Countries > UAE for Doctors > General Surgery
UAE for Surgeons
General Surgery specialists can qualify through Door 1 by passing the UAE licensing exam or through Tier 1 exemption. The Emirati Board (NIHS) General Surgery residency offers a structured training program with Part 1 at PGY-2 and a final Part 2 examination. Dual Arab Board certification is available.
Pathway Snapshot
Door 1: DataFlow, licensing exam (or exemption), Eligibility Letter, license activation. Door 2: Emirati Board residency with Part 1, Final Written, and Final Clinical (OSCE/SOE). Dual Arab Board certification available.
Complete Journey (Door 1): Medical Graduation → Specialty Qualification → DataFlow PSV → Licensing Exam (or Exemption) → Eligibility Letter → License Activation → Specialist Practice.
Complete Journey (Door 2): Medical Graduation → EMREE → Residency Match → NIHS Residency → Part 1 (PGY-2) → Final Written + Final Clinical (OSCE/SOE) → Emirati Board + Arab Board Certification → Consultant Practice.
Format: 100–150 Single Best Answer MCQs, clinical vignettes.
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours (150–180 minutes).
Passing Score: 60%.
Attempts: Maximum 3 attempts across all UAE authorities.
Delivery: Prometric (DHA/MOHAP) or Pearson VUE (DoH). Confirm the correct provider for your target authority.
High-Yield Content Domains: Upper and Lower GI Surgery, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Trauma and Emergency Surgery, Surgical Critical Care, Abdominal Wall and Hernia Surgery, Vascular Surgery, and Perioperative Care.
What we offer
Full UAE General Surgery licensing exam question bank, surgical vignette practice, flashcards, and mentorship.
Start General Surgery Prep →The Emirati Board General Surgery residency runs through a structured program. Residency exit and board exams evaluate candidate competency through written knowledge tests and clinical assessments (OSCE/SOE). Exact station counts, timing per station, and fee schedules vary by specialty and are managed internally through the NIHS examination office. Based on the best available information:
Candidates should confirm current administrative fees directly through their NIHS portal profile.
Dual enrollment with the Arab Board is standard. Arab Board certification provides strong regional standing and supports specialist classification across many Arab League and GCC nations, though recognition varies by country and authority — see our Arab Board page for full details.
What we offer
Emirati Board Part 1 and Final Written question banks, plus OSCE station walkthroughs and SOE case scenarios for the final clinical exam. Also access our full Arab Board question bank.
Start NIHS Residency Prep →Emirati Board certification grants independent Specialist status across the UAE. While holding a valid license or specialty board from a GCC country facilitates professional mobility and credential evaluation, direct cross-border licensing reciprocity is not automatic — applicants must complete local verification and meet jurisdiction-specific requirements.
| Stage | Approx. Fee (AED) | Approx. Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
DataFlow PSV |
~700–1,200 AED | ~$190–$325 |
Licensing Exam (Prometric or Pearson VUE) |
~800–1,100 AED | ~$220–$300 |
Annual Residency Training Fee (NIHS) |
1,000 AED | ~$270 |
NIHS Part 1 / Final Written / Clinical Exam Fees |
Confirm directly through NIHS portal | Confirm directly through NIHS portal |
Note on Fees: Government training facility residents typically have fees covered or subsidized. NIHS component exam fees are managed internally. All figures are approximate 2026 rates. Always verify on the official portals.