Operator Licensing & Competency

Licensing Framework

The UAE has a multi-layered operator licensing system for plant and machinery. Federal requirements under MoHRE apply UAE-wide. ADOSH-SF competency certificates are required for all plant operators in Abu Dhabi and are widely accepted across other emirates. Dubai Municipality and the RTA have additional requirements for Dubai. The IPAF PAL Card is the internationally recognised standard for MEWP operators and is accepted by all UAE authorities.

Medical Fitness Requirements

In Abu Dhabi, DoH Occupational Health Screening and Medical Surveillance Standard V1 (July 2026) replaces cancelled ADOSH-SF CoP 5.0. A licensed occupational health professional determines fitness assessment and surveillance from the operator group, duties, risks and applicable licensing requirements. Baseline assessment is before work, with the standard's 30-day completion provision where assignment has already begun. Keep clinical records with the licensed provider; the project receives work-fitness advice and restrictions, not unrestricted medical files. Other emirates follow their applicable regulators.

• Pre-employment medical

  Required before commencing plant operation

  critical

• Periodic medical

  Provider-defined risk/occupation schedule; DoH Appendix 1A Groups 2–3: every 3 years below age 45, annually above 45 or with restricting conditions; exactly age 45 is not specified — confirm with the provider

  critical

• Vision standard

  Vision assessed against the applicable DoH Appendix 1A group and profession-licensing requirements

  critical

• Colour vision

  Adequate colour vision for signal recognition

  critical

• Alcohol/drugs policy

  Zero tolerance — random testing permitted on UAE sites

  critical