UAE Sick Leave Certificate 2026: Hospitals and Clinics Can Now Apply on Behalf of Patients
The UAE has introduced an important update to its sick leave certificate process, making it easier for patients to obtain the required medical leave attestation and approval. Under the enhanced system announced by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) on November 4, 2026, licensed hospitals and clinics can now submit sick leave attestation requests directly on behalf of patients.
This means patients no longer need to start the attestation application themselves when their healthcare facility handles the request. The change is designed to reduce paperwork, simplify procedures and help residents spend less time dealing with administrative tasks while recovering.
What is the New UAE Sick Leave Certificate Rule?
Under the updated MoHAP service, the healthcare facility that issues a sick leave certificate can submit the attestation request directly to the ministry on behalf of the patient.
Previously, patients had to initiate the attestation process themselves. With the new arrangement, the responsibility shifts to the licensed healthcare facility, reducing the number of steps patients need to complete.
The improved service covers two areas:
- Attestation of Sick Leaves and Medical Reports.
- Approval of Sick Leaves and Leave of the Patient’s Companion.
The system also allows healthcare facilities to submit attestation requests for patient companion leave along with the patient’s sick leave request.
How does the New Sick Leave Attestation Process Work?
The updated process is intended to make sick leave applications simpler for patients.
1. Visit a licensed healthcare facility: Consult a hospital or clinic and receive a sick leave certificate when medically necessary.
2. Healthcare facility submits the request: The issuing facility can submit the sick leave attestation request directly to MoHAP.
3. Request moves for processing: The ministry processes the request according to the applicable requirements and approval procedures.
4. Automatic service integration: Eligible requests move from attestation to the approval stage without requiring a separate application.
5. Receive the required documentation: The attested or approved sick leave documentation can be used for the relevant employment or administrative purpose.
Patients should confirm with their hospital or clinic whether it has started using the enhanced submission process.
Who Can Benefit from the New UAE Sick Leave System?
The changes are intended to make sick leave procedures easier for patients and their companions using healthcare facilities licensed by MoHAP.
The automatic integration between attestation and approval applies to eligible employees of:
- UAE Federal Government.
- Ajman Government.
- Umm Al Quwain Government.
- Ras Al Khaimah Government.
- Fujairah Government.
These applications must meet the ministry’s approved conditions and controls.
Note: The automatic approval integration is not a blanket rule for every employee in the UAE. Private-sector employees and residents in other emirates should follow the requirements of the relevant health authority and employer.
What Has Changed for Patient Companions?
The enhanced system also considers people who need to accompany patients during medical treatment.
Healthcare facilities can now submit sick leave attestation requests for patient companion leave alongside the patient’s own sick leave application.
This helps reduce additional administrative work for people who need to take leave to accompany a family member or another patient, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.
Why Has MoHAP Introduced This Update?
The Ministry of Health and Prevention introduced the improvements as part of the UAE Government’s Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme.
The initiative aims to simplify government procedures, reduce unnecessary paperwork and improve the customer experience.
By allowing healthcare facilities to submit applications directly, the ministry aims to:
- Reduce the administrative burden on patients.
- Avoid repeated application procedures.
- Improve coordination between healthcare facilities and government departments.
- Connect attestation and approval services.
- Make sick leave procedures easier for patients and their companions.
UAE Sick Leave Certificate: Existing MoHAP Attestation Requirements
Although the submission process has been improved, residents should still understand the existing medical leave attestation requirements. According to MoHAP’s published service information, the following conditions apply to its sick leave attestation service:
| Sick leave duration | General attestation requirement |
| 5 days or less | Instant attestation, subject to applicable conditions |
| More than 5 days and up to one month | Electronic attestation followed by medical subcommittee approval |
| More than one month | Electronic attestation followed by Higher Medical Committee approval |
Other important requirements include:
- Sick leave issued by a private healthcare facility must come from a licensed facility.
- Sick leave attestation requests must generally be submitted within one month of the certificate’s issue date.
- Handwritten sick leave certificates are not accepted by MoHAP.
- Medical reports and sick leave certificates issued outside the UAE may require additional certification and review.
These are the published MoHAP service requirements. The applicable process may differ depending on the emirate, issuing healthcare authority and type of certificate.
Does Dubai Sick Leave Need Separate Attestation?
Residents should check which health authority is responsible for their medical certificate.
For example, sick leave certificates already attested by the relevant competent health authority, such as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Department of Health – Abu Dhabi or Sharjah Health Authority, do not need to be attested again by MoHAP, according to the ministry’s published guidance.
Dubai residents should therefore confirm the process with their healthcare provider and the relevant Dubai health authority before submitting another application.
UAE Sick Leave Certificate Attestation: Fees and Processing Time
MoHAP’s published attestation service information lists the service as free of charge.
The published processing information states that sick leave of five days or less can be attested instantly, while cases involving longer leave may require medical committee review.
The enhanced facility-led submission process is intended to reduce additional steps. However, processing and approval remain subject to the applicable medical requirements and government controls.
FAQ
1. Can hospitals and clinics apply for UAE sick leave attestation on behalf of patients?
Yes. Under MoHAP’s enhanced service announced on November 4, 2026, licensed healthcare facilities can submit sick leave attestation requests directly on behalf of patients.
2. Do patients still need to submit sick leave attestation applications themselves?
Under the enhanced arrangement, the healthcare facility that issued the sick leave can submit the attestation request on the patient’s behalf. Patients should confirm the process with their issuing hospital or clinic.
3. Does the new rule apply to patient companions?
Yes. Healthcare facilities can also submit attestation requests for patient companion leave alongside the patient’s sick leave request, subject to the applicable requirements.
4. Which government employees benefit from automatic sick leave approval?
The automatic integration applies to eligible federal government employees and local government employees in Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, in accordance with approved controls.
5. Do private-sector employees benefit from automatic approval?
The announcement specifically identifies federal government employees and employees of the four local governments mentioned above for automatic integration. Private-sector employees should check the applicable requirements with their employer and health authority.
6. Is MoHAP sick leave attestation free?
MoHAP’s published attestation service information lists the service as free. Residents should check the relevant health authority’s service details for any separate certificate or service charges.
7. Where can I check the official UAE sick leave attestation process?
You can visit the official Ministry of Health and Prevention website for the latest service requirements and updates.
- 🌐Official website: mohap.gov.ae
- 📞MoHAP Call Centre: 800 11111
Final Words
The UAE’s updated sick leave certificate process is a useful step towards reducing paperwork for patients. By allowing licensed hospitals and clinics to submit attestation requests directly, MoHAP is making the process more convenient for people who need medical leave.
Eligible government employees may also benefit from automatic integration between attestation and approval services, reducing the need for a separate application.