PALS and Licensing
Whether you need a PALS course certificate for your licence or privileges depends on who you treat. In the UAE the regulators — DOH, DHA and MOHAP — license professionals, and facilities with paediatric services add their own requirements.
The usual pattern
BLS for all clinical staff; PALS for staff who treat critically ill children: paediatric, neonatal and paediatric intensive care, emergency departments that see children, and paediatric sedation; NRP as well for delivery-room staff. Always confirm the current rule.
Facilities providing paediatric services often have to show resuscitation-trained cover. That is why units track staff certificates — see the PALS certificate.
DOH covers the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, DHA covers Dubai, and MOHAP covers the other emirates alongside some local authorities. Their websites below are the authoritative source.
Staff who attend deliveries usually need NRP for the newly born, often alongside PALS — see PALS vs NRP.
PALS does not replace BLS; see BLS for licensing.
Nurses and doctors joining a paediatric unit are often given a deadline to obtain PALS after starting. Book early: HeartCode PALS is usually the quickest route for experienced staff, and classroom PALS suits those new to paediatrics.
Facilities are often asked to show evidence of resuscitation training. A simple register of PALS and BLS expiry dates per staff member makes this straightforward.
Other life support and first aid courses: BLS Course · ACLS Course · First Aid Course · Training calendar
For many paediatric, neonatal and emergency roles, yes; confirm for your licence category and facility.
AHA PALS is widely accepted by Dubai facilities; confirm with DHA or your employer.
Usually NRP, often alongside PALS.
No, both are usually required.
By verifying the AHA eCard code.
It depends on the employer. Some require PALS before starting; others allow a set period after joining. Check your offer letter or ask your nurse educator.
Safety First Medical Services is an American Heart Association training centre on Al Reem Island. HeartCode blended PALS, classroom PALS and on-site PALS for paediatric, neonatal and emergency teams, with a two-year AHA PALS Provider eCard.
See PALS dates and register PALS course overview Group booking enquiry
What we teach follows the awarding body and the UAE health authorities. For the definitive position on a course or licensing question, these are the places to check.
Last reviewed by the training team at Safety First Medical Services, an American Heart Association training centre at Addax Office Tower, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 55 761 9841 or email training@safetyfirstmed.ae.