The DHA (Dubai Health Authority) licensing exam is the gateway to practising medicine in Dubai. For Indian doctors, the process involves credential verification, passing an English language test, and clearing the DHA Prometric exam. This guide covers the full pathway from eligibility to your Dubai medical license.
Eligibility Requirements
- A recognised medical degree (MBBS) from an institution listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
- Completion of internship.
- Active medical registration or license in your home country or country of last employment.
- Minimum 2 years of post-qualification clinical experience (for general practice). Specialist positions may require additional experience and qualifications.
- Current BLS certification.
- DataFlow credential verification (must be completed before sitting the exam).
English Language Requirements
DHA requires English proficiency if your medical education was not conducted in English:
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- IELTS Academic: Minimum overall score of 6.5
- OET: Minimum Grade B in all four sub-tests
Indian MBBS graduates from English-medium institutions may qualify for an exemption, but this is evaluated case by case. Have your medium-of-instruction documentation ready.
Exam Format
- 150 multiple-choice questions
- 165 minutes (2 hours 45 minutes)
- Computer-based at Prometric test centres worldwide
- No negative marking
- Pass mark: approximately 50% (75 out of 150)
Exam Topics
- Internal medicine: The largest section. Cardiovascular, respiratory, GI, renal, endocrine, haematology, and infectious diseases.
- Surgery: General surgery, orthopaedics, and surgical emergencies.
- Obstetrics and gynaecology: Antenatal care, labour management, and common gynaecological conditions.
- Paediatrics: Growth and development, neonatal care, and common childhood illnesses.
- Psychiatry: Mood disorders, psychosis, substance abuse, and emergency psychiatry.
- Emergency medicine: Trauma management, resuscitation, and acute presentations.
- Pharmacology: Drug interactions, contraindications, and dosage considerations.
Preparation Strategy
Most doctors who pass on their first attempt follow a 6 to 8 week structured plan:
- Weeks 1–3: Systematic content review using a comprehensive reference (Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine and First Aid for USMLE Step 2 CK are both relevant).
- Week 4–5: DHA-specific practice questions. Complete at least 500 MCQs from Prometric question banks.
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- Week 6: Full mock tests under timed conditions. Target 75%+ on practice tests before booking.
- Week 7–8: Targeted review of weak areas and final mock test.
Salary in Dubai
DHA-licensed doctors in Dubai earn AED 20,000 to 50,000+ per month (approximately INR 4.5 to 11.5 lakh) depending on specialty, seniority, and facility type. Specialist consultants in private hospitals can earn significantly more. All income is tax-free.
The DHA pathway is one of the most accessible routes for Indian doctors to start an international career. The exam content is familiar, the English requirement is moderate, and Dubai's tax-free salaries make the investment in licensing worthwhile.