A simple guide for families who want safe, qualified care for their children
When it comes to choosing a speech therapist for your child, one of the most important—but often overlooked questions is: Are they licensed to practise in Dubai?
In a city as diverse and fast-growing as Dubai, parents especially those who are new to the UAE—often feel unsure about how to verify a therapist’s qualifications. That’s why we’ve created this simple guide to help you understand what a DHA-licensed speech therapist means, and why it matters for your child’s care.
At Esperanza Speech and Occupational Therapy Centre, every therapist on our team is fully licensed, experienced, and committed to providing safe, evidence-based support for children. But whether you’re considering us or another provider, here’s what you should know.
What is the DHA?
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is the government body responsible for regulating healthcare professionals in Dubai. This includes doctors, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists—and yes, speech and language therapists too.
To receive a DHA licence, a therapist must:
- Hold a recognised degree in speech and language therapy
- Have completed supervised clinical training
- Pass a background check and verification of credentials
- Complete an exam or credentialing process through the DHA’s professional licensing division
This process ensures that the therapist is not only qualified, but also safe to practise in Dubai’s healthcare system.
Why does licensing matter for speech therapy?
As a parent, it’s natural to want the best care for your child. A licensed therapist gives you peace of mind that:
- They meet international education and ethical standards
- Their methods are based on current clinical research
- They are trained to work with a wide range of communication challenges, including speech delays, language disorders, stuttering, and autism spectrum conditions
- They are monitored by a regulatory body, which means you have a clear path for feedback or complaint if needed
Simply put, a DHA licence is your assurance of professional accountability.
How can I check if my child’s therapist is licensed?
You don’t have to guess. DHA provides an online portal called Sheryan, where you can search for any healthcare professional registered in Dubai.
What about Esperanza’s team?
Every speech and occupational therapist at Esperanza holds a valid DHA licence and has at least 8 years of clinical experience working with children. Our Clinical Director has over 20 years of expertise in developmental therapy and personally oversees every new child’s programme.
We are proud to offer a small, hand-picked team that is both highly qualified and deeply compassionate. We know that therapy is not just about credentials—it’s about trust, warmth, and connection but those credentials are the foundation that ensures your child is in safe hands.
Does DHA licensing affect insurance coverage?
Yes. In Dubai, most insurance companies require therapy to be delivered by DHA-licensed professionals in order to reimburse families. So, if you’re planning to claim speech or occupational therapy through your health insurance, you’ll need to work with a licensed provider.
At Esperanza, we provide complete documentation including DHA licence numbers, therapy reports, and invoices—to support your reimbursement process. While we don’t offer direct billing, many of our families receive successful claims from UAE insurers.
Final thoughts for parents
Choosing a speech therapist is about more than just convenience or cost—it’s about safety, trust, and professional care. A DHA-licensed speech therapist gives your child the benefit of qualified expertise and gives you peace of mind that you’re making a responsible, informed decision.
At Esperanza, we believe every child deserves access to high-quality, regulated therapy. If you have questions about our team’s credentials or want help checking a therapist’s licence elsewhere, we’re happy to guide you—no strings attached.
You can also begin with our free, no-obligation consultation called First Steps. It’s a gentle way to understand your child’s development and speak with a licensed therapist who can point you in the right direction.
To book a First Steps session, call or WhatsApp us at 00971555241094.
