhabi?
The exam for pharmacists in Abu Dhabi is the DOH (Department of Health) exam, formerly known as the HAAD exam.
Which UAE country is best for pharmacists?
Here are the top countries for pharmacists in the Gulf and the UAE:
- United Arab Emirates.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Kuwait.
- Bahrain.
- Abu Dhabi.
- Qatar
- Oman