If you’re a doctor thinking of moving to the UAE in 2025, what’s the first thing that runs in your mind?
”What will be the salary of doctors in UAE?”
Right? Well, to answer your question and make a good decision, we are going to tell you all about a doctor’s salary in UAE in 2025. Let’s break it down, from salaries, benefits, growth prospects, and tips to make sure you get the right information.
Average Doctor Salary in UAE (2025)
The UAE has been a top choice for international doctors. This is due to its tax-free income, modern hospitals, and global exposure. But what can you realistically expect to earn this year?
According to data by Indeed UAE (updated September 2025), the average monthly salary for a physician is AED 14,434. This means a doctor in UAE earns around AED 173,000 a year.
In Indian Rupees (INR):
- Monthly: ~₹3.26 lakh
- Annual: ~₹39.1 lakh
This is a very competitive figure, especially when you remember that UAE salaries are completely tax-free.
Here’s a quick look at what different roles earn in 2025 (AED & INR):
| Role / Level | Monthly Salary (AED) | Monthly Salary (INR) | Annual Salary (INR) |
| General Physician (Average) | 14,434 | ~₹3.26L | ~₹39.1L |
| Resident / Junior Doctor | 8,000 – 12,000 | ₹1.8L – ₹2.7L | ₹21.6L – ₹32.4L |
| Specialist Doctor | 50,000 – 80,000 | ₹11.3L – ₹18.1L | ₹1.3Cr – ₹2.2Cr |
| Senior Consultant | 90,000 – 120,000+ | ₹20.3L – ₹27.1L+ | ₹2.4Cr – ₹3.2Cr+ |
Factors That Affect Your Salary
Now the next big question “why is there such a big gap between a GP’s salary and specialists’ salary?”
Here are the major factors that influence a doctor’s pay in the UAE:
- If you are a specialist like cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and any other specialist, your pay will increase. Because these are the roles in demand.
- Also, the salaries can double or triple with years of practice and experience.
- Where you work also matters. Private hospitals usually pay more than public ones. Plus there will be performance-linked bonuses which increase the salaries even more.
- While Dubai/Abu Dhabi pay slightly higher, salaries are broadly competitive across the UAE.
- Holding a DHA/DOH/MOH license, international board certifications, and subspecialty training gives you an added plus in getting salary.
Benefits & Perks (Beyond Base Salary)
Working as a doctor in the UAE is attractive not just because of tax-free salaries but also because of the total package.
Typical benefits include:
- Tax-free salary: Your full paycheck is yours — no income tax deductions.
- Housing allowance or accommodation: Often 20–40% of base pay.
- Transport or car allowance: Offered for mid- and senior-level roles.
- Education allowance: Many employers cover children’s school fees (major cost saving for Indian doctors with families).
- Comprehensive health insurance: For you and dependents.
- 30–45 days paid leave per year: Plenty of time for travel or visiting India.
- Annual flight tickets: Many hospitals provide return airfare for you and your family.
- End-of-service gratuity: Mandated by UAE law and acts as a retirement fund.
- Relocation & visa sponsorship: Usually handled by the employer.
Example:
You are working as a doctor in the UAE with a salary of AED 15,000/month (~₹3.39 lakh). There is free housing and school fee coverage. That means you could save nearly ₹50 lakh per year. How amazing is that?
Salary Growth & Market Trends in 2025
The UAE continues to expand its healthcare infrastructure and focus on medical tourism. Here’s what that means for salaries:
- 4–5% annual salary growth projected in 2025 across healthcare roles.
- High demand for specialists such as orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, and radiologists.
- Medical tourism is booming, particularly for elective surgeries and fertility treatments.
- Digital health opportunities are increasing — telemedicine and virtual consultations are now part of standard care, creating additional income streams.
Public vs Private Sector – What to Expect
| Aspect | Public Sector | Private Sector |
| Base Salary | Fixed pay scale, stable increments | Higher & negotiable |
| Benefits | Strong job security, structured allowances | Performance-based incentives, higher housing allowance |
| Workload | Predictable hours | More patients, productivity-linked targets |
| Growth | Steady promotions | Faster career growth if you perform well |
In short: public sector = stability, private sector = higher earnings + pressure.
Challenges You Should Be Aware Of
- The rent and schooling are expensive in the UAE, so make sure they’re covered.
- Check what’s included in your offer (housing, insurance, leave).
- Private hospitals can have demanding schedules. So, decide where you want to work.
- Before landing there, get a MOH license. This may take time, but with proper preparation it's easy. For example, many students who took Academically’s MOH preparation course passed the exam in the first attempt. You can be next!
Tips to Maximize Your Salary Package
- Get licensed early. An MOH licence improves employability and negotiating power.
- Highlight your values in your resume. Board certifications, fellowships, and international exposure give you an advantage.
- Negotiate the full package. Housing, education allowance, annual tickets, these add huge savings.
- Use salary data (Indeed, SalaryExpert) to make informed decisions.
- Ask about performance incentives. Some hospitals pay extra based on patient volume or procedures performed.
Final Thoughts
The doctor’s salary in UAE is pretty good. You just have to make sure it matches your needs, if you are thinking of moving there. Also, keep in mind that you have to clear the MOH exam to practice there.
If you need any help or are confused to make a decision. Reach out to experts at Academically. They will help you figure out which country will be best for you and where you can make the highest salary. Apart from this you will also get A to Z assistance from document submission to getting a job. Why are you still waiting?