Countries > UAE for Nurses > DHA Nursing
UAE for Nurses — Dubai
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) licenses all nurses practising in the Emirate of Dubai. The DHA Registered Nurse Licensure Examination is a computer-based test delivered by Prometric. Passing the exam, together with DataFlow Primary Source Verification, is the key requirement to obtain your DHA eligibility and practise as a Registered Nurse in Dubai.
Pathway Snapshot
Create a Sheryan account, complete DataFlow verification of your nursing credentials, apply for exam eligibility, book your Prometric test, and pass the DHA nursing exam. After that, your employer completes the final licence activation.
Complete Journey: Nursing Degree → DataFlow PSV → Sheryan Account & Eligibility → DHA Nursing Prometric Exam → Employer Licence Activation → Nursing Practice in Dubai.
You need a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an equivalent nursing degree from an accredited institution. Diploma-holders may be considered for Practical Nurse roles but typically face stricter requirements. For Registered Nurses, the Unified PQR generally requires two years of post-qualification clinical experience, although a recent PQR update may exempt fresh graduates within two years of graduation — confirm your specific situation through the Sheryan portal. No universal English language test score is mandated by DHA for licensure; however, most employers in Dubai require evidence of English proficiency (commonly IELTS 6.0–6.5 or OET Grade B). Always check with your prospective employer.
Primary Source Verification (PSV) is mandatory and handled exclusively through the DataFlow Group. You will submit your nursing degree, transcripts, home-country licence, experience letters, and a Certificate of Good Standing. DataFlow contacts your issuing institutions directly. Fees vary by the number and type of documents submitted — confirm the current price on the DataFlow website before paying. Processing times vary; confirm current timelines on the DataFlow portal. Begin this step as early as possible.
Sheryan is the DHA online portal for all licensing services. Create an account, complete the self-assessment under the Unified PQR, and upload your documents. Once DataFlow verification is complete and DHA reviews your file, you receive an Eligibility Number that authorises you to book the exam.
The DHA nursing exam tests clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and patient safety using internationally recognised nursing standards.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Questions |
150 multiple-choice questions (single best answer of four options) |
Format |
Computer-based test (CBT), Prometric |
Duration |
3 hours (includes registration and process introduction time) |
Passing Standard |
Officially published pass score: 50% for Registered Nurses; 45% for Assistant Nurses (per current DHA assessment guidelines). DHA does not share individual candidate numeric scores, only Pass/Fail. |
Pilot Questions |
Some items on the exam may be unscored pilot questions |
Testing Centres |
Prometric centres worldwide |
Domains commonly cited by preparation resources — DHA does not publish an official nursing blueprint with exact weightings:
| Domain | Approximate Emphasis |
|---|---|
Medical-Surgical Nursing (Adult Health) |
Highest emphasis |
Fundamentals of Nursing (Patient safety, infection control, medication administration, nursing process) |
High emphasis |
Maternal-Child Nursing (Maternity, newborn, paediatrics) |
Moderate emphasis |
Mental Health Nursing |
Moderate emphasis |
Community Health & Leadership |
Moderate emphasis |
Questions use clinical scenarios that require application, prioritisation, and clinical judgement, not simple recall.
What we offer
A comprehensive UAE nursing question bank covering DHA, DoH, and MOHAP exams. One product with detailed rationales, clinical-judgement scenarios, and authority-specific regulatory content for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates.
Notify me when UAE Nursing Prep is available →Under the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR), applicants are granted three attempts across all UAE health authorities combined (DHA, DoH, MOHAP). Cancellation or failure to attend an exam does not count as a failed attempt under DHA's official assessment manual; however, no-show and cancellation policies may affect eligibility for refunds or rescheduling. Confirm the current policy with the licensing authority before scheduling your examination.
Passing the DHA exam allows your employer to activate your DHA professional licence. The licence is specific to Dubai and does not automatically permit practice in Abu Dhabi or the Northern Emirates. You must practise for a period (commonly 6–12 months) before applying for licence transfer to another emirate.
All fees are approximate and based on 2026 data. Always confirm exact amounts on the official portals.
| Item | Approx. Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
DataFlow PSV |
Varies by document package | No fixed published rate; confirm on dataflowgroup.com |
Sheryan application and classification fees |
AED 200–1,000+ | Depends on professional category |
Prometric exam fee |
~$240 USD (commonly cited; range $180–300 reported) | Confirm exact amount on Prometric website when booking; may include local taxes |
Licence activation |
Arranged by employer | Typically AED 1,000–3,000, paid by the hiring facility |
Note on Fees: All fees are set by DHA, DataFlow, and Prometric and are subject to change. The official DHA pass score for the Registered Nurse exam is 50% per current DHA assessment guidelines. Always confirm directly with DHA, DataFlow, and Prometric before payment or booking.