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Did you know…In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the healthcare sector is growing at over 7% every year, and physiotherapy is one of the professions that is part of that growth. Every year, Hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are posting more vacancies, as demand for physiotherapists has almost doubled in the last five years.
Medical tourism, professional sports programs, and an aging population are all driving employers to recruit skilled professionals. For professionals, this means 2025 is one of the best times to explore physiotherapy jobs in the UAE, with competitive, tax-free salaries and career opportunities. Let’s dive in.
Physiotherapy Jobs in UAE 2025
Physiotherapists in the UAE deliver care, speed up recovery, and improve mobility for patients across
- Hospitals,
- Clinics,
- Rehabilitation centers, and
- Home-care services.
To practice legally, you must obtain a license.
What’s New in 2025: Demand Trends, Salary Shifts, Specialties
| Trend | Details |
| Top Specialties | Sports, neurology, geriatrics, pediatrics, home care |
| Salaries | AED 4K-8K; senior specialists earn more |
| Benefits | Housing, insurance, airfare, paid leave |
| Tech & Tele-rehab | Online sessions, AI-assisted therapy, remote monitoring |
| Growth Drivers | Medical tourism and sports culture boosting demand |
Why the UAE Is a Top Destination for Physiotherapists
- High, tax-free pay: Good salaries with extra perks like housing, insurance, airfare, and paid leave.
- Modern lifestyle: Safe cities, quality schools, top healthcare, and plenty of leisure.
- Work-life balance: Short commutes and supportive expat communities.
- Strong career growth: Expanding hospitals and rehab centers mean more job opportunities.
UAE Job Market Overview: Demand by Emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah)
| Emirate | Demand & Opportunities | Notes |
| Dubai | Private clinics, hospitals, sports rehab | Strong private sector, medical tourism, DHA license needed |
| Abu Dhabi | Government healthcare, DOH hospitals | Roles in Sheikh Khalifa & Cleveland Clinic, stable packages, growing rehab & home-care |
| Sharjah & Others | Smaller clinics, home-care | Expanding community clinics, lower salaries but lower living costs, good for entry-level |
Physiotherapist Salary in UAE (2025): City-Wise Breakdown
| City/Emirate | Salary Range (AED/month) | Salary Range (INR/month) | Notes |
| Dubai | 6K -8,500 | ₹141K -₹199,750 | Higher pay for sports & neuro specialties |
| Abu Dhabi | 5,500 -8K | ₹129,250 -₹188K | Government hospitals often offer better packages |
| Sharjah | 4,500 -6,500 | ₹105,750 -₹152,750 | Lower cost of living balances salaries |
| Ajman & Fujairah | 4K -5,500 | ₹94K -₹129,250 | Growing demand in smaller hospitals & clinics |
Top Employers Hiring Physiotherapists in UAE (2025)
If you’re ready to apply for jobs, here are the leading employers actively recruiting physiotherapists in 2025:
| Employer Type | Notes |
| Government Hospitals | Stable packages, strong benefits, licensing through DHA/DOH |
| Private Hospitals & Clinics | Competitive salaries, opportunities in specialized care |
| Rehabilitation Centers | Focus on neuro, ortho, and post-surgery rehab |
| Sports Facilities | Sports physiotherapy, high-demand roles for certified professionals |
| Home-Care Providers | Growing segment, offers flexible work and remote care opportunities |
Job Roles & Seniority Levels of Physiotherapists
| Role | Responsibilities | Salary (AED/month) | Notes |
| Entry-Level | Assess patients, assist in rehab, develop basic treatment plans | 4K-6K (≈₹98k-1.47 L) | Work under supervision; ideal for gaining UAE experience and licensing |
| Senior / Lead | Manage patients independently, mentor juniors, specialize in sports, neuro, or pediatrics | 7K-10K (≈₹1.71L-2.44L) | Requires advanced clinical expertise and leadership skills |
| Consultant / Management | Oversee departments, design rehab programs, strategic planning | 12K+ (≈₹2.94L+) | Found in large hospitals, sports institutions; needs clinical knowledge + leadership |
Additional Benefits to physiotherapists: Housing, Airfare, Insurance
- Housing allowance or accommodation (especially for expats relocating)
- Annual airfare tickets to the home country
- Comprehensive health insurance
- Paid annual leave
- End-of-service gratuity
Employers also add performance bonuses, CME (Continuing Medical Education) allowances, and transport benefits in some cases. This makes physiotherapy jobs in the UAE financially rewarding while ensuring a high quality of life.
Licensing & Registration Explained: DHA, DOH, MOHAP, and MOH
| Licence / Authority | Emirate(s) | Key Steps | Scope / Notes |
| Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Licence | Dubai | - Register on DHA portal- Submit education, internship, experience- Clear DHA exam (if applicable) | Allows work in hospitals, private clinics, sports rehab centers across Dubai |
| Department Of Health (DOH) Licence | Abu Dhabi | - Create DOH Sheryan account- Upload verified certificates- Pass DOH exam (if required) | Permits work in government/private hospitals and rehab centers in Abu Dhabi |
| Ministry Of Health And Prevention (MOHAP) Licence | Sharjah & Northern Emirates | - Register on MOHAP portal- Submit education/training/work experience- Appear for MOHAP evaluation/exam (if needed) | Covers Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain |
| Ministries of Health (MOH) Recognition | All Emirates | - Apply for MOH approval | Required for cross-emirate practice or federal facility employment; ensures UAE standard compliance |
Licensing & Registration Steps for Physiotherapists in UAE (2025)
| Step | Process | Timeframe | Cost (AED / INR) |
| 1. DataFlow Verification | Upload degree, internship, and experience for verification. | 3–6 weeks | AED 1,000–1,500 (₹22K–33K) |
| 2. Prometric Exam | MCQ test on physiotherapy knowledge & ethics (pass: 60–65%). | 2–4 weeks | AED 900–1,200 (₹20K–27K) |
| 3. License Approval | Apply through DHA/DOH/MOHAP portal with verified documents. | 2–3 weeks | AED 500–1,000 (₹11K–22K) |
| 4. Job & Visa Processing | Employer handles visa, medical, and Emirates ID. | 3–6 weeks | Covered by employer |
How Long It Takes: Realistic Timelines for Licensing, Hiring & Relocation
| Process | Timeframe | Notes |
| DataFlow Verification & Exams | 3-6 weeks (verification) + 2-4 weeks (Prometric exam) | Exam slots can fill quickly; early booking advised |
| Hiring & Recruitment | 4-8 weeks | Includes shortlisting, interviews, reference checks, and offers; senior roles may take longer |
| Relocation & Visa Processing | 3-6 weeks | Employers often assist with visas, medical tests, and Emirates ID; planning smooths the transition |
Conclusion
The UAE offers a dynamic and rewarding landscape for physiotherapists in 2025, with various opportunities in all the emirates, great salaries with zero tax, and additional benefits. There is a growing demand for specialists, especially in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates. All you need is to clear the required license for each city.
At Academically, we provide physiotherapy licensure exam preparation courses for MOHAP, HAAD/DOH, DHA, and MOH exams across the UAE, ensuring physiotherapists can maximize their professional growth. We support candidates in achieving both practical experience and academic excellence in the field of physiotherapy.
