Are you a healthcare professional planning to work in Dubai? One of the first steps is to pass the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) exam, which is required to obtain a professional license. But before you begin preparing, it's crucial to understand the DHA exam eligibility criteria—because not everyone is automatically qualified to apply.
In this blog, we’ll explain the detailed eligibility requirements for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals so you can assess whether you meet the standards and begin the application process confidently.
What is the DHA Exam?
The DHA exam is a licensing examination required for healthcare professionals who want to practice in Dubai. It ensures candidates meet the clinical and ethical standards necessary to deliver safe, high-quality care in the UAE.
It applies to:
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General Practitioners and Specialists
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Nurses and Midwives
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Dentists
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Pharmacists
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Allied Health Professionals (e.g., Lab Technicians, Physiotherapists, Radiographers)
General DHA Exam Eligibility Criteria
The Dubai Health Authority has clear guidelines for eligibility, based on education, experience, and professional licensing. Here's what all applicants must fulfill:
✅ 1. Educational Qualifications
You must hold a recognized degree or diploma in your healthcare field from an accredited institution.
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For doctors: MBBS or equivalent
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For nurses: BSc in Nursing or GNM (in some cases)
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For pharmacists: Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy
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For technicians and allied health: Diploma or bachelor’s depending on the role
✅ 2. Professional License
You must have a valid license or registration from your home country or the most recent country of practice.
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Must be in good standing
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Should not be expired or revoked
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Usually issued by a recognized medical or health council
✅ 3. Work Experience
Minimum experience is required after obtaining your degree:
Note: Internships and training do not count toward this experience unless stated.
✅ 4. Primary Source Verification (PSV)
All your educational and professional documents must go through DataFlow verification, which confirms their authenticity from the original issuing institutions.
✅ 5. Good Conduct Certificate
You should have no history of medical malpractice, criminal activity, or license suspension.
✅ 6. English Proficiency
If English is not your first language, you may be required to submit IELTS/TOEFL scores, especially for nurses and allied health professionals.
Special Notes on Eligibility
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Gaps in Practice: If you’ve had a break in clinical practice (more than 2 years), you may need to complete additional training or CME hours.
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Specialists/Subspecialists: Must provide proof of post-graduate training, board certification, and clinical experience in their specialization.
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Alternative Pathways: In some rare cases, candidates with exceptional credentials may be eligible under an "equivalency" route, but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Who Is Not Eligible?
You may not be eligible for the DHA exam if:
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Your degree is from an unaccredited institution
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You lack the required post-graduate experience
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Your license has been revoked or suspended
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Your documents cannot be verified by DataFlow
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You have an extended gap in practice without justification
How to Check DHA Exam Eligibility Online
You can check your eligibility by:
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Visiting the official DHA Sheryan Portal
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Registering and submitting your professional profile
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Uploading required documents for preliminary review
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Receiving a response or instruction for DataFlow
Final Thoughts
Meeting the DHA exam eligibility criteria is the first and most important step on your path to working in Dubai’s healthcare sector. If you're unsure about any requirement, it’s best to consult with a DHA-certified consultant or training center to guide you through the process.
Once you're eligible, you can move forward with preparing for the exam, scheduling your Prometric test, and working toward your dream of a medical career in Dubai.
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