An interview-style experience report about opportunities, challenges and the new life of a German-speaking doctor in the UAE.
Dubai, February 2025 - Anyone strolling through the modern medical centre in the heart of Dubai Healthcare City would have no idea that one of the city's best-known plastic surgeons only moved here from Germany two years ago. Dr Adrian Roth, 41, a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery, smiles when we meet him for a chat. "Without DoctoFlow, I would probably still be trapped in my health insurance licence," he says right at the start.
"I wanted more freedom - professionally and privately"
Dr Roth's decision to leave Germany did not come overnight. "I had a successful practice on Lake Constance, but the regulation, the tax burden, the personnel management - it all took the joy out of being a doctor. I wanted to concentrate again on what I love: helping people to achieve greater self-worth and enjoyment of life through my work."
A colleague friend of his, who has been working in Abu Dhabi since 2019, drew his attention to DoctoFlow. "I called up the website, booked a free consultation - and knew after 20 minutes: This is my path."
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Licensing, visas, clinic foundation: Everything from a single source
"I had no idea how complex the whole issue of medical licensing in Dubai really is," recalls Dr Roth. "DHA, DataFlow, specialist doctor recognition, local sponsor issues - without the support of DoctoFlow and the legal expertise of Nami Shams, I would probably have given up."
Within eight weeks, he not only had his licence, but also a company-owned clinic licence in Mainland Dubai. "DoctoFlow coordinated everything: Translations, dealing with authorities, appointments - even my first visa application went through their internal team."
The new start: from the German cold to the glamour of Dubai
"I arrived in January 2023 at 28 degrees and immediately realised: I can breathe here." Dr Roth's voice softens as he talks about his first few months. "Of course I was worried at first: will I win patients? What are the people like here? What is the medical environment like?"
However, it soon became clear that his German thoroughness paired with ultra-modern technology was hitting the nerve of the times. "Today, I work with the latest generation of lasers, use 3D scanners for planning meetings and combine European expertise with the level of service expected here."
I came to Dubai as a doctor - and finally became an entrepreneur in my own life.
Dr A. Roth, plastic surgeon
"Demand is huge - and the standard is extremely high"
Dubai has become a global hub for medical tourism. Cosmetic surgery in particular is booming: "My patients come not only from the Emirates, but also from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Switzerland and increasingly from Germany."
Dr Roth offers treatments in the high-end segment: facelifts, breast surgery, reconstructive procedures, fat transfer and minimally invasive anti-ageing measures. "The willingness to pay is high, but so are the expectations. You have to deliver top performance here - otherwise you're quickly out of the picture."
What Dubai does differently - and better
"There is a real sense of togetherness among doctors here. Little envy, lots of dialogue. And above all: a lot of entrepreneurial freedom." In Germany, he was constantly on the defensive: against the tax office, against the KV, against insurance companies. "Here I can shape things, realise ideas, be innovative."
He is particularly impressed by the digital healthcare system. "I can create prescriptions digitally, have access to a centralised patient file - and the overall administrative workload is many times lower."
Family, leisure, freedom
A lot has also changed in his private life. "My wife now teaches at an international school and our two children love the beach days at the weekend." The quality of life is enormous. "We live in a villa with a pool, pay no income tax and have a social environment that couldn't be more international."
Any advice for colleagues in Germany?
"If, as a doctor, you feel that you can't get ahead in Germany despite all your efforts - then take the plunge. The UAE offers you opportunities that you can hardly imagine in Europe."
His tip: "Let yourself be accompanied. DoctoFlow knows what they're doing. And Nami Shams guided me safely through every phase. I only had to concentrate on what I was really good at."
A new standard for medical careers
What makes Dr Roth's story so special is not just his professional success - but his authenticity. He shows that it is possible not only to gain a foothold as a highly qualified doctor abroad, but to flourish. "Today I am freer, more fulfilled and more creative than ever. And I have one thing above all to thank for that: the decision to go with DoctoFlow."
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Why now is the best time to make a career as a doctor in the UAE - A personal statement by Nami Shams
The world has changed profoundly in recent years. The pandemic has not only exposed weaknesses in many healthcare systems, but has also redefined the reality of life for many doctors in Europe. As someone who works in the medical field myself and has been intensively involved with the emigration of healthcare professionals to the United Arab Emirates for years, I would like to use this statement to explain why exactly now is the perfect time to take the plunge as a doctor in the UAE.
1. the medical infrastructure in the UAE is world class
Dubai, Abu Dhabi and smaller emirates such as Sharjah have been investing heavily in the development of a modern healthcare system for years. Hardly any other country in the world has developed and internationally accredited so many state-of-the-art clinics, specialist centres and medical specialities at the same time.
The technical equipment, digitalisation and service orientation are above Western standards in many areas. For ambitious doctors, this means state-of-the-art operating theatres, digital patient files, innovative treatment methods and the opportunity to work with the world's best doctors.
2. tax exemption: more net from gross for real top performers
In Germany, the tax and contribution burden for employed doctors is sometimes over 50 %, and often even higher for the self-employed. In the UAE, on the other hand, the income tax-free. This means that anyone working as a doctor in Dubai keeps almost 100 % of their gross salary.
This financial freedom allows many professionals to build up assets more quickly, provide better for their families or set up their own practices. It's not just a benefit for the bank account - but for the overall quality of life.
3. international patients, high demand, excellent opportunities
The UAE has become a centre for medical tourism. People from all over the Middle East, Africa, Russia, Europe and South East Asia come to Dubai to receive the highest level of treatment.
For medical specialists - especially in the areas of Plastic surgery, dermatology, orthopaedics, cardiology, gynaecology, general medicine and dentistry - This creates new opportunities every day. Many doctors report full capacity utilisation after just a few months.
4. better working conditions and more appreciation for the medical profession
In Europe, many doctors complain about over-regulation, lack of time, shortage of staff and lack of recognition. In the UAE, on the other hand, the medical profession has traditionally enjoyed a high social status.
Patients treat doctors with respect, medical staff are not seen as an "administrative burden" but as a valuable part of society.
What's more, there's no excessive paperwork, no cash accounts, no fear of recourse. That's liberating.
5. a life with sun, security and international flair
The UAE offers far more than just career opportunities. They offer a Safe, modern and international living environment.
350 days of sunshine a year
One of the lowest crime rates in the world
International community with a high level of education
Excellent schools, universities and infrastructure
The UAE is a paradise for families. Those who live here enjoy a high quality of life, first-class leisure facilities and a variety of cultures and lifestyles.
6. setting up a practice made easy - being an entrepreneur instead of just a doctor
The opportunity to set up your own clinic as a doctor in the UAE is not only realistic - it is encouraged. With the right advice (e.g. via DoctoFlow and experienced partners such as Nami Shams), foreign doctors can today Mainland licences and establish their own companies and realise their medical vision.
Licensing is structured, digitalised and much more efficient than in many European countries.
7 The perfect time: Now!
The demand for qualified doctors with European training is higher than ever before. At the same time, many healthcare facilities are in an expansion phase. Those who join now not only secure the best entry opportunities, but can also help shape the future in the long term.
In addition, the UAE offers clear prospects for residence permits, family reunification and even long-term settlement with the "Golden Visa" scheme.
8. company is everything: why you shouldn't go alone
The path to the UAE is feasible - but complex. Licensing, visas, DataFlow, specialist doctor recognition, company formation, choice of location - all of this requires experience, intuition and a sure instinct. Legal security.
That's why I recommend every colleague who wants to take this step to seek professional support.
I work closely with DoctoFlow and Nami Shams an experienced legal consultant who has specialised in medical licensing and start-ups in the UAE for many years.
His team not only knows the theory, but has already successfully guided dozens of doctors through this process.
9 My appeal to you as a colleague:
If you are reading this text, you may feel a burning desire for change. Perhaps you are frustrated with the system in Europe, tired of the paperwork, underpaid for your qualifications or simply looking for a fresh start.
The UAE is ready for you. The question is: Are you ready for the UAE?
I can tell you: it's worth it. And with the right preparation, advice and a strong partner like DoctoFlow at your side, this step is not only feasible - it is transformative.
Conclusion: Rethink medicine, revitalise your career
Today, the United Arab Emirates offers doctors opportunities that hardly exist in Europe: financial freedom, professional development, social recognition and a life in safety and sunshine.
If you want more as a doctor - more appreciation, more development, more opportunities to shape things - you should act now.
I invite you: Get to know the possibilities. Take advantage of the opportunities. And let me guide you - with my heart, mind and experience.
Yours, Nami Shams
Consultant for medical licensing & medical business setup in the UAE
