Sick leave in UAE: Now get instant attestation online

Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) on Wednesday announced that it has streamlined the digital services for issuing and attesting sick leave and medical reports for UAE residents.

Under the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, MoHAP has fine-tuned its digital attestation service to reduce paperwork, cut waiting times, and deliver a more efficient experience via its smart platforms.

You can now attest medical leave faster through MoHAP’s online system, available via its website or app, using UAE Pass for just Dh50.

“The initiative aims to enhance efficiency, reduce transaction times, and improve overall customer satisfaction,” the ministry said.

The streamlined service offers to provide full digital access, faster turnaround of sick leave attestation, simplified approvals and quick committee reviews.

If the sick leave is for five days or less, it will be attested instantly.

In cases where it is issued by a private or government health facility in Sharjah or the northern emirates, the attestation will be carried out at the facility where treatment was provided.

If the sick leave exceeds five days and extends up to one month, it must be attested electronically—with fee payment—and then approved by the medical sub-committee in the respective emirate.

The decisions of these committee will now be communicated within one working day.

If the duration of the leave exceeds one month, it must be attested electronically—with fee payment—and then approved by the Higher Medical Committee of MoHAP after a review.

For sick leaves issued by private health facilities, the facility must be licensed.

Make sure to submit your request within one month from the date the sick leave was issued by your medical facility.

If the sick leave has already been attested by a recognised health authority in the UAE (Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Dubai Health Authority, or Sharjah Health Authority), there is no need for additional attestation by the Ministry.

Medical reports or sick leave issued by institutions outside the UAE must be certified first by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the Ministry of Health and Prevention. The documents will then be referred to the relevant medical committee for review and approval.

Sick leave of five days or less: Instant attestation.

Sick leave of more than five days: Sick leave certificate and medical report related to the leave.

Escort Leave: Attach proof of relationship, sick leave certificate and medical report.

Abdullah Ahli, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services Sector, highlighted the focus on improving customer experience: “Through this service, we seek to eliminate procedural complexities and replace them with a streamlined, smart system that ensures fast attestation and the credibility of medical decisions,” he said.

He added that the Ministry will spare no effort to offer a comprehensive and user-friendly experience that strengthens customer trust and delivers services that meet public expectations with high efficiency.

Meanwhile, Amal Al Marzooqi, Director of the Customer Happiness Department, noted that the system has been designed be flexible, fast, and transparent, ensuring easy access and smooth completion.

“Our goal is to enhance customer confidence in the healthcare system while continuously improving the overall user experience and evolving service delivery channels to meet both current needs and future expectations,” she added.