This certification preparation program is reviewed by Dr. Ran Wilkosin, MD, FACP, FRCP, Chief Advisor at Royal Medical Pathways, for alignment with current sittings and registry requirements.
What is DHA?
- Full name
- Dubai Health Authority Examination
- Administering body
- The DHA exam is a proctored assessment required for all medical and allied health professionals in Dubai
- Purpose
- Mandatory licensing exam for healthcare professionals seeking to work in Dubai, UAE.
- Format
- CBT Assessment
- 2026-2027 cycle
- Sittings open across the 2026-2027 academic year — contact us for the next available date.
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Overview
The DHA exam is a proctored assessment required for all medical and allied health professionals in Dubai.
Administered via Prometric, it ensures clinical competence for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Exam Structure
CBT Assessment
- 100-150 MCQs depending on specialty.
- Clinical management and diagnostic focus.
Eligibility & Registration
- Verified primary qualification (DataFlow).
- Relevant clinical experience.
- DHA portal registration.
How to Register for DHA in 2026
Check DHA eligibility
Verify your qualifications meet the DHA requirements for the 2026-2027 cycle.
Speak with a Royal Medical Pathways advisor
Book a free consultation to map your prep plan and decide which study package suits your timeline and budget.
Register for DHA
Complete the official registration on the DHA portal and confirm your sitting window.
Receive your tailored study plan
Get a structured study schedule, syllabus-aligned materials and mentor calls scheduled around your test date.
Sit the exam
Attend your DHA sitting with confidence, supported by structured preparation aligned to the real exam format.
Collect and verify your certificate
We assist with certificate collection, verification and onward registration with your regulator.
DHA (Dubai) vs MOH (Northern Emirates)
| Feature | DHA (Dubai) | MOH (Northern Emirates) |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator | Dubai Health Authority | Ministry of Health & Prevention (MOHAP) |
| Where it applies | Emirate of Dubai | Sharjah, Ajman, UAQ, RAK, Fujairah |
| Former name | — | — |
| Exam delivery | Prometric computer-based | Prometric computer-based |
| Credential verification | DataFlow (primary source) | DataFlow (primary source) |
| Typical pass threshold | Varies by profession (doctors lower than nurses) | Varies by profession (doctors lower than nurses) |
DHA FAQs
What is the DHA exam?
The DHA exam is the computer-based licensing exam from the Dubai Health Authority that all foreign doctors, nurses, dentists and allied health professionals must pass to practise in Dubai. It is administered at Prometric centres and is specific to your profession and specialty.
Who is eligible for the DHA exam?
You need a recognised professional qualification, a current licence from your country of training, primary source verification of your credentials, and in most cases a job offer from a Dubai healthcare facility. Nurses need minimum clinical experience, and doctors need an internship plus specialty training for consultant roles.
What is the DHA exam format?
The DHA exam is a computer-based test of around 100-200 multiple-choice questions (depending on profession) covering clinical knowledge, patient safety, ethics and UAE healthcare regulations. It is generally 2-3.5 hours long and is taken at a Prometric testing centre.
How do I apply for the DHA license?
Your employer in Dubai submits your licensing application through the DHA's Sheryan system, then your credentials are verified (usually via DataFlow). Once the DHA approves eligibility, you book your Prometric exam window and receive your licence after passing.
DHA, MOH or DOH — which exam should I take?
Take the one for the emirate where you will work: DHA for Dubai, DOH for Abu Dhabi (formerly HAAD), MOH for the Northern Emirates. If you are unsure, your job offer will state which emirate's licence you need.
Related DHA Reading
In-depth guides to help you plan your DHA preparation:
