Purpose This study aims to investigate the mediating effect of transformational leadership (TL) and work engagement (WE) on health-care clinic nurses’ performance and the crucial role of these variables in the work environment (WEV). Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 353 nurses working across various health-care clinics in the United Arab Emirates. This study used descriptive correlational statistics from the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, the Pearson correlation coefficient, confirmatory factor analysis for model validity, Cronbach’s alpha for reliability and path analysis to determine the results. Findings The relationship between TL and job performance among nurses in health-care clinics was strongly influenced by WE. In addition, a moderate WEV increased the positive influence of TL on job accomplishment. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences between the participants’ demographics characteristics and the main variables of the study. Practical implications Health-care management can support and enhance nurses’ job performance through TL, create a more structured WEV and support WE. Originality/value This study involves a specific investigation into WE as a mediator, WEV as a moderator and the effect of TL on nurses’ job performance.