Physiotherapy Jobs in Dubai 2025: Scope, Openings & Career Growth

Written by

Salma Firdaus

Reviewed by

Dr. Akram Ahmad
Physiotherapy Jobs in Dubai
Created On : Aug 28, 2025 Updated On : Aug 28, 2025 4 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Understand the job landscape in Dubai in 2025.
  • Find out the highest employer in Dubai for physiotherapists.
  • Get to know how to increase your employability in 2025.
  • Find out the salary and recent job vacancies for physiotherapists.
  • Understand the future trends in the world of physiotherapy in Dubai in 2025.

Are you dreaming of that tax-free, high-salary physiotherapist job in Dubai? Then you’re at the right place. With salaries starting from 1.5 L/month for fresh graduates, and going upwards of 48 LPA, Dubai is indeed the dream destination. 

This blog will take you on a journey through the world of physiotherapy in Dubai. From vacancies to areas of need, find all the information you need here.

Let’s start our journey.

Why Dubai For Your Physiotherapy Career in 2025?

Dubai is fast becoming the favourite spot for physiotherapists from around the world for a number of reasons:

  • Expansion of the Healthcare Industry: Dubai has invested heavily in its healthcare system. It is one of the fastest-growing sectors.
  • Expat-Friendly: With a huge international population, there’s always a demand for physiotherapists.
  • Tax-Free Salaries: That’s right. You keep what you earn.
  • Lifestyle Perks: World-class schools and infrastructure. A warm and hospitable culture.
Dubai’s health ecosystem blends a modern public network with a large, fast-growing private sector. The Dubai Health Authority licenses professionals and facilities.

Two main reasons are keeping physiotherapists in demand:

  • Medical Tourism: Dubai welcomed nearly 700,000 international medical tourists in 2023. The move generated a revenue of AED 1.03 billion. More inbound patients means more post-operative rehab and an increased need for physiotherapists.
  • Private sector expansion: Private operators control a large share of facilities. Dubai has established itself as a regional hub for advanced medical care. And rehab capacity increases with every new service line opened. 

Market researchers also project steady growth for the UAE physiotherapy market through 2030. And with this, an increase in the need for licensed physiotherapists. 

Vacancy Snapshot and Major Employers in Dubai

There are numerous active physiotherapy roles available across Dubai. These range from MSK and neuro rehab to women’s health and home care. 

Employers include

  • Large, private groups: e.g., NMC, Mediclinic
  • Specialty rehab centers
  • Home-care providers

Dubai Health is one of the biggest government employers in Dubai. They run major public hospitals like:

  • Rashid Hospital
  • Dubai Hospital
  • Latifa Hospital
  • Hatta Hospital
  • Jebel Ali Hospital
  • Al Jalila Children’s

You’ll also find direct employer portals, like Mediclinic Middle East, regularly posting physiotherapy vacancies. Set job alerts on those portals in addition to general job boards.

Regularly look into online job sites like Indeed, Glassdoor and NaukriGulf for recent vacancies.

Pay and Benefits

On average, physiotherapists in Dubai can expect to earn between AED 7,000-15,000 per month (₹1.5–3.5 lakh INR). The exact amount depends on:

  • Experience
  • Specialty, and
  • Employer
Level of ExperienceMonthly Salary (AED)Monthly Salary (INR)
Fresh Graduate (0-2 yrs)7,000 - 9,000₹1.5L - ₹1.8L
Mid-Level (3-6 yrs)10,000 - 14,000₹2.2L - ₹3L
Senior (7-10 yrs)15,000 - 18,000₹3.3L - ₹4L
Specialist / Highly Experienced (10+ yrs)18,000+₹4L+

Packages often include 

  • Insurance
  • Annual leave
  • CME allowances
  • Accommodation
  • Ticket benefits 

Also Read: Physiotherapist Salary in Dubai

Areas of Highest Need (2025)

Based on hiring patterns and medical-tourism case mix, Dubai’s high-demand pockets for physios include:

  • Musculoskeletal & Sports Rehab
  • Post-operative & Acute Care Rehab
  • Neurological Rehab
  • Women’s Health & Pelvic Floor
  • Paediatrics
  • Home-care & Geriatric

DHA Licensing and Eligibility

To practice in Dubai, you’ll need to clear DHA requirements. The Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) set the baseline on degree level, experience, and good standing. A typical path has the following steps:

  1. Self-assessment & Sheryan account (DHA portal)
  2. Primary Source Verification (DataFlow) of your credentials
  3. Taking the DHA Prometric Exam
  4. Good Standing Certificate and other documents per PQR
  5. Registration (valid for one year), then license activation by your employer facility before you can practice.

How to Boost Your Employability 

 

Arrive “license-ready”
Candidacies move faster when you’ve already completed DataFlow, passed the DHA exam, and have a DHA license. Employers can activate a registered profile much more quickly than starting from scratch. 

One of the most effective ways to clear your DHA exam is by enrolling in our Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Physiotherapist Exam Preparation Course

Show insurance literacy
Knowledge about eClaimLink workflows tied to EMR billing is a definite plus. Mention any insurer-facing experience in your CV. 

Upskill with high-value certifications

  • Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (OMT) / Maitland / Mulligan
  • Dry Needling 
  • Pelvic Health Level 1–2
  • Neuro (Bobath/NDT), Vestibular, Paediatrics
  • Sports Rehab

Use outcome metrics
DHA emphasizes clinical governance and audit standards across facilities. 

Get Dubai-specific soft skills 

  • Patient mix: multicultural and time-sensitive.
  • Language: English is essential, and basic Arabic is a plus.
  • Customer Experience: DHA and providers strive for service excellence. 

Driving & mobility
For home-care roles, a UAE driving license is often preferred.

Network

Attend Dubai healthcare expos, join professional groups on LinkedIn.

Personal Branding

Keep your CV up to date and establish a professional online presence.

Application Playbook: Step-by-Step

  1. Use the DHA Self-Assessment Tool
  2. DataFlow PSV early.
  3. Get a Good Standing Certificate within six months. 
  4. Take the DHA Physiotherapist exam.
  5. Pass the DHA exam and your eligibility letter.
  6. Update your CV and apply for jobs.
  7. Prep for interview.
  8. Once you get the job, apply for a visa.
  9. Get to Dubai and proceed with license activation.

Challenges  and How to Overcome Them

Every dream job comes with its set of challenges. Here’s what you may encounter in Dubai:

  • Licensing Delays → Start your DHA application early.
  • Cultural Differences → Be open and respectful to patients from diverse backgrounds.
  • Cost of Living → Rent can be pricey, so budget wisely or share accommodation.

Each challenge is a level you pass, and the reward is a fulfilling career in Dubai.

Final checklist

  • Degree & transcripts in physiotherapy. 
  • Experience letters and recommendations.
  • Good Standing Certificate 
  • Passport + photo, licence copies.
  • Vaccination/BLS where applicable. 
  • DataFlow started, and the DHA Prometric exam.
  • DHA eligibility letter.
  • Job and DHA license activation with employer support.
  • Upskilling and continuous professional development.
  • References reachable by email/phone.

The bottom line

In 2025, Dubai remains one of the most attractive global cities for physiotherapists.

If you secure your DHA paperwork early and showcase measurable outcomes, you’ll stand out. Especially in

  • MSK/sports
  • Neuro
  • Women’s health
  • Paediatrics
  • Home-care

With medical tourism climbing and private providers scaling, it’s an excellent year to make your move. 

And now, with Academically, it is easier than ever to clear your DHA exam and get the required paperwork done.

With 10+ years of helping people achieve their healthcare careers across the globe, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands. 

Reach out to our Gulf experts today and take the first step in your Gulf physiotherapy career ladder.

FAQs

Q- What is the average salary of physiotherapists in Dubai?

Ans- Most physiotherapists earn between AED 7,000 - 15,000 per month. That’s about INR 19 – 41.5 Lakhs. Your salary will increase with experience and specialisation.

Q- Do I need DHA licensing to work as a physiotherapist in Dubai?

Ans- Yes. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) license is mandatory for physiotherapists to practice.

Q- How can I apply for physiotherapist jobs in Dubai from abroad?

Ans- You can apply through:

  • Online portals
  • Recruitment agencies
  • Directly via hospital websites

Networking and building connections also help.

Q- What are the best specializations for physiotherapists in Dubai?

Ans- The highest valued specializations are:

  • Sports physiotherapy
  • Paediatric care
  • Geriatric rehabilitation
  • Manual therapy

Q- What are the eligibility criteria for the DHA physiotherapist exam?

Ans- You need a recognized Bachelor’s or Master’s in Physiotherapy, at least 2 years of clinical experience post-internship, and a Good Standing Certificate. All credentials must undergo DataFlow Primary Source Verification.

Q- How is the DHA exam structured and what is the passing score?

Ans- The exam is a Computer-Based Test (CBT), typically consisting of 150 MCQs, lasting about 165 minutes, with a pass mark around 60–65%.

Q- What documents are required for the DHA application?

Ans- You must submit: 10th & 12th certificates, physiotherapy degree & transcripts, internship and experience certificates, Council registration, Good Standing Certificate, passport photos, and CV. All these must be authenticated and verified through DataFlow.

Q- Where can I take the DHA exam?

Ans- You can take the exam at Prometric centers worldwide, including from your home country—no need to travel to Dubai initially.

Q- What if I fail the DHA exam?

Ans- You can re-attempt up to three times. After failing three times, you may need to gain additional work experience before being allowed another attempt.

Salma Firdaus
Salma Firdaus
about the author

Salma Firdaus is a pharmacy graduate from Jamia Hamdard with three years of research experience and a knack for academic writing. At Academically, she turns complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging content. Driven by a passion to connect education with real-world careers, she aims to make learning easier, more meaningful, and genuinely enjoyable for the readers.

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