Nurse Jobs UAE 2026 — Top Hospitals Hiring, Salary Guide

# Nurse Jobs UAE 2026 — Top Hospitals Hiring, Salary Guide The UAE healthcare sector continues to expand rapidly in 2026, with new hospitals, clinics, and specialty centres opening across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the northern emirates. Nurses remain among the most sought-after professionals in the country, with competitive salaries, housing allowances, and flight benefits making UAE nursing roles highly attractive to internationally qualified candidates. This guide covers the hospitals hiring, salary benchmarks, licensing steps, and how to apply. ## Why the UAE Needs Nurses in 2026 The UAE population continues to grow, and the government's healthcare expansion plans — including the Abu Dhabi Health Authority's 2030 strategy and Dubai's Healthcare City phase two — require thousands of additional nurses. The country relies heavily on internationally trained nurses, with the Philippines, India, Jordan, Egypt, and the UK among the top source countries. Specialist areas with the highest shortfall include ICU, emergency, oncology, paediatrics, operating theatre, and community health. Nurses with experience in these specialties can expect faster visa processing and higher starting salaries. ## Nursing Salary in UAE 2026 Salary varies by emirate, employer, specialty, and years of experience. In Dubai, registered nurses typically earn between AED 6,000 and AED 12,000 per month. Senior nurses and nurse specialists earn AED 12,000 to AED 18,000. Government hospitals such as Rashid Hospital and Dubai Hospital generally pay at the top of the range, while smaller private clinics may offer AED 5,000 to AED 7,500. In Abu Dhabi, government-sector nurses (through entities such as SEHA) earn AED 7,000 to AED 16,000 plus generous allowances including accommodation, transport, annual flights, and end-of-service benefits. Private sector roles at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi or Mediclinic typically range from AED 8,000 to AED 15,000. Sharjah and the northern emirates offer slightly lower base salaries — AED 4,500 to AED 9,000 — but accommodation is frequently provided in full, which significantly increases the real value of the package. Most UAE nursing contracts include annual return flights to your home country. ## Licensing Requirements: DHA, DOH, and HAAD To practise nursing in the UAE, you must obtain a licence from the relevant health authority. In Dubai, this is the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). In Abu Dhabi, it is the Department of Health (DOH), formerly known as HAAD. In other emirates, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) issues licences. The process involves submitting your nursing degree, transcript, registration from your home country, and passing the DataFlow primary source verification. Most applicants also sit a written examination or undergo competency assessment. Processing times range from two to six months, so begin your application early. Many UAE employers assist with the cost and logistics of licensing as part of their recruitment package. Nurses from countries with robust regulatory bodies — such as the Philippines' PRC, the UK's NMC, or the US's NCLEX — generally find the process more straightforward. Experience of at least two years post-qualification is typically required. ## Top Hospitals Hiring Nurses in UAE 2026 Dubai: Rashid Hospital, Dubai Hospital, Mediclinic City Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Dubai, American Hospital Dubai, Saudi German Hospital, and NMC Healthcare group are among the largest employers. Private clinic networks are also recruiting continuously for general practice and specialist nurses. Abu Dhabi: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SEHA), Burjeel Hospital, Tawam Hospital, and LLH Hospital are major hirers. The SEHA network runs large-scale international recruitment campaigns throughout the year. Sharjah and Northern Emirates: University Hospital Sharjah, Al Zahrawi Hospital, RAK Hospital, and Thumbay Group hospitals in Ajman and Umm Al Quwain regularly recruit nurses, often with packages that include full accommodation. ## How to Apply for Nurse Jobs in UAE Start by listing your nursing role, specialty, and preferred emirate on DdotsMediaJobs, where UAE hospitals and clinics post openings daily. Upload your CV with your degree, current registration, years of experience, and specialties clearly stated. Set up an alert for "nurse" or "RN" in your preferred emirate so you are notified of new postings immediately. Many UAE hospitals also attend international nursing recruitment fairs in the Philippines, India, and the UK — watch for announcements from the major groups. The DHA and DOH both have dedicated nurse recruitment portals, and applying directly through a hospital's careers page can also be effective for well-known institutions. Prepare a concise CV of two to three pages, a valid DHA/DOH/MOHAP licence (or proof of application in progress), and references from your most recent employer. Having your DataFlow verification started before an interview demonstrates seriousness and speeds up your hire date. ## Living and Working as a Nurse in the UAE Most nurse packages include shared accommodation in purpose-built staff residences, a transport allowance or shuttle service, health insurance, and 30 days of annual leave. The working environment varies — government hospitals tend to follow more structured shift patterns, while private hospitals may require more flexibility. The UAE is a multicultural environment, and nurses from every background report feeling welcome and professionally respected. Arabic language skills are a bonus but not typically required, as English is the primary language of clinical communication in most UAE healthcare settings. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What qualifications do I need to work as a nurse in the UAE? You need a nursing degree (Bachelor of Science in Nursing or a recognised diploma programme), active registration in your home country, and at least two years of post-qualification clinical experience. You will also need to pass the DHA, DOH, or MOHAP licensing process including DataFlow verification. ### How long does the DHA nursing licence take? The DHA licensing process typically takes two to four months from initial application, depending on how quickly your documents are verified through DataFlow and whether an exam is required. Starting the process before you secure a job offer can save significant time. ### Is accommodation provided for nurses in the UAE? Most UAE hospitals and clinic groups include accommodation or a housing allowance as part of the standard nursing package, particularly for internationally recruited staff. Always confirm the terms during the offer stage as they vary by employer. ### Which emirate pays nurses the most? Abu Dhabi government-sector roles (through SEHA and similar entities) tend to offer the highest total compensation packages for nurses, combining salary, allowances, and benefits. Dubai private hospital roles can also be very competitive, particularly for specialist ICU and theatre nurses. ### Can I bring my family to the UAE on a nursing visa? Yes. Once you receive your UAE employment visa and meet the minimum salary threshold (currently AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 plus accommodation), you are eligible to sponsor your spouse and children for residence visas. Processing typically takes four to eight weeks.