What Is the UAE Medical License Exam and How Can You Pass It?

If you’re a medical professional aiming to practice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), you’ll need to obtain a UAE medical license. Whether you’re a doctor, nurse, dentist, or pharmacist, passing the licensing exam is a critical step in your journey. This blog post will walk you through what the UAE medical license exam is, why it’s important, and how you can prepare to pass it successfully.

Understanding the UAE Medical License Exam

The UAE does not have a single, unified medical licensing exam. Instead, the exam you take depends on the emirate you plan to work in and the health authority that governs it. The four major health authorities are:

1. Dubai Health Authority (DHA) operates in Dubai.
   
2. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health (HAAD/DOH) (pertaining to Abu Dhabi)
   
3. Health and Prevention Ministry (MOHAP) (for other Emirates)
   
4. DHCC – Dubai Healthcare City (for Dubai Healthcare City zone)
   

Each of these has an own licensure exam and application procedure. However, all follow similar standards and aim to ensure that healthcare professionals meet the UAE’s high standards for medical practice.

Who Needs to Take the Exam?

If you hold a medical degree from outside the UAE and wish to work in any healthcare capacity, you must pass a licensing exam. This includes:

• General Practitioners
  
• Specialists and Consultants
  
• Dentists
  
• Nurses and Midwives
  
• Pharmacists
  
• Allied health professionals, such as lab technicians and physiotherapists
  

Exam Structure and Content

The exam is usually a computer-based test (CBT) and may include multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on your specialty. Here’s what to expect:

• General practitioners and dentists often face 100–150 MCQs.

• Specialists might encounter 70–100 questions more focused on clinical scenarios.

• Topics include medical ethics, clinical guidelines, diagnostic procedures, and pharmacology.

• A Prometric test is required by some authorities, such as DOH (Abu Dhabi).

• The pass mark typically ranges between 60–70%.
  

Step-by-Step Process to Apply

1. Create an account on the relevant health authority’s portal (e.g., DHA Sheryan, DOH TAMM, or MOHAP).

2. Submit required documents: passport, degree, transcripts, experience certificates, good standing certificate, and passport-sized photo.

3. Credential verification: Your documents will be verified through the DataFlow Group, a process known as Primary Source Verification (PSV).

4. Book your exam through Prometric or Pearson VUE (depending on authority).

5. Take and pass the exam.

6. Apply for license activation after passing the exam and getting a job offer.
   

How to Succeed on the UAE Medical License Examination

1. Recognize the syllabus: A syllabus or blueprint is published by each authority. Read it thoroughly to know what topics to focus on.
2. Use reliable study materials: Books like Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine, USMLE Step 2 CK, or Kaplan Medical are great for general review.
3. Practice MCQs daily: Online platforms like Prometric MCQ banks, DHA question banks, and other region-specific apps are very helpful.
4. Join study groups: Connect with other candidates on forums or WhatsApp groups to exchange notes, clear doubts, and stay motivated.
5. Manage time wisely: Create a study schedule and stick to it. Don’t forget to include breaks to avoid burnout.
6. Take mock tests: Simulate the real exam environment to build confidence and improve time management.
7. Stay updated: Follow official health authority portals and medical blogs to keep track of any changes in exam formats or policies.

Conclusion

Passing the UAE medical license exam is a gateway to a rewarding career in one of the most advanced healthcare systems in the Middle East. With the right preparation, determination, and strategic planning, you can clear the exam and begin a fulfilling medical journey in the UAE. Remember, it’s not just about passing a test it’s about proving that you’re ready to offer safe, high-quality care in a multicultural healthcare environment.

So start early, stay focused, and aim high. Good luck on your path to becoming a licensed medical professional in the UAE! Contact Montgo Health

Frequently Ask Questions

Q. Can I give the DHA exam from India?

A. Yes, you can apply and take the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam from India. The exam is conducted online through Prometric testing centers available across major Indian cities.

Q. What is the exam for doctor license in UAE?

A. The UAE has different licensing exams depending on the emirate:

• DHA – for Dubai

• MOH – for other emirates (except Abu Dhabi and Dubai)

• HAAD (DOH) – for Abu Dhabi
  Each authority requires passing its respective exam to practice legally.

Q. Which is better, MOH or DHA?

A. It depends on your career goals:

• DHA is ideal if you plan to work in Dubai.

• MOH covers Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain, and Ras Al Khaimah.
  DHA generally offers higher salary potential due to Dubai’s larger healthcare sector.

Q. What is the salary of MOH in Dubai?

A. MOH licenses are not valid for Dubai. If you want to work in Dubai, you’ll need a DHA license. However, MOH-licensed doctors working in northern emirates typically earn AED 15,000–25,000/month, depending on specialization and experience.

Q. What is the age limit for DHA?

A. There is no official age limit for the DHA exam. However, some healthcare facilities may prefer hiring professionals under 65 years due to labor and visa policies.

Q. How many attempts are there for DHA?

A. You are allowed up to 3 attempts to pass the DHA exam. After failing all 3, you may need to undergo additional training or meet further requirements before reapplying.