Opportunities for Physiotherapists in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are relatively limited and competitive, and tend to be aimed at experienced candidates.

Most roles require at least 5 years of overall clinical experience, including 3 years within Women’s Health, Paediatrics (outpatient, school-based, or clinic settings), or Private Practice/MSK Physiotherapy

A minimum of 2 years’ Physiotherapy experience is typically required.

For Physiotherapists who trained or currently hold registration in the UK, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, or Canada, the registration process does not usually involve an exam, provided there has been no recent gap in practice and the relevant experience requirements are met.

Applications involve providing employment references, qualification documents, and identification documents.

Please note that opportunities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are generally limited and are often aimed at more experienced Physiotherapists, even though the minimum experience requirements for registration may be met sooner.

Our team will provide further guidance and support throughout the registration process.

Visa (Work Permits) are for 2 years (renewable) & directly linked to your employer – you will need an offer of employment to be able to apply.

Part of the application can be completed outside of the UAE, you will then be granted an Entry Permit.

Once you are in the UAE, there are additional tasks that need to be completed including a medical check & Emirates ID before your full work visa is granted.

• For approx. rental prices, it is best to have a look at Bayut. It is normal to pay a 5% agency fee and a security deposit of 5% for an unfurnished property or 10% for a furnished property. Rent is often paid in instalments throughout the year (e.g. 1, 4, or 6 cheques), although monthly payment options are becoming increasingly common.
• It is recommended that you buy, lease, or rent a car to make the most of living in the UAE, as public transport does not cover all areas. Careem (similar to Uber) is widely used and relatively affordable. Car leasing is also popular, with some providers offering 0% finance options.
• You cannot take out a lease for an apartment until your Emirates ID has come through which can take 1 month after arriving – you will likely need to book short-term accommodation/AirBnB for the first month.
• The registration process typically involves an application fee, document verification fee, and a licence activation fee once you have secured a role. Costs vary depending on the licensing authority, but applicants should generally budget approximately AED 2,000–3,000 in total.

Companies will offer a salary, commission or mixed commission/salary.
The salary range for Physio’s is around AED 15-30k per month which is tax free.
All companies have to include medical insurance.
Some companies will offer additional benefits such as x1 flight to your home country each year or they may be able to help with accommodation costs at the start e.g. 1 month rent or deducting this from your pay (but these additional benefits are not always offered with small paeds clinics).
You will also be paid Gratuity (end of service benefit) once you finish employment if you work for more than 1 year

We find that employers typically look for Physiotherapists with around 5 years of overall clinical experience, including at least 3 years within a specialty area such as Women’s Health, Paediatrics (outpatient, school-based, or clinic settings), or Private Practice/MSK Physiotherapy.

Cultural – All Roles

Dubai is a highly multicultural city, and clients can have different expectations and communication styles. It is important to be open-minded, confident, and comfortable working with people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures.

Networking – MSK/Women’s Health

Dubai is a city that thrives on personal connections and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Many clinics expect Physiotherapists to play an active role in building their caseload and establishing a strong local presence. This may involve engaging with the community through sports clubs, business groups, social organisations, networking events, and developing a professional social media presence.

Most of the work in Dubai/Abu Dhabi for Physio’s is in paeds (private clinics/schools), Pelvic Health or MSK/Private Practice this is due to the young demographic in Dubai/Abu Dhabi with expats on work visas.

Dubai/Abu Dhabi has a vibrant expat community, providing lots of opportunities for meetups and events to get involved in.

Healthcare Abroad was founded with a focus on Allied Health recruitment and has since expanded to support both Allied Health Professionals and Nurses looking to work overseas.
Based in Dubai, our team is here to support you every step of the way, from registration and securing the right role through to relocation. We would also love to meet you when you arrive!