How can I get medical license in Dubai?

If you’re an international medical student with dreams of practising in Dubai, you’re not alone. The UAE’s healthcare sector is one of the fastest-growing in the region, offering a wide range of opportunities for qualified doctors. But before you can start seeing patients in Dubai, there’s one crucial step you need to take: passing the Dubai medical license exam.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about becoming a licensed medical practitioner in Dubai—from eligibility requirements to the DHA exam for doctors to the full Dubai Health Authority license process. Whether you’re fresh out of medical school or already hold some experience, this blog will help you understand what it takes to get certified and start your medical career in one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems.

Key Takeaways

• To practice medicine in Dubai, international medical graduates must pass the Dubai medical license exam, commonly referred to as the DHA exam.
• The process is managed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and includes credential verification, dataflow, eligibility assessment, and passing the exam syllabus for DHA license.
• Eligibility includes having a recognized medical degree, proof of internship or clinical experience, and often a certain number of years in active practice.
• Dubai welcomes international talent, but the eligibility for medical license in Dubai depends on where you obtained your qualifications and your clinical experience.
• The DHA offers several pathways to licensure based on specialization and previous experience.

Why Work as a Doctor in Dubai?

Dubai is a medical hub with cutting-edge hospitals, international patient care, and a booming medical tourism industry. Here’s why it’s so appealing to international students and graduates:

• Tax-free income with attractive salaries.
• State-of-the-art hospitals and infrastructure.
• Multicultural patient base, allowing exposure to a wide variety of cases.
• High demand for foreign-trained doctors due to rapid expansion of private and public healthcare sectors.

Dubai values skilled healthcare professionals, but it also upholds strict licensing procedures to ensure quality care. That’s where the Dubai Health Authority license process comes into play.

What Is the Dubai Medical License Exam?

The Dubai medical license exam, officially called the DHA exam, is a standardized assessment for all medical professionals who wish to work in Dubai. The goal is to evaluate whether your knowledge and skills meet UAE healthcare standards.

The exam includes:

• A theoretical test based on your specialty
• Credential verification (called Primary Source Verification) via the Dataflow process
• Clinical experience validation

Passing the exam is mandatory before you can legally work as a physician in Dubai.

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Medical License in Dubai

Here’s a clear breakdown of how to get your medical license in Dubai, especially if you’re starting out as an international student:

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Before anything else, check whether you meet the eligibility for medical license in Dubai. The DHA has specific criteria based on your education and clinical experience.

You must have:

• A recognized MBBS or equivalent medical degree.
• Completed a one-year internship.
• At least 2 years of clinical practice (varies by specialty).
• Fluency in English; TOEFL or IELTS may be required in some cases.

Certain countries are classified into Tier 1 or Tier 2 systems, depending on the recognition of medical schools. Graduates from Tier 1 countries (like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia) may experience fewer barriers.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Here’s what you’ll typically need:

• Passport copy
• Passport-sized photo
• MBBS or equivalent degree certificate
• Internship completion certificate
• Good Standing Certificate from your medical board
• Experience certificates (for clinical practice)
• Transcript or mark sheets from your medical school

These documents will be submitted during your DHA license application and sent for Primary Source Verification (PSV) through the Dataflow Group.

Step 3: Start the Dataflow Process

This part is crucial. The Dubai Health Authority license process requires Dataflow verification to confirm the authenticity of your documents.

What’s involved?

• Submitting your credentials to be verified directly from the original issuing institutions.
• Waiting for clearance (which can take 4–6 weeks).
• Tracking your application status online.

Note: Any falsified documents will result in a permanent ban from applying for a DHA license.

Step 4: Create a Sheryan Account

All DHA licensing steps are handled through the Sheryan portal, Dubai’s official medical registration system.

Once your Dataflow report is cleared, you can:

• Register for the DHA exam
  
• Upload additional documents
  
• Track your eligibility assessment

You’ll also pay the necessary processing and exam fees here.

Step 5: Prepare for and Take the DHA Exam

The most critical step is passing the DHA exam for doctors. This computer-based test evaluates your medical knowledge and clinical judgment.

Exam Overview:

• Duration: 2–3 hours
  
• Format: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  
• Number of Questions: Usually 100 to 150
  
• Medium: English
  
• Location: Can be taken in Dubai or at international Prometric centers

Exam Categories:

The exam syllabus for DHA license is customized to each medical specialty, including:

• General Medicine
  
• Family Medicine
  
• Pediatrics
  
• Internal Medicine
  
• Surgery
  
• Dermatology
  
• Psychiatry
  
• Obstetrics & Gynecology

The DHA provides a syllabus outline for each category so you know what to study. Many international candidates use resources like USMLE or PLAB materials, as the DHA exams follow similar logic and case-based formats.

Step 6: Pass the Assessment and Get Eligibility

Once you pass the exam, you’ll receive a DHA Eligibility Letter. This document is your golden ticket—proof that you are certified to practice in Dubai.

But don’t mistake eligibility for a full license. You still need to secure a job offer from a Dubai-based healthcare facility to proceed.

Step 7: Find Employment in Dubai

You must have a confirmed job before your license is activated.

How it works:

• Apply to hospitals or clinics that are DHA-accredited.
  
• Once you receive a job offer, your employer will activate your license.
  
• Your license will be linked to that specific facility.
  

Tip: Many employers assist with licensing fees and final documentation.

Step 8: Get Your Medical License Activated

After securing a job, the final paperwork will be processed, and you’ll receive your active medical license.

Once activated:

• You can legally practice medicine in Dubai.
  
• The license is valid for one year, renewable annually.
  
• If you change jobs, your license must be transferred to the new facility.
  

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Medical License in Dubai?

Costs can vary depending on your country of origin, number of documents to verify, and exam category. Here’s a ballpark estimate:

Item	Estimated Cost (USD)
Dataflow Verification	$300–$600
DHA Application Fee	$70–$100
DHA Exam Fee	$250–$300
Eligibility Letter Processing	$50–$100
Total (Approximate)	$700–$1100+

Note: Prices may change, and retaking the exam will incur additional fees.

Tips for Passing the DHA Exam

Getting through the Dubai medical license exam is challenging, especially for those fresh out of medical school. Here’s how to improve your odds:

• Know the syllabus: Review the exam syllabus for DHA license specific to your specialty.
• Use clinical vignettes: The exam often focuses on real-life scenarios.
• Study regularly: Don’t cram—start preparing 2–3 months in advance.
• Practice mock exams: Time yourself and simulate real exam conditions.
• Brush up on pharmacology and guidelines: Questions often include updated global protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I take the DHA exam before completing my internship?

No. Internship completion is a basic requirement before applying.

2. Is the DHA license valid across the UAE?

No. DHA licenses are specific to Dubai. If you want to work in Abu Dhabi or other emirates, you’ll need to go through the HAAD (DOH) or MOH licensing process.

3. What if I fail the DHA exam?

You can retake it, usually up to three times, with a cooling-off period between attempts. Make sure to analyze your weak areas before trying again.

4. Can students with no clinical experience apply?

Generally, at least two years of clinical experience is required post-internship, especially for general practitioners. Some exceptions exist for highly ranked institutions.

Final Thoughts

Getting your Dubai medical license isn’t just about passing an exam—it’s about proving your capability to work in one of the most demanding and dynamic healthcare environments in the world. The DHA exam for doctors is a rigorous process, but it opens the door to career growth, international exposure, and the chance to practice medicine in a globally respected healthcare system.

From meeting the eligibility for medical license in Dubai to understanding the Dubai Health Authority license process, every step matters. With focused preparation and the right mindset, your dream of becoming a licensed doctor in Dubai is well within reach.