DHA Exam Guide 2026: How to Get Your Dubai Health Authority License
Step-by-step DHA licensing guide for doctors, nurses and allied health: Sheryan registration, DataFlow, Prometric exam format, fees, pass scores and timelines for working in Dubai.
Dubai is the most sought-after healthcare job market in the Gulf, and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) licence is your entry ticket. Here is the full process, start to finish.
Who needs a DHA licence?
Every clinician working in Dubai's private sector — physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals. (Government facilities and free zones like DHCC have their own tracks; see our UAE licensing overview.)
Step 1 — Check your eligibility
DHA sets minimum qualifications and experience per title — for example, a registered nurse typically needs a nursing degree/diploma plus two years of recent clinical experience. Unsure where you stand? Use our free eligibility checker.
Step 2 — Sheryan account and self-assessment
Register on DHA's Sheryan portal, complete the self-assessment, and upload your documents: passport, photo, degree certificates, transcripts, experience letters, and a good-standing certificate.
Step 3 — DataFlow verification
DHA requires primary source verification through DataFlow. Expect 15–45 days. Errors here cause most delays — read our DataFlow guide before you submit.
Step 4 — The DHA Prometric exam
- Format: computer-based MCQs (typically 70–150 questions depending on title)
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Pass score: ~60%
- Attempts: three attempts are allowed; after that, a cooling-off period applies
Prepare with chapter-wise, DHA-pattern questions from our practice exam banks — built for nurses, GPs, dentists, pharmacists and specialists.
Step 5 — Get activated
After passing, you'll receive your professional eligibility letter. Your employing facility then activates your licence — which means the final step is landing the job. Join our talent pool to get matched with Dubai hospitals and clinics.
Costs and timeline at a glance
- Self-assessment & application: AED 200–320
- DataFlow verification: USD 200–300
- Prometric exam fee: USD ~270
- Total realistic timeline: 2–4 months from first upload to eligibility letter
Want an expert to run the whole file for you — Sheryan, DataFlow, exam booking and follow-ups? Our licensing consultancy handles DHA applications end-to-end.