Dubai Health Authority Exam 2026 – DHA Format & Free MCQs
Complete guide to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) Prometric exam: 150 MCQs, ~170 minutes for GP sittings, Sheryan registration, and four-option single-best-answer format. Practice free DHA-style questions below.
Prepare with GulfMedExams
The steps above handle DHA paperwork; timed MCQ practice handles exam day. GulfMedExams offers Prometric-style questions with explanations — many doctors drill here after each licensing milestone.
Book Prometric only after several stable mock sessions on GulfMedExams — not after one strong practice day.
150
MCQs per exam
~170 min
GP exam duration
60–65%
Pass threshold
15,000+
Practice questions
What is the DHA Exam?
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) exam is a mandatory medical licensing examination for healthcare professionals seeking to practice in Dubai, UAE. Administered by Prometric at computer-based testing centres worldwide, the DHA exam evaluates clinical competency through case-based multiple-choice questions.
The exam consists of 150 single-best-answer MCQs to be completed in approximately 170 minutes (≈2 hours 50 minutes) for GP candidates, per the official DHA CBT guideline. Questions are clinically oriented, presenting real-world patient scenarios requiring diagnostic reasoning, management decisions, and knowledge of UAE healthcare guidelines.
Healthcare professionals eligible for the DHA exam include General Practitioners, Specialists, Nurses, Pharmacists, Allied Health professionals, and Dentists — each with a tailored question blueprint relevant to their specialty.
DHA Exam Structure & Subjects
Internal Medicine
35–40%Cardiology, respiratory, gastroenterology, nephrology, endocrinology, haematology, neurology.
Surgery
20–25%General surgery, trauma, vascular, orthopaedics, post-operative management.
Pediatrics
20–25%Neonatology, child development, vaccination, paediatric emergencies, common childhood illnesses.
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
15–20%Antenatal care, labour, high-risk pregnancy, gynaecological conditions, contraception.
DHA Exam Format At a Glance
Questions
150 MCQs (single best answer)
Duration
~170 minutes (GP; Jan 2026 DHA CBT guideline)
Format
Computer-based (Prometric)
Pass Mark
~60–65% correct
Negative Marking
None
Question Style
Clinical scenario-based
DHA Practice MCQs
Full bankThese questions are derived from real DHA exam past papers and follow the exact Prometric format. Try answering each question before revealing the explanation.
A 58-year-old male presents with progressive exertional dyspnea and bilateral ankle edema. Examination reveals elevated JVP, S3 gallop, and bibasal crepitations. ECG shows left bundle branch block. What is the most appropriate initial investigation?
How to Pass the DHA Exam First Time
Passing the DHA exam on your first attempt requires a strategic, targeted approach. Generic medical textbooks alone are insufficient — the DHA tests clinical reasoning in a specific format.
Know the Blueprint
Allocate study time proportional to subject weighting. Internal Medicine warrants the most focus (35–40%), followed by Pediatrics and Surgery.
Practice Past Papers Daily
Aim for 50–100 MCQs per day from real DHA past papers. Focus on understanding explanations, not just memorising answers.
Simulate Exam Conditions
Take timed 150-question mock exams at least 2 weeks before your sitting. Build speed and stamina for the ~170-minute GP format.
Review Weak Areas
Track your accuracy by subject. A score below 60% in any area needs dedicated review. Use explanations to fix gaps in reasoning.
Other Gulf Medical Licensing Exams
SMLE Exam
Saudi Arabia
DOH Exam
Abu Dhabi, UAE
MOH Exam
Northern Emirates
QCHP Exam
Qatar
OMSB Exam
Oman
NHRA Exam
Bahrain
Related DHA Pages
DHA Exam FAQs
Common questions from candidates preparing for the Dubai Health Authority exam.
What is the DHA exam format in 2026?
The DHA (Dubai Health Authority) Prometric exam consists of 150 single-best-answer MCQs delivered via computer-based testing at Prometric centres. For GP candidates, the session is timed at approximately 170 minutes (≈2 hours 50 minutes) per the official DHA CBT guideline (January 2026). There is no negative marking. Questions follow a clinical scenario format covering Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, and Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
What is the passing score for the DHA exam?
The DHA does not publish an exact percentage pass mark. The passing threshold is typically equivalent to approximately 60–65% correct answers, based on candidate-reported outcomes. The exam uses a scaled scoring system. To be safe, aim for 70%+ accuracy in practice.
Which subjects are covered in the DHA exam?
The DHA exam for General Practitioners covers four core subjects: Internal Medicine (35–40%), Surgery (20–25%), Pediatrics (20–25%), and Obstetrics & Gynaecology (15–20%). The exact blueprint may vary by professional category (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, etc.).
How many times can I attempt the DHA exam?
Candidates who do not pass may retake the DHA exam. There is typically a mandatory waiting period between attempts (usually 30–90 days). You must reapply through the DHA Connect portal. There is no published limit on the number of attempts, though repeated failures may require additional documentation.
Are GulfMedExams DHA practice questions from real past papers?
Yes. Questions are derived from reported past DHA exam sittings from 2024–2026. They follow the exact Prometric format: a clinical stem, a clear question, and four single-best-answer options. All questions include detailed clinical explanations.
What is the best way to prepare for the DHA exam?
The most effective preparation combines (1) targeted MCQ practice using real past-paper questions, (2) subject-by-subject review aligned with the DHA blueprint, and (3) full timed mock exams. A 10–12 week study plan with 50–100 MCQs daily is what most first-time passers report. GulfMedExams is free and covers all four subjects.
Start Practising DHA MCQs Today
Join thousands of candidates who passed the DHA exam using GulfMedExams. Access 15,000+ past-paper MCQs for free. No subscription. No waiting.
Practice Free NowQuick answer
DHA licensing in Dubai typically follows eligibility review, DataFlow verification, Prometric exam booking, and post-exam license issuance. Use linked guides for each step.
This guide is written for doctors preparing for DHA licensing in Dubai, UAE. Requirements change — always confirm fees, deadlines, and eligibility on official authority portals before booking your exam slot.
DHA licensing hub — related steps
Each page in this hub covers one step in depth. Follow the full pathway rather than relying on a single article — this reduces gaps that cause retakes and delays.
DHA — practical notes for doctors
This page supports one part of your Dubai, UAE licensing journey. Combine it with official Dubai Health Authority communication, your employer HR checklist, and consistent MCQ practice before the Prometric sitting.
What to verify on official channels
Before acting on any third-party guide (including this one), confirm your profession category, document list, and fee schedule directly with Dubai Health Authority. Policies in Dubai, UAE are updated without always being reflected in older blog posts.
If your profile involves gaps in practice, multiple registrations, or credentials from several countries, expect additional review steps — generic checklists may not cover your case.
Next step — exam practice
Turn licensing research into exam-ready performance
Reading guides alone rarely converts to exam performance. After you confirm Dubai Health Authority requirements, use GulfMedExams to drill Prometric-style MCQs with explanations, track weak systems, and revisit high-yield topics before booking your slot.
Prometric MCQ practice
Timed sessions, explanations, and progress tracking for DHA and all Gulf exams.
Verified exam repeats
Candidate-submitted recalls organised by exam — use alongside structured MCQ banks.
Requirements, fees, and timelines change. This page is educational — always confirm your category-specific rules on official authority portals before paying verification or exam fees.