Pharmacist Licensing Guide for UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait

Career Guidance • Published on 17/03/2026


Pharmacist Licensing Guide for UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait

The Middle East continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for pharmacists, offering high salaries, tax-free income, and strong career growth. However, to work legally, you must obtain a professional license from the respective healthcare authority in each country.

This guide breaks down the licensing authorities, exams, step-by-step process, and required documents for pharmacists.

Common Requirements Across All Countries

Before diving into country-specific details, here’s what most Gulf countries require:

Minimum Eligibility

  • Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (B.Pharm / PharmD / M.Pharm)
  • Valid pharmacist license in the home country
  • 1–2 years of work experience (varies by country)
  • Good standing certificate

Common Process

  1. Document attestation
  2. Primary Source Verification (DataFlow)
  3. Licensing exam (Prometric-based)
  4. Job offer from the employer
  5. Final license issuance

👉 Licensing exams are mandatory across GCC countries to ensure professional standards

1. UAE Pharmacist License (DHA, DOH, MOH)

Licensing Authorities

  • Dubai Health Authority (DHA – Dubai)
  • Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH/HAAD – Abu Dhabi)
  • Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOH – other emirates)

👉 Official portal: https://mohap.gov.ae/en/w/licensing-of-pharmacists

Exam

  • DHA / HAAD / MOH Prometric exam

Process

  1. Create an account on the authority portal
  2. Submit documents for DataFlow verification
  3. Get the eligibility letter
  4. Book and pass the Prometric exam
  5. Secure job offer
  6. Apply for license activation

Required Documents

  • Pharmacy degree and transcripts
  • Work experience certificate
  • Passport and visa copy
  • Good standing certificate
  • Job offer letter

👉 UAE also requires employer-linked licensing and background checks (Ministry of Health and Prevention - UAE)

2. Saudi Arabia Pharmacist License (SCFHS)

Licensing Authority

  • Saudi Commission for Health Specialities (SCFHS)

👉 Official portal: https://www.scfhs.org.sa

Exam

  • SPLE (Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Exam)

Process

  1. DataFlow verification
  2. Apply for classification
  3. Get eligibility ID
  4. Book SPLE exam (Prometric)
  5. Pass exam
  6. Apply for a license + employer sponsorship

Requirements

  • B.Pharm or PharmD + internship
  • Home country registration
  • 1 year experience (recommended)

👉 SPLE is mandatory to practice pharmacy in Saudi Arabia

3. Qatar Pharmacist License (QCHP)

Licensing Authority

  • Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners (QCHP / DHP)

👉 Official portal: https://dhp.moph.gov.qa

Exam

  • Qatar Prometric Exam

Process

  1. DataFlow verification
  2. Apply via QCHP portal
  3. Pass the Prometric exam
  4. Secure employer sponsorship
  5. License issued

Requirements

  • Pharmacy degree
  • 1–2 years of experience
  • Valid license in the home country

👉 Passing the Prometric exam and QCHP registration is mandatory

4. Oman Pharmacist License (MOH Oman)

Licensing Authority

  • Ministry of Health, Oman

👉 Official portal: https://www.moh.gov.om

Exam

  • Oman Prometric Exam + Interview

Process

  1. Submit documents
  2. DataFlow verification
  3. Eligibility approval
  4. Pass exam
  5. Attend interview
  6. License issuance

Requirements

  • B.Pharm or equivalent
  • Minimum 2 years of experience

5. Kuwait Pharmacist License (MOH Kuwait)

Licensing Authority

  • Ministry of Health, Kuwait

👉 Official portal: https://www.moh.gov.kw

Exam

  • Kuwait MOH Exam (written + interview)

Process

  1. Attest documents
  2. Secure job offer
  3. Submit documents to MOH
  4. Data verification
  5. Pass the MOH exam
  6. Complete training (if required)
  7. License issuance

Requirements

  • B.Pharm or M.Pharm
  • Minimum 2 years of experience
  • Home country license

👉 Kuwait also requires employment confirmation before exam eligibility

Documents Checklist (All Countries)

Make sure you prepare these in advance:

  • Degree certificate (attested)
  • Academic transcripts
  • Work experience certificates
  • Valid pharmacist license
  • Good standing certificate
  • Passport copy
  • Updated CV
  • Passport-size photos

👉 DataFlow verification is commonly required to authenticate credentials

Final Thoughts

Working as a pharmacist in the Gulf can be a highly rewarding career move, but licensing is the most critical step.

✔ Each country has a different authority

✔ Prometric exams are common across most countries

✔ Document verification (DataFlow) is essential

✔ Employer sponsorship is often required