Confused between DHA, MOH, and HAAD exams in the UAE? Learn the key differences, eligibility, fees, and benefits of each exam for doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals, and choose the right one to build your medical career abroad in 2025.
If you’re a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or allied health professional planning to work in the UAE, you’ve probably heard about the DHA, MOH, and HAAD exams.
These licensing exams are essential for healthcare professionals who want to practice legally in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but each one applies to a different region.
This guide breaks down the differences, eligibility, exam structure, and career scope for all three and helps you choose which exam is right for you.
Overview: Why These Exams Exist
The UAE healthcare system maintains high global standards.
To ensure only qualified professionals work in hospitals and clinics, the government introduced three medical licensing authorities, each governing healthcare in different Emirates:
| Exam | Conducted By | Applicable Emirates | Purpose |
| DHA | Dubai Health Authority | Dubai | License to work in Dubai’s hospitals and clinics |
| MOH | Ministry of Health and Prevention | Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain | License for northern Emirates |
| HAAD (now DOH) | Department of Health – Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi | License for hospitals and clinics in Abu Dhabi |
Each exam verifies that you have the medical knowledge, ethics, and practical skills to provide high-quality care according to UAE standards.
DHA Exam (Dubai Health Authority)
What Is the DHA Exam?
The DHA Exam is required for all healthcare professionals who wish to practice in Dubai — one of the UAE’s leading medical and technological hubs.
Eligibility:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a healthcare field (medicine, nursing, pharmacy, etc.)
- Minimum 2 years of clinical experience
- Valid license or registration from your home country
- Good Standing Certificate and attested documents
Exam Format:
- Conducted via Prometric (Computer-Based Test)
- 100–150 multiple-choice questions
- Covers clinical practice, ethics, and UAE healthcare standards
- Passing Score: Around 60–70%
License Validity:
The DHA license is valid for one year and renewable annually.
Why Choose DHA:
- Dubai offers higher salary potential, world-class hospitals, and career growth.
- Ideal for professionals seeking urban healthcare exposure and international opportunities.
MOH Exam (Ministry of Health and Prevention)
What Is the MOH Exam?
The MOH Exam allows healthcare professionals to work in all Emirates except Dubai and Abu Dhabi — including Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah.
Eligibility:
- Recognized degree in a healthcare-related field
- Minimum 1–2 years of work experience
- Good Standing Certificate
- Attested educational and professional documents
Exam Format:
- Prometric-based computer test
- 100 MCQs related to your specialization and UAE healthcare law
- Passing Score: 60–70% depending on category
License Validity:
Valid for five years, with renewal based on CPD (Continuing Professional Development) hours.
Why Choose MOH:
- Flexible work options across multiple Emirates
- Suitable for professionals seeking affordable living and diverse clinical exposure
HAAD Exam (Now DOH – Department of Health Abu Dhabi)
What Is the HAAD Exam?
The HAAD Exam (now officially the DOH Exam) is required for professionals who wish to work in Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital city and a major medical tourism destination.
Eligibility:
- Recognized degree in medicine, nursing, or allied health
- 2 years of experience post-graduation
- Attested documents and Good Standing Certificate
Exam Format:
- Conducted online through Prometric
- 100–150 MCQs focused on practical scenarios, ethics, and patient safety
- Passing Score: Minimum 60%
License Validity:
Valid for five years, with renewal upon meeting professional practice requirements.
Why Choose HAAD:
- Abu Dhabi offers stable employment, competitive salaries, and world-renowned healthcare institutions.
- Ideal for professionals seeking long-term residency and specialization.
DHA vs MOH vs HAAD — Key Differences
| Factor | DHA | MOH | HAAD / DOH |
| Authority | Dubai Health Authority | Ministry of Health | Department of Health Abu Dhabi |
| Applicable Emirates | Dubai only | Northern Emirates | Abu Dhabi |
| Exam Type | Prometric CBT | Prometric CBT | Prometric CBT |
| License Validity | 1 year | 5 years | 5 years |
| Experience Required | 2 years | 1–2 years | 2 years |
| License Portability | Dubai only | Across northern Emirates | Abu Dhabi only |
| Best For | City-based professionals | Broad regional opportunities | Specialized and high-paying roles |
Which Exam Should You Choose?
Choose DHA if:
You want to work in Dubai’s private hospitals, medical centers, or clinics, and aim for fast career growth in a modern city environment.
Choose MOH if:
You prefer multiple employment options across various Emirates and value affordability and work-life balance.
Choose HAAD / DOH if:
You wish to work in Abu Dhabi, known for structured healthcare systems, long-term job security, and excellent living standards.
Common Requirements for All Three Exams
- Passport and photograph
- Degree and transcripts (attested)
- Experience certificates
- Good Standing Certificate
- Health license/registration from your home country
- Valid medical fitness certificate
Preparation Tips for DHA, MOH, and HAAD Exams
1. Start preparation early — at least 3 months before your test date.
2. Focus on clinical practice, ethics, and UAE medical law.
3. Attempt mock tests and question banks regularly.
4. Revise core topics like anatomy, pharmacology, patient safety, and case-based questions.
5. Maintain a healthy study-work balance — avoid burnout before the exam.
Exam Fee Comparison (Approximate)
| Exam | Fee (AED) | Validity |
| DHA | 1,100–1,300 | 1 year |
| MOH | 1,000–1,400 | 5 years |
| HAAD / DOH | 1,200–1,500 | 5 years |
Can You Transfer Between DHA, MOH, and HAAD Licenses?
Yes! If you pass one licensing exam, you can often transfer your license to another authority through the Dataflow and credentialing system, provided you meet that region’s criteria.
For instance, you can convert a DHA license into a DOH (HAAD) or MOH license with approval.
Conclusion
Choosing between the DHA, MOH, and HAAD exams depends on your career goals, location preference, and specialization.
All three are recognized across the UAE and lead to rewarding opportunities in one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems.
If your dream is to work abroad in healthcare, start your preparation early, ensure all documents are verified, and pick the path that matches your ambition.Stubard Tip: Once you clear your licensing exam, you can easily find safe, affordable accommodation near hospitals in Dubai, Sharjah, or Abu Dhabi through Stubard — your trusted platform for international student and professional housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between DHA, MOH, and HAAD exams in the UAE?
The DHA Exam allows you to work in Dubai, the MOH Exam covers the northern Emirates (Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain), and the HAAD (DOH) Exam is for Abu Dhabi.
Its own authority manages each but serves the same goal: ensuring that healthcare professionals meet UAE standards of practice and ethics.2. Which exam is better — DHA, MOH, or HAAD?
There’s no single “better” exam; it depends on your career goals and preferred work location:
DHA: Best for professionals who want to work in Dubai’s private hospitals or clinics.
MOH: Great for those who want flexibility across multiple Emirates.
HAAD (DOH): Ideal for long-term careers in Abu Dhabi’s structured healthcare system.3. Which is the easiest exam among DHA, MOH, and HAAD?
All three exams are similar in difficulty since they follow UAE’s national medical standards.
However, MOH is often considered slightly more flexible due to its broader coverage and fewer city-specific restrictions. Success mostly depends on preparation, not the exam itself.4. Can I work in Dubai with an MOH license?
No, an MOH license does not allow you to work in Dubai.
You must pass the DHA exam to practice in Dubai’s healthcare facilities.
However, you can apply for license conversion from MOH to DHA through the UAE’s Dataflow system if you meet all the requirements.5. Can I convert my DHA license to MOH or HAAD?
Yes, you can convert your DHA, MOH, or HAAD (DOH) license through an official credentialing and verification process.
You’ll need to submit your verified documents through the Dataflow system, meet the target authority’s eligibility standards, and may need to reapply for approval.6. Who can apply for DHA, MOH, and HAAD exams?
These exams are open to doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals.
Applicants must hold a recognized healthcare degree, 1–2 years of professional experience, and a Good Standing Certificate from their previous licensing body or employer.7. How can I prepare for the DHA, MOH, and HAAD exams?
1. Review your core medical subjects and UAE health laws.
2. Practice MCQs and mock tests for your specialization.
3. Take Prometric-style practice exams to understand time management.
4. Focus on clinical case scenarios, ethics, and patient safety.
Start preparation at least 3–4 months before your scheduled exam date.8. How long are these licenses valid after passing the exam?
DHA License: Valid for 1 year, renewable annually.
MOH License: Valid for 5 years, renewable with CPD hours.
HAAD/DOH License: Valid for 5 years, renewable upon meeting practice and training requirements.
Keeping your license active requires completing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses each year.9. Can international candidates take the exams outside the UAE?
Yes. The DHA, MOH, and HAAD exams are available internationally via Prometric test centers in countries like India, the Philippines, Egypt, Pakistan, and the UK.
This allows candidates to complete the test before traveling to the UAE, saving time and expenses.10. Do these exams include practical or oral components?
For most professions, the exam is computer-based (CBT).
However, specialized fields such as surgery, dentistry, or midwifery may require an oral or practical assessment after passing the theory test.11. How many attempts are allowed for these exams?
Candidates are typically allowed up to three attempts for the DHA, MOH, and HAAD exams.
If you fail all three, you may be required to take additional training or refresh your experience before reapplying.12. Can I work in multiple Emirates with one license?
Not directly. Each license (DHA, MOH, HAAD) is valid only within its jurisdiction.
However, license transfer is possible through the UAE Unified Healthcare Licensing System (UHLS) if you meet all eligibility and verification requirements.13. What is the passing score for these exams?
The general passing score ranges from 60% to 70%, depending on your profession and the authority.
The Prometric system automatically evaluates your results, and scores are released within a few days after the exam.