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If you are a medical doctor looking to work in Dubai, you’re in the right place. This blog will answer your most common questions about the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) examination and guide you through the step by step process of obtaining your license to work in Dubai. So let’s dive into it.
What is the DHA?
DHA stands for Dubai Health Authority, a government organization that regulates healthcare professionals and facilities in Dubai. If you want to work as a Doctor, Nurse or allied healthcare professional in Dubai, then registering with the DHA is mandatory.
Previously, there was a common exam called MOH for the entire UAE, but now each emirate has its own specific exam like,
- DHA (Dubai Health Authority): For Dubai
- HAAD (Health Authority of Abu Dhabi): For Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
- MOH (Ministry of Health): For Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajaman, UAQ etc.
What is the DHA Exam, and What is its Pattern?
The DHA exam is an online, computer-based Prometric examination that you can take from your home country or a designated center.
Key Points about the DHA Exam:
Format: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Duration: 3 hours
Questions: 150 questions with no negative marking.
Passing Score: The passing score for DHA Exam is 60-70%.
Who Can Take the DHA Exam?
The DHA exam is mandatory for a variety of healthcare professionals, including:
Physicians, doctors, and nurses, allied healthcare professionals (e.g., physiotherapists, occupational therapists), Complementary healthcare therapists (e.g., Ayurveda and massage therapists),Lab technicians and pharmacists.
DHA Exam Requirements
Here are the main requirements for the DHA Exam.
- Must graduate from medical school registered with WHO
- One year of internship
- English language proficiency certificate ( IELTS = 6, TOEFL = 550, and OET = 300)
- Standard Med School Transcript
- Valid Passport Copy
- Professional licence if hold any.
For GPs: 2 years of experience (not specific to any department).
For Specialists: 3 years of experience.
Keep in mind that a house job or internship is not counted as experience.
Steps to Apply for the DHA Exam
Follow these steps to get started:
1. Create an Account on the Sheryan Portal
Visit the official DHA Sheryan Portal and create an account using your email ID and password.
2. Use the Self-Assessment Tool
The self-assessment tool helps determine your eligibility.
Enter your qualifications, work experience, internship details, and nationality. If you are eligible, you can proceed to the next step.
3. Register with DHA
Once you are eligible, register on the DHA portal and submit the following documents:
- Academic qualifications
- Work experience certificates
- Internship certificates
4. Undergo Dataflow Verification
Dataflow verification is a third-party service that cross checks the your submitted documents either they are valid or not.
Create a separate login ID for this step.
Once the verification process is complete, you’ll receive a positive or negative report.
Keep in mind that data flow verification can be done before and after the exam. If you have gained the required experience then go for data flow verification. If not, then appear for the exam, gain experience and then do the data flow verification.
5. Schedule Your Exam
After receiving a positive dataflow report, you can schedule your exam.
6. DHA Eligibility Letter
Once done with all the processes above successfully, DHA will send you this letter, which can be used to find jobs/hiring.
DHA Exam Syllabus
Each profession has their own syllabus. Here is a DHA exam syllabus for doctors.
- Eye and ENT
- Surgery
- Dermatology
- Pediatric
- Acute Chronic Medicine
- Women Health
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Basic Epidemiology
Preparation Time
Preparation time totally depends on you, whether you are a slow learner or fast learner, whether you are preparing with a job or full dedication. But on an average it can take 2 to 3 months.
DHA Exam Expenses
Expenses can vary year to year, so it’s best that you also check the DHA website.
- Exam Fee: 1020 aed
- Data Flow Verification: 1200 aed ( for about 6 documents), if you add more documents like 2 experiences etc then you will be charged 200 aed for each.
- DHA Eligibility Letter: 200 aed.
DHA Resources
Everyone has their own way of learning. Choose any that suit you. Here are some top level resources you can use for the DHA exam.
- Medical MCQ4 all
- Interface
- Pass Prometric
- Rapid Access Guide
Books For DHA Exam
Most of the portion of DHA exam consist of Medicine, so Kumar and Clark and Davidson are very helpful. You can also use past papers and USMLE Step 2 CK.
Exam Difficulty Level
DHA and MOH exams are easy to pass as compared to HAAD and DOH. But you should not take it easy to avoid multiple attempts.
Centres
DHA exam centres are available throughout the world. Each country has their own specific body which provides an exam centre. Check out it by typing ” DHA exam centre in X( country name)” in Google.
Tips for Success
Be Honest: Submit only authentic information and documents, as the DHA will verify your experience and qualifications.
Prepare Thoroughly: Study the syllabus specific to your field. Practice past paper questions and question banks to get to know what type of questions are asked in the exam.
Stay Updated: DHA guidelines and processes may change, so always refer to the official DHA portal for the latest updates.
Acceptance Rate
Dubai is super saturated but still there are chances to get in. Some factors that can play a role in accepting.
- National medical graduates are more preferred in Dubai as compared to foreigners.
- Have good gpa in med school.
- Student with good score in DHA Exam.
- English scores are also counted.
What Happens if You Fail the DHA Exam?
Total of three attempts are allowed, if you fail all the three attempts of DHA exam, then will need to;
1. Return to your home country.
2. Gain an additional two years of experience.
3. Reapply for the DHA exam.
Residency Programs Duration
Residency program duration in Dubai is different from program to program.
Dubai vs Abu Dhabi
Dubai(DHA) is super saturated and pays less as compared to Abu Dhabi(HAAD). Moreover, Abu Dhabi provides a greater number of opportunities compared to both Dubai and Sharjah.
How To Exempt DHA Exam
You will be exempt from the DHA exam, if you have passed all USMLE Steps, Plab 1 and Plab 2, MCCQE Part 2.
But still you will need to go through data flow verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Dubai without DHA?
No, DHA is mandatory to work in Dubai. You can exempt DHA by passing some international tests like USMLE all steps, Plab 1 and 2, MCCQE etc. But still you will do data flow verification.
What is the salary of an MBBS graduate and a senior doctor in Dubai?
MBBS graduates with 2 years experience salary ranges 8000 to 14000 aed, GP 15000 to 20000 aed, Specialists 30000 to 50000 aed and consultants are paid 60000 to 80000 aed.
