Working in Dubai as an SLP: How to Get Started

Thinking about working abroad as an SLP? 🌍

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be working in Dubai as an SLP and continuing your career in a completely different cultural and professional environment?

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Mahasin Daniels, M.S., CCC-SLP, who spent four years living and working in Dubai. In this two-part series, she shares what the experience was really like— from job searching and licensure to cultural adjustment and day-to-day clinical work.

As someone who has spent over 20 years in this field, I’m always fascinated in how speech-language pathology intersects with culture, community, and lived experience. Conversations like this remind me that while communication needs may be universal, the systems in place, expectations, and values surrounding them can vary widely from one place to another.

If you’ve ever been curious about working abroad as an SLP, this is a great place to start. You can view the full interview HERE.

Why She Chose to Work in Dubai as an SLP

Mahasin began her career in the U.S., making her way from Bel Air, Maryland to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she worked as a school-based SLP for seven years.

She had always been drawn to travel and was interested in exploring opportunities beyond what felt familiar. After talking with a coworker who was planning to teach English abroad, she started looking into what it might be like to work internationally—whether within speech-language pathology or in another professional role.

As Mahasin researched and followed one lead after another, Dubai came onto her radar. From there, the idea of working abroad began to feel much more possible and exciting.

Moving to Dubai as an SLP: What It Really Involves

Moving abroad isn’t just about booking a flight and packing your bags. There’s a lot that happens behind the scenes before you arrive—and for clinicians, that means more paperwork!

To work in Dubai, both a work visa and professional licensure are required and Mahasin shared that neither process happens quickly. There was a significant amount of paperwork involved, and many of the legal and licensing documents were in Arabic, which meant they had to be professionally translated.

She also needed to have her college degrees officially authenticated/attested for international use, including part of the process going through Washington, D.C.

One of the biggest pieces of that process was obtaining professional licensure through the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), which is part of Dubai’s healthcare regulatory system. Mahasin said this is something that’s best started as early as possible, since it can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months, depending on how much you’re able to complete ahead of time.

In general, the process may include:

• Submitting your credentials and supporting documents
• Completing degree and certification verification
• Taking a licensing exam or assessment
• Finalizing work visa requirements and document translation

If you’re an SLP considering Dubai—or really any international SLP job—this is one of the most important parts to research early.

What the Dubai Licensing Process Was Like

At the time Mahasin went through the process, her licensing exam involved sitting before a panel of professionals from related disciplines and answering questions in real time.

She was interviewed by a panel of doctors and physical therapists and asked a number of medical questions that were somewhat related to speech-language pathology.

Fortunately, she felt well prepared—but the experience also highlighted that speech-language pathology was still a relatively new field in the region, despite being in high demand.

Mahasin shared that the licensing process may have changed since then and may now involve a more written or computer-based format, depending on the profession and current requirements.

That alone is an important reminder: if you’re considering working as an SLP in Dubai, always check the most up-to-date licensing requirements directly with the relevant authority.

A Few Things to Know Before Living in Dubai

Dubai is often described as modern, fast-paced, and globally connected. If you’re picturing what life there might look like, here are a few quick facts:

• 🏙️ It’s home to the tallest building in the world (Burj Khalifa)
• 🌍 Roughly 80–90% of the population is expat
• 🚔 It’s not unusual to see luxury police cars 
• 🛍️ Malls are an experience in themselves, with attractions like indoor skiing, aquariums, entertainment spaces, and more

Working as an SLP in a Global Setting

One of the most unique aspects of practicing in Dubai is the incredible diversity.

Because Dubai has such a large international population, clinicians often work with individuals and families from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, and educational backgrounds.

That means you will likely:

• Support clients who speak multiple languages
• Collaborate with professionals trained in different systems or models of care
• Adapt not just clinically, but culturally

For SLPs, that can be both exciting and humbling.

It challenges you to think more broadly about communication, family values, expectations, and what effective support looks like in context. That kind of growth is one of the most valuable parts of stepping outside what’s familiar.

Thinking About Working Abroad as an SLP?

Here are a few takeaways from Mahasin’s experience:

💻 Do your research early

Licensing, credentialing, and relocation all take time. The more you can prepare in advance, the smoother the process will be. It’s also worth looking closely at what is included in a position, since some roles may offer expat-friendly employment packages like:

• Housing allowances
• Transportation stipends
• Relocation support

🗣 Talk to people who have done it

There’s so much value in hearing directly from SLPs and related professionals who have worked internationally. Their insight can help you understand not only the logistics of the move, but also the cultural nuances and day-to-day realities of living and working abroad.

🌱 Expect things to feel different

Systems, routines, workplace expectations, and even professional identity may look different from what you’re used to—and that’s part of the learning. Having a work mentor will help you navigate these realities more smoothly.

✨ Stay open

There will likely be challenges, but there’s also a lot of room for growth, both professionally and personally. Be open to new experiences and give yourself grace to learn new things along the way!

🌐 Final thoughts

Working abroad as an SLP isn’t just about changing locations—it’s about expanding your perspective and staying in the growth mindset.

Mahasin’s experience is a powerful reminder that there isn’t just one way to build a meaningful career in this field. There are opportunities to grow in ways that are both professionally enriching and personally transformative.

And sometimes, it all starts with being curious enough to ask: What else is possible?

Connect with Mahasin & Watch the Full Interview

If you’d like to connect with Mahasin Daniels or learn more about her work, you can find her here:

• Website: ShiningLightTherapyLV.com  
• Instagram, TikTok, & Facebook: @ShiningLightTherapyLV  

Watch the full interview

Be sure to watch our full conversation HERE.

✨ Next Up in the Series:

In Part 2, we’ll dive into what day-to-day clinical work actually looked like while working in Dubai as an SLP, including what it was like to support clients and collaborate across cultures.

For more interviews with SLPs around the world, explore my blog for stories about working abroad as an SLP, global speech therapy, and international clinical experiences.