Working as an SLP in Dubai
Have you ever thought about packing up your life and working as a speech-language pathologist in another country?
I had the pleasure of interviewing Mahasin Daniels, M.S., CCC-SLP, who did exactly that! She spent four years working in the UAE, including Dubai and Al Ain.
We talked about how she found her first international job, navigated licensing, and adjusted to living abroad. She also shared some practical advice for SLPs considering a similar adventure! Watch my full interview with Mahasin on Facebook.
This is Part 1 of our two-part interview series. Professional licensing information updated October 2026.
How Mahasin Ended Up in Dubai
Before moving abroad, Mahasin worked as a school-based SLP in Las Vegas for approximately seven years. She had always loved traveling and took advantage of school breaks to explore new places. But after hearing coworkers talk about teaching English overseas, she began wondering what it might be like to actually live and work in another country.
She initially considered teaching English in South Korea. As she researched opportunities, however, the UAE caught her attention. At the time, there weren’t many resources available about working as an SLP in Dubai. Mahasin watched YouTube videos, researched the region, and eventually contacted a clinic directly.
That led to a Skype interview with the clinic’s director—and the beginning of her international career!
Finding an SLP Job in Dubai
One thing I found interesting was how much Mahasin’s interview focused on her ability to adapt. Of course, the clinic asked about her clinical experience. But they also wanted to know whether she was comfortable relocating, working with culturally diverse families, and adjusting to unfamiliar systems. These are important considerations for anyone planning to work abroad.
Mahasin found her first position by contacting a clinic directly. Later in her career, she was also recruited through LinkedIn. Her advice was to research clinics, reach out to potential employers, and connect with other SLPs who have worked internationally.
And don’t forget to ask about the support available once you arrive. Mahasin initially knew very few people in Dubai, but her employer connected her with other international SLPs who helped her prepare for the transition.
Understanding Employment Contracts and Benefits
Mahasin’s explanation of international employment packages was very helpful. Her first position included several benefits beyond her base salary, such as housing, transportation assistance, health insurance, an annual round-trip flight home, and an end-of-service gratuity.
However, not every employer offers the same package. Mahasin recommended reviewing employment contracts carefully and asking questions about salary, housing allowances, transportation, vacation time, contract length, and visa sponsorship.
It’s also important to clarify how benefits are provided. For example, does the employer arrange housing, or do you receive an allowance and find an apartment yourself? Those details can make a big difference when budgeting for an international move.
Becoming Licensed as an SLP in Dubai
Obtaining her professional license was one of the more time-consuming parts of Mahasin’s experience. She described gathering academic records, having her degrees officially authenticated in Washington, D.C., and arranging Arabic translations for required documents.
Mahasin applied through the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). During her application, she waited approximately six months for an examination date. Her examination was oral, conducted before two physicians and a physical therapist. She answered questions covering several medical and clinical topics, including swallowing and cleft palate.
Fortunately, Mahasin felt her previous clinical experience helped prepare her! She estimated that the broader licensing process could take approximately 6–15 months in her circumstances. That was her experience at the time, not an official processing timeframe.
What About Licensing Today?
The DHA currently uses an online professional licensing system called Sheryan. Depending on an applicant’s qualifications and the position, the process may include:
- Completing a professional eligibility self-assessment
- Verifying academic qualifications, experience, and other required documents
- Passing a computer-based or oral assessment, when required
- Obtaining professional registration
- Having an eligible healthcare facility activate the professional license
Requirements may vary based on educational qualifications, professional experience, and the position being sought. For current information, visit the Dubai Health Authority’s Professional Licensing Services.
Important: Professional registration alone does not authorize clinical practice. The appropriate professional license must be active before providing services.
Work Visas and Moving Overseas
Mahasin’s employer sponsored her employment visa and helped arrange her Emirates ID. She recalled that obtaining the necessary documentation required patience and considerable coordination.
For SLPs considering international employment, it’s worth asking potential employers exactly what they will arrange and what responsibilities or expenses fall to the employee.
Work authorization and professional licensing are separate requirements, so it’s important to understand both before relocating.
Finding Housing: An Unexpected Surprise!
Finding housing can always be a challenge when planning to work abroad. Mahasin’s first employer arranged her apartment. When she later changed jobs, she received a housing allowance but had to find her own accommodations.
She worked with a real estate agent and eventually found a studio apartment in a newer development. But there was one surprise.
Some landlords expected rent to be paid in one or two large installments rather than monthly!
Mahasin found apartments requiring the equivalent of an entire year’s rent upfront. She eventually chose one that allowed her to divide the payments into three installments. Meanwhile, her housing allowance was paid monthly.
This created an important budgeting consideration. Even with a housing allowance, she needed enough savings to cover substantial upfront expenses.
Her experience is a great reminder to research local rental practices and understand how housing benefits will be paid before accepting an international position.
Adjusting to Life in Dubai
Of course, moving overseas involves more than paperwork and finding an apartment! Mahasin initially used Dubai’s Metro system to commute to work and eventually purchased a car.
She also had to adjust to the climate. Coming from Las Vegas, she was familiar with desert heat, but Dubai’s humidity was an entirely different experience! Another adjustment was learning to navigate daily life in a new environment, from transportation and housing to meeting people and building a support network.
Although she enjoyed the experience, Mahasin emphasized the importance of being flexible, patient, and willing to learn. She also encouraged SLPs to connect with expatriate communities and other professionals before and after relocating.
Sometimes, having someone answer a simple question about everyday life can make an unfamiliar place feel much more manageable.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed hearing how Mahasin turned her love of travel into an opportunity to work internationally. What stood out to me was how much preparation went into the move. Finding a job was only one part of the process. Professional licensing, employment contracts, housing, finances, and building a support network were equally important.
Mahasin’s experience also highlights how valuable it can be to step outside your comfort zone and learn from other cultures and professional systems.
If you’re interested in working abroad, her advice is a great place to start: research early, ask plenty of questions, and be prepared for differences along the way.
Want to hear more about her experience?
In Part 2: Speech Therapy in Dubai – Clinical Practice & Culture, Mahasin shares what it was like to work with multilingual clients, collaborate with international colleagues, and adapt to different clinical settings.
You may also enjoy my Travel Tips for SLPs Working Abroad.
Connect with Mahasin
Mahasin now operates Shining Light Therapy in Las Vegas and offers international SLP consulting for clinicians interested in working abroad.
You can also connect with her on Instagram at @ShiningLightTherapyLV.
Have you ever considered working as an SLP in another country? I’d love to hear where you’d like to go!