How to Get a Nutritionist License in Dubai

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A nutritionist is a great profession to pursue in Dubai. There are numerous options for both beginners and specialists to work as nutritionists in the Emirates. However, before you can practice, you must first obtain a Dubai nutritionist license.

Obtaining a nutritionist license in Dubai is a relatively simple and quick process. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all of the information you need to know from beginning to end about acquiring this license. Continue reading to learn more about the overall process.

Who is a nutritionist?

Nutritionists are experts in food and diet who help people maintain good health, treat or prevent illnesses, and reach their health goals. These medical professionals help patients establish regimens to satisfy their nutritional needs. People with medical conditions, who want to lose weight or improve their fitness, can see nutritionists to help them create a diet that will benefit their health.

A professional nutritionist must have excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills. In this job, they can work independently as well as collectively.

However, they can also work at their customers’ homes or in established institutions such as universities. Registered dietitians are typically employed in long-term care institutions, hospitals, medical offices, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings.

Why Should I Become a Licensed Nutritionist in Dubai?

The health and wellness industry in Dubai is thriving. The city’s population is becoming more health-conscious, resulting in an increased need for nutrition, weight management, and wellness coaching professionals. As additional fitness clubs, wellness retreats, and healthcare facilities open up, the options for a professional nutritionist are limitless.

However, in order to practice, you must first obtain a license. Not only is it a legal necessity, but it also lends credibility to your clinic by demonstrating that you adhere to the UAE’s rigorous healthcare standards.

Eligibility Criteria to Become a Nutritionist in Dubai

To become a qualified nutritionist in Dubai, you must complete the following eligibility requirements:

1. Ensure that you meet the educational requirements

To become a licensed nutritionist in Dubai, you must first complete the fundamental educational criteria. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA), which supervises healthcare professions in the emirate, has set certain criteria for nutritionists.

Requirements:

  • An accredited university bachelor’s degree in nutrition, dietetics, or a related field.
  • If you have a degree from outside the UAE, you must ensure that it is recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education.
  • 2. Gain Relevant Work Experience

     DHA also expects applicants to have relevant job experience in their industry. If you’re a recent graduate, you’ll probably need to do internships or get practical experience before applying for your license. DHA generally requires at least two years of experience in the nutrition or dietetics profession.

    Work experience can be obtained at hospitals, clinics, wellness centers, or in private practice. This ensures that you understand real-world nutrition applications and can provide clients with safe, evidence-based guidance.

    3. Get your documents ready

    During the application process, you will be required to submit a range of papers. To guarantee a smooth licensing process, obtain all of the documentation listed below:
  • Passport copy
  • Copy of your degree and transcripts.
  • attested work experience certificates
  • Good Standing Certificate from Previous Employers (if applicable)
  • If your degree was not taught in English, please provide proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or similar) and a professional license from your native country.
  • If any documents are in a different language, make sure they are translated into Arabic, as the DHA demands official translations for documents that are not in English or Arabic.

    4. Apply for a DHA license

    Once you've established your educational credentials and professional experience, the next step is to apply for your DHA license. The steps are as follows:
  • Create a Sheryan account: All healthcare professionals must register on the DHA’s Sheryan site, which is used to manage license applications.
  • Upload your documents: Once your account is created, you must upload any relevant documents, such as your degree, transcripts, work experience certificates, and identification.
  • Pay the application cost. A non-refundable fee must be paid at this point. Be sure to have your payment method available.
  • 5. Pass the DHA examination

    Following approval of your application, you will have to take the DHA Prometric Exam for Nutritionists. This is a thorough exam meant to evaluate your nutritional knowledge and abilities. Topics covered in the exam include:

  • The sciences of nutrition
  • Nutrition
  • Nutrition therapy for medical conditions
  • Nutrition in clinical settings
  • Nutrition in public health
  • Since passing the test is necessary to get your license, study hard for it. DHA helps applicants get ready by offering study guides and practice questions.

    6. Clear the Interview

    After passing the DHA exam, you could occasionally be asked to go to an interview. Your practical knowledge and experience are evaluated throughout this interview. It’s a chance to highlight your experience and show that you can function in the healthcare industry in Dubai.

    7. Get your license and start practicing

    DHA will grant your dietitian license when you successfully complete the test and, if necessary, the interview. Congratulations! You now hold a Dubai nutritionist license! These days, you can apply for positions at clinics, wellness centers, healthcare facilities, or even open your own practice.

    Documents Needed to Apply for a Nutritionist License

    The following paperwork is normally required in order to apply for a nutritionist license in Dubai:
    1. A recent passport-sized photo
    2. A copy of a valid passport
    3. Attested copies of your academic credentials (a bachelor’s degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a similar discipline)
    4. A current professional license
    5. A current certificate of DHA exam clearance
    6. Evidence of fluency in English
    7. Experience letters for professionals

    Detailed Procedure for Applying for a License

    1. Confirm Eligibility

    Make sure you have a bachelor’s degree from an approved university in nutrition, dietetics, or a similar discipline. Get at least two years of experience working as a nutritionist in a relevant capacity.

    1. Select the Practice Location: Freezone or Mainland

    Mainland: You must apply for a license through the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) if you want to practice throughout Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

    Freezone: You will adhere to the regulations of the free zone if you intend to open your practice there, such as Dubai Healthcare City (DHCC). 100% foreign ownership is permitted in free zones, but unless special rights are acquired, services are only available within the free zone or abroad.

    1. Register for a Mainland DHA Sheryan account.

    Register using the Sheryan portal of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) (https://services.dha.gov.ae/). Applications for licenses as healthcare professionals are managed using this web portal.

    1. Finish the Self-Evaluation

    To determine your eligibility, use the DHA Sheryan portal’s Self-Assessment Tool. Check their website for detailed qualifying requirements for free zone setups, such as those in DHCC, or speak with Unicorn Global Solutions Business Setup’s business setup specialists.

    1. Exam for DHA

    To evaluate your knowledge and abilities, the DHA may require you to take a license exam. Study pertinent resources and practice with previous exam papers to get ready for the test. Depending on the regulations of the free zone, you might have to go through a comparable evaluation for a free zone license (such as DHCC).

    1. Safe Office Area

    In order to legally operate in the mainland, you need a real office. If you have the required lease agreement, you can hire office space that meets your needs, whether it’s a small consultation room or a larger clinic.

    1. Issuance of Nutritionist Licenses

    Your nutritionist license will be granted by the DHA after you have successfully completed the application process and any necessary tests. You will be able to work as a nutritionist in Dubai with this license.

    To handle your company dealings after receiving your nutritionist license, you will require a corporate bank account. To operate lawfully in Dubai, this is a must.

    You can work anywhere in Dubai and the United Arab Emirates if you have a DHA nutritionist license. Unless you obtain extra permits to serve the mainland market, you are only able to offer your services within the free zone or abroad with a free zone license.

    How Much It Costs to Get a DHA Nutritionist License

    AED 10,000 is usually the starting price for a DHA dietician license. However, a number of variables, such as the following, can affect the price of earning a DHA nutritionist license:
  • application fee for a license.
  • AED 280 to AED 500 is the examination fee.
  • charge for activating a license.
  • AED 300 to AED 500 for a medical fitness exam.
  • workspace.
  • opening of a corporate bank account.
  • It is important to remember that the real cost may differ from these anticipated charges. For the most precise and current information, it is usually preferable to verify with the DHA directly or speak with a business setup specialist like Unicorn Global Solutions.

    Seeking guidance from Unicorn Global Solutions, which specializes in managing nutritionist license applications in the UAE, can help streamline the licensing process while ensuring full compliance with all regulatory requirements. With our expertise, aspiring nutritionists and professionals can easily navigate administrative complexities, saving time and effort, and focus on building their practice in the UAE’s growing healthcare sector.

    Let us handle the documentation and approvals while you concentrate on empowering clients with your expertise. Contact us today via WhatsApp or phone to make your nutritionist license application smooth and hassle-free!

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