DUBAI: Step-by-step guide for nurses and healthcare workers to pass the DHA exam in 2026. Learn about the Dataflow process, exam syllabus, and how to land jobs in Dubai’s top hospitals.
Dubai is positioning itself as a global medical tourism hub in 2026, creating an insatiable demand for healthcare professionals, especially from India and Pakistan. However, the days of “walking into a clinic” for a job are over. To work in Dubai, you need a license from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA).
Here is your 2026 guide to clearing the DHA exam and securing a position in one of Dubai’s top hospitals.
1. The Pre-Requisite: The Dataflow Process
Before you can even sit for the exam, your documents must be verified via Dataflow. This is a primary source verification (PSV) to ensure your degrees and experience are real.
- Documents Needed: Degree certificate, transcript, nursing council registration, and “Good Standing Certificate” from your home country’s nursing council.
- Experience: Most hospital roles in 2026 require a minimum of 2 years of recent clinical experience.
- Cost: Expect to pay between AED 1,000 – AED 1,500 for the verification process.
2. The DHA Exam: Format & Passing Strategy
The DHA exam for nurses is a Computer Based Testing (CBT) managed by Prometric.
- Format: 150 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) to be completed in 3 hours.
- Passing Score: Usually 60% to 65%.
- Syllabus Focus: In 2026, the exam has shifted heavily toward:
- Patient Safety & Infection Control: 25% of questions.
- Nursing Leadership & Ethics: 15% (Understanding UAE-specific laws).
- Adult & Pediatric Care: Core clinical scenarios.
- Pro-Tip: Focus on NCLEX-RN style questions. Most South Asian nurses who pass on the first try use prep materials like Saunders or UWorld.
3. Step-by-Step Licensing Journey
- Self-Assessment: Check your eligibility on the DHA “Sheryan” portal.
- Dataflow: Submit documents for verification.
- Credentialing: DHA reviews your file.
- Prometric Exam: Book your slot (you can take the exam in India or Pakistan).
- Eligibility Letter: Once you pass, you receive an “Eligibility Letter.” This is what you show to hospitals to get a job.
4. Where the Jobs Are (Top Hospitals 2026)
Once you have your Eligibility Letter, target these major groups:
- Government Sector: DHA (Dubai Health Authority) hospitals like Rashid Hospital and Latifa Hospital. They offer high stability and excellent benefits.
- Private Giants: Aster DM Healthcare, Mediclinic, NMC Healthcare, and King’s College Hospital London.
- The 2026 Niche: Home Healthcare and Telemedicine are booming. If you prefer a flexible schedule, look at companies like Nightingale or HealthCall.
5. Salary Expectations for Nurses (2026)
| Position | Monthly Salary (AED) |
| Registered Nurse (General) | 6,000 – 10,000 |
| Specialized Nurse (ICU/ER/OR) | 9,000 – 15,000 |
| Nurse Manager / Supervisor | 18,000 – 25,000 |
| Home Care Nurse | 5,500 – 8,000 (Often includes accommodation) |
6. Why Many South Asian Nurses Fail
- The Gap in Experience: If you haven’t practiced in the last 6 months, your application is often rejected.
- Poor Documentation: Ensure your “Good Standing Certificate” is current (usually valid for 6 months only).
- The “Tourist Visa” Mistake: Don’t come to Dubai until your Dataflow is at least 80% complete. Most hospitals won’t even interview you without proof of your DHA status.
Conclusion
The DHA license is your “Golden Ticket.” While the process is rigorous and can take 3–6 months, the reward is a career in one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems with a tax-free salary.
#DHANursing #DHAExam2026 #NursingJobsDubai #DubaiHealthcare #WorkInDubai #NurseLifeUAE #IndiaToDubaiNursing #PakistanToDubaiHealthcare #DataflowVerification
Next Step for You
Would you like me to find the current Prometric exam center locations in your specific city (e.g., Delhi, Mumbai, Karachi, or Lahore), or would you like a list of the most common DHA exam interview questions asked by Dubai hospitals?