Prepare for what DOH acts on, which in 2026 has meant records manipulated or kept on unapproved systems, unlicensed practitioners, sick leave issued without an examination, and controlled medication and documentation failures. Show the opposite, from the record.
More audits, every year
DOH ran 4,540 licensing audit rounds in 2025, and compliance audits rose from 2,401 to 3,485, up 31%. 223 violations led to the closure of seven facilities.1 In March 2026 DOH temporarily closed five facilities and suspended their staff over sick leave issued without examination, manipulated records, unlicensed practitioners and unapproved record systems.2 In October it revoked one physician's licence and suspended another over controlled medication and documentation.3
- Check every licence. Facility and practitioners, current and within scope.
- Pull ten records. On the approved system, complete, signed and timed.
- Check sick leave. Every certificate tied to a recorded examination.
- Check controlled medications. Prescribing checks and documentation.
- Check Malaffi. Connected, referrals sent, checks before tests.
- Write it up. Findings, owners and dates.
- Date ______ Led by ______
- Licences checked ______
- Records reviewed ______ Gaps ______
- Sick leave and controlled medications checked ______
- Actions, owner and date ______
Questions
How many audits did DOH run in 2025?
4,540 licensing audit rounds, and 3,485 compliance audits.
What led to closures in 2026?
Sick leave without examination, manipulated records, unlicensed practitioners and unapproved record systems.
Is there a rating after an audit?
Not for clinics, though hospitals can be classified under Muashir.
Sources
- 1Department of Health Abu Dhabi, 2026DoH advances healthcare regulation, standards and community engagementRead source
- 2Department of Health Abu Dhabi, 2026DoH closes five healthcare facilities and suspends staff pending referral to Public ProsecutionRead source
- 3Department of Health Abu Dhabi, 2026DoH revokes one physician licence and suspends anotherRead source
Written by the wai team from Department of Health Abu Dhabi guidance, checked on 15 October 2026. This is guidance, not legal advice. DOH does not endorse wai or any software.

