A comprehensive breakdown of the latest opportunities at the UAE’s largest healthcare network. Discover how to apply for vacancies like Clinical Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, and Radiographer, and learn everything you need to know about working for SEHA.
Introduction: The Future of Healthcare in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates has firmly established itself as a global hub for medical excellence. At the forefront of this transformation is SEHA (Abu Dhabi Health Services Company). As the cornerstone of Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system, SEHA does not just offer jobs; it offers careers that shape the future of medicine in the Middle East.
For medical professionals worldwide—whether you are a specialized technologist, a therapist, or a clinical pharmacist—securing a position with SEHA is often considered the pinnacle of a healthcare career in the region. With the 2025 recruitment drive now active, specifically targeting Allied Health Professionals, the door is open for qualified candidates to join this prestigious network.
This guide will serve as your complete roadmap. We will explore the specific vacancies currently available, dissect the day-to-day responsibilities of these roles, break down the unmatched benefits of working for a government-backed entity, and provide a step-by-step masterclass on how to navigate the application and licensing process.
Part 1: About SEHA
The Backbone of Abu Dhabi’s Health
“SEHA” is the phonetic spelling of the Arabic word for “Health.” True to its name, the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company is the largest and most comprehensive healthcare network in the UAE. It is a PJSC (Public Joint Stock Company) that owns and operates all public hospitals and clinics in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
When you join SEHA, you aren’t just joining a single hospital; you are entering a massive ecosystem that includes:
- Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC): A flagship tertiary hospital.
- Tawam Hospital: A premier oncology and trauma center in Al Ain.
- Corniche Hospital: The region’s leading maternity hospital.
- Sheikh Tahnoon Medical City: A state-of-the-art facility providing specialized care.
The PureHealth Connection
Recently, SEHA became a subsidiary of PureHealth, the largest integrated healthcare platform in the Middle East. This is significant for job seekers because it means working for SEHA now offers even greater stability, access to wider resources, and integration with advanced technology systems that PureHealth is pioneering, such as AI-driven diagnostics and longevity science.
Part 2: Detailed Breakdown of Latest Vacancies (December 2025)
SEHA has released a specific list of vacancies targeting Allied Health Professionals. These are crucial support roles that form the engine of any hospital. Below, we provide a detailed look at what each role entails within the SEHA system, helping you understand where you might fit in.
1. Cardiovascular Technologist
- The Role: You will work in high-pressure environments like the Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab). Your primary duty is to assist physicians during invasive cardiovascular procedures such as angioplasty, stenting, and pacemaker insertions.
- Why it matters: SEHA hospitals handle complex cardiac cases. Technologists here work with the latest imaging systems to monitor patients’ hemodynamics.
- Ideal Candidate: Someone with specific experience in invasive cardiology and a steady hand under pressure.
2. Cast Technician
- The Role: Working closely with Orthopedic Surgeons, you will be responsible for applying, adjusting, and removing casts and splints for patients with fractures and soft tissue injuries.
- Why it matters: In trauma centers like Tawam Hospital, efficient cast application is vital for patient recovery. This role requires physical strength and a gentle touch to comfort patients in pain.
3. Speech-Language Therapist / Pathologist
- The Role: You will diagnose and treat communication and swallowing disorders. The patient demographic at SEHA is diverse, ranging from pediatric patients with developmental delays to stroke survivors regaining their ability to speak.
- Why it matters: This is a highly rewarding role involving long-term patient care plans. Bilingual skills (Arabic/English) are often a massive advantage here.
4. Electro Neuro Diagnostics Technologist
- The Role: You will use specialized equipment to monitor the nervous system. This involves performing Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS), Evoked Potentials (EP), and assisting neurologists in diagnosing conditions like epilepsy or neuromuscular diseases.
- Why it matters: With SEHA expanding its neurology departments, accurate diagnostics are the first line of defense in treating complex brain disorders.
5. Radiographer (Interventional)
- The Role: Unlike a standard X-ray technician, an Interventional Radiographer works in the operating theater or dedicated interventional suites. You will operate fluoroscopy equipment to guide doctors during minimally invasive procedures.
- Why it matters: This is a high-skill role requiring knowledge of radiation safety, sterile techniques, and advanced imaging anatomy.
6. Clinical Pharmacist
- The Role: This is distinct from dispensing. As a Clinical Pharmacist at SEHA, you round with the medical team, advise doctors on medication therapy management, monitor for drug interactions, and ensure patient safety.
- Why it matters: SEHA prioritizes patient safety standards (JCI accreditation). Clinical pharmacists are the gatekeepers of medication safety in wards like ICU and Oncology.
7. CSSD Technician (Central Sterile Services Department)
- The Role: The unsung heroes of the hospital. You are responsible for the decontamination, assembly, sterilization, and distribution of surgical instruments.
- Why it matters: Infection control is paramount. A CSSD Technician ensures that every tool used in surgery is 100% sterile, directly impacting post-operative success rates.
8. Dietitian I
- The Role: You will assess patients’ nutritional needs and develop diet plans. This ranges from managing diabetes and obesity to supporting patients on enteral (tube) feeding in critical care.
- Why it matters: Nutrition is treated as a core component of recovery at SEHA, particularly for post-surgical and chronic disease management.
9. ECG Technician (Electrocardiogram)
- The Role: Responsible for performing standard ECGs, Holter monitoring, and stress testing. You are often the first point of contact for patients suspecting heart issues.
- Why it matters: Accuracy here is life-saving. You need to be able to recognize critical arrhythmias immediately to alert the medical team.
10. EEG Technician (Electroencephalogram)
- The Role: Specifically focused on recording the electrical activity of the brain. You will prepare patients for routine EEGs or long-term video monitoring, primarily for seizure disorders.
- Why it matters: This role requires patience, as getting a clear signal often involves calming anxious patients, including children.
11. Genetic Counsellor
- The Role: A highly specialized field. You will analyze family histories and genetic test results to assess the risk of inherited conditions. You provide counseling to families, helping them make informed healthcare decisions.
- Why it matters: The UAE has a strong focus on preventive medicine and pre-marital screening. Genetic counselors play a massive role in the nation’s long-term health strategy (The Emirati Genome Program).
12. Occupational Therapist (OT)
- The Role: You help patients regain independence in their daily lives after illness or injury. This could involve hand therapy, cognitive retraining, or recommending adaptive equipment.
- Why it matters: SEHA’s rehabilitation centers are world-class. OTs here work in multidisciplinary teams alongside physios and speech therapists.
13. Pharmacist – In-Patient
- The Role: You manage the dispensing of medication to hospital wards. This involves checking physician orders, preparing IV admixtures, and managing inventory.
- Why it matters: Accuracy and speed are key. You ensure that the right patient gets the right dose at the right time.
14. Physiotherapist
- The Role: Assessing and treating physical disabilities and pain. At SEHA, this could be in an outpatient clinic treating back pain, or in an ICU helping a bedbound patient breathe and move.
- Why it matters: Demand for physiotherapy is high due to the focus on rehabilitative care and sports medicine in the region.
15. Senior Podiatrist
- The Role: Diagnosing and treating foot and lower limb disorders. A major focus in the UAE is the management of the “Diabetic Foot” to prevent amputations.
- Why it matters: With diabetes prevalence in the region, skilled podiatrists are essential for wound care and limb preservation strategies.
Part 3: Why Work for SEHA? The Benefits Package
One of the primary reasons professionals flock to the UAE is the compensation. SEHA, being a government entity, offers packages that are often superior to the private sector.
1. Tax-Free Income
The most attractive feature is the 0% income tax. Your gross salary is your net salary. This allows for significant savings compared to working in Europe, North America, or parts of Asia.
2. Comprehensive Housing Support
Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses in the UAE. SEHA typically offers:
- Housing Allowance: A monthly cash sum added to your salary to rent a home of your choice.
- Company Accommodation: In some remote locations or for specific grades, fully furnished housing may be provided.
3. Education Allowance
For employees with families, SEHA often provides an education allowance to cover school fees for up to three children. Given the high cost of international schooling in the UAE, this is a financial lifesaver.
4. Medical and Travel
- Health Insurance: You and your eligible dependents receive top-tier medical insurance coverage.
- Annual Air Ticket: A yearly cash allowance is provided for you (and often your family) to travel back to your home country.
5. Career Progression & Training
SEHA is an academic health system. They prioritize Continuous Medical Education (CME). You will have access to:
- Internal workshops and grand rounds.
- Sponsorship for conferences.
- Career ladders that allow you to move from “Junior” to “Senior” to “Specialist” roles.
Part 4: Eligibility & The “DOH” License Explained
Applying for a healthcare job in Abu Dhabi is different from other countries because of the licensing requirements.
What is the DOH License?
To practice in Abu Dhabi, you must be licensed by the Department of Health (DOH), formerly known as HAAD. You cannot touch a patient without this.
The Licensing Process (The “Sheryan” System)
- Dataflow Verification: Before you can even take an exam, an external company called “Dataflow” must verify your degree and experience certificates. They check if your documents are genuine.
- The Exam: Most allied health roles (Physio, Pharmacist, Lab Tech) require you to pass a computer-based exam via Pearson VUE.
- Eligibility Letter: Once you pass the verify and the exam, you get an “Eligibility Letter.”
Crucial Tip for Applicants:
If you already hold a DOH license or an Eligibility Letter, highlight this in bold on your CV. It makes you a “plug-and-play” candidate who can start immediately, which HR managers love.
If you are from outside the UAE, you can still apply, but you must meet the “PQR” (Professional Qualification Requirements). Generally, this means holding a Bachelor’s degree and having at least 2 years of continuous experience in your home country.
Part 5: Step-by-Step Application Guide
This specific recruitment drive is being handled via direct email submission, which is common for bulk recruitment drives at SKMC and SEHA.
Step 1: Optimize Your CV
SEHA receives thousands of applications. Your CV must pass the “6-second test.”
- Header: Name, Contact, Nationality, and DOH License Status.
- Summary: “Dedicated Physiotherapist with 5 years of experience in stroke rehabilitation…”
- Experience: Use bullet points. Do not just list duties; list achievements. (e.g., “Managed a caseload of 15 patients daily,” “Reduced wait times by 20%”).
- Format: PDF is best. Keep it clean and simple.
Step 2: Draft the Email
The email address provided is skmc-hr-prs@seha.ae.
- Subject Line: This is critical. Do not write “Job Application.”
- Correct Format: Application for [Job Title] – [Your Name] – [License Status]
- Example: Application for Clinical Pharmacist – John Doe – DOH Licensed
- Body of Email: Keep it professional and short.
- “Dear Hiring Team, I am writing to express my interest in the [Role Name] position. I have [Number] years of experience in [Specialty] and currently hold a [License Status]. Please find my CV attached.”
Step 3: The Waiting Game (and Follow Up)
Government recruitment can take time. If shortlisted, you will likely receive an email for an initial screening, followed by a technical interview with the Head of Department.
Part 6: Living in Al Ain & Abu Dhabi
Many of these vacancies (like Tawam Hospital) are based in Al Ain. It is important to know where you are moving.
Abu Dhabi (The Capital)
- Cosmopolitan, high-rise buildings, luxury malls.
- Home to Sheikh Khalifa Medical City.
- Fast-paced lifestyle, higher cost of living.
Al Ain (The Garden City)
- Home to Tawam Hospital.
- Greener, quieter, and more traditional.
- Significantly lower cost of living compared to Abu Dhabi city.
- Great for families; less traffic and a tight-knit community.
Moving to the UAE offers a safe environment, excellent infrastructure, and a strategic location for travel. For healthcare professionals, it offers a respectful environment where medical staff are highly valued by the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I apply if I have a DHA (Dubai) or MOH (Northern Emirates) license?
A: Yes! You can transfer your license. This process is called “license conversion.” If you have a valid DHA license, it is relatively easy to convert it to DOH to work in Abu Dhabi.
Q: Is there an age limit for these jobs?
A: Generally, the retirement age is 60, but skilled professionals can be hired up to that age. However, for visa purposes, being under 55 is often preferred for new hires unless you are a senior consultant.
Q: Do I need to speak Arabic?
A: For Allied Health roles, Arabic is an advantage but not mandatory. The official business language of SEHA is English. However, knowing basic Arabic helps significantly when dealing with elderly local patients.
Q: How long does the recruitment process take?
A: It varies. It can take anywhere from 1 month to 4 months from application to onboarding, due to security clearance and licensing procedures.
Conclusion: Your Next Step
The 2025 recruitment drive by SEHA is a window of opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. Whether you are a Cardiovascular Technologist looking to work with the latest tech, or a Genetic Counselor wanting to be part of groundbreaking research, SEHA provides the platform.