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Comparison chart of DHA vs HAAD vs MOH vs DOH exams for nurses in the UAE.

Difference Between DHA, HAAD, MOH, and DOH Exams for Nurses

Obtaining the correct professional license is critical for nurses who wish to work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE operates a number of healthcare authorities, each regulating medical professionals within various locations. These authorities include the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD), which has been rebranded as the Department of Health (DOH), and the Ministry of Health (MOH). Knowing the DHA vs HAAD vs MOH vs DOH exams is important for any nurse wanting to pursue a career in UAE’s healthcare system.

These tests guarantee that health professionals fulfil the national practice, knowledge, and ethics standards. Wherever you’re working in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or the Emirates, understanding which test to sit — and what each license entails — will save you time and effort on your registration and work process.

Purpose and Jurisdictions of DHA, HAAD, MOH, DOH

Each licensing exam serves a specific jurisdiction within the UAE. Here’s a breakdown of the purpose and coverage of each authority:

DHA (Dubai Health Authority):

  The DHA exam is required for nurses who wish to work in Dubai. It regulates healthcare professionals within Dubai’s public and private hospitals and clinics.

HAAD (Health Authority of Abu Dhabi) / DOH (Department of Health – Abu Dhabi):

HAAD has now been renamed the DOH, which is tasked with the licensure of nurses and other healthcare professionals in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Nurses who pass this exam can practice only in this jurisdiction.

MOH (Ministry of Health and Prevention):

The MOH exam confers a license for Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain. It is controlled by the federal Ministry of Health and is applicable to all northern Emirates except Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

These authorities together make sure that healthcare standards are maintained throughout the UAE while providing each zone the freedom to control licensing and practice rules.

Exam Pattern and Syllabus Differences

Although the nurse licensing exams UAE serve the same purpose — to evaluate a candidate’s clinical knowledge and professional ability — the exam patterns and syllabi differ marginally across authorities.

 DHA Exam Pattern:

  The DHA exam typically comprises multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on general nursing practice, ethics, patient safety, and clinical situations. It is administered online and is available to take at authorized Prometric centers internationally.

 HAAD / DOH Exam Pattern:

  The DOH exam follows a similar MCQ format but includes more scenario-based and patient-management questions. The focus is on clinical judgment and evidence-based practice, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s higher standards for specialized care.

 MOH Exam Pattern:

The MOH exam is overall considered to be a bit more theory-based, touching upon nursing basics, pharmacology, infection control, and general healthcare principles. It further encompasses professional ethics as well as UAE-specific health regulations.

Syllabus Coverage:

Every exam assesses nursing subjects such as:

  • Fundamentals of Nursing
  • Medical-Surgical Nursing
  • Pediatric and Maternity Nursing
  • Psychiatric and Community Health Nursing
  • Pharmacology and Patient Care
  • Ethics and Legal Aspects

But while DOH (formerly HAAD) emphasizes more on higher-level clinical judgment and evidence-based nursing, MOH emphasizes more on general nursing knowledge that is transferable across the Emirates.

Eligibility and Document Requirements

Before they can apply for any of the DHA, HAAD, MOH, or DOH exams, nurses are required to meet certain eligibility requirements and submit supporting documents.

Common Requirements:

  • Recognized Nursing Qualification – A Bachelor’s or Diploma in Nursing from an accredited institution.
  • Valid Nursing License – An up-to-date license from your native country or country of practice.
  • Experience – Most authorities insist on at least 2 years of clinical experience post-graduation
  • Good Standing Certificate – Released by your nursing council or regulating body.
  • Passport and ID Copies – For purposes of identification and verification.
  • Educational Certificates and Transcripts – Should be authenticated by the Ministry of Education and Foreign Affairs.
  • Dataflow Verification Report – This is a primary source verification (PSV) that verifies the authenticity of your documents.
  • Applicants should register via each authority’s online portal (e.g., DHA Sheryan, DOH Dataflow, or MOHAP licensing portal) prior to scheduling their exam.

Which Exam Fits Which Region

Selecting the correct exam primarily relies on where you want to work in the UAE.

  • If you want to work in Dubai: Sit for the DHA exam.
  • If you want to work in Abu Dhabi or Al Ain: Sit for the DOH (previously HAAD) exam.
  • If you want to work in Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, or Umm Al Quwain: Sit for the MOH exam.
  • Every license is region-specific, meaning your DHA license won’t directly open you to work in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah unless you undergo a transfer of your license.

 

For those nurses who are not quite certain where they’ll end up working, it’s useful first to select a region on opportunities for employment, pay scale, and living expenses before applying for a specific licensing exam.



Transferability Between Authorities

Most nurses ask if they can transfer their license from one UAE healthcare authority to another — say, from Dubai to Abu Dhabi or Sharjah.

Yes, you can transfer your license via a process called Dataflow verification reuse or license conversion. But keep the following in mind:

 You should have a clean verification record with uninterrupted practice history.

 Transfers normally involve approval from the two authorities (say from DHA to DOH).

 You may still be required to sit a bridging exam or competency test, based on your experience and requirements of the target authority.

For instance, a DHA-licensed nurse can obtain a DOH license if they relocate to Abu Dhabi by utilizing their current Dataflow verification report to obtain savings in terms of time and expense. Approval is not automatically guaranteed, though — each office considers requests on a case-by-case basis.



Conclusion

Having an understanding of the difference between DHA, HAAD, MOH, and DOH exams means you will be able to make a well-informed choice for your nursing career in the UAE. The DHA exam is best for those with their sights on Dubai’s high-end healthcare industry, the DOH exam (previously HAAD) is best for professionals eyeing Abu Dhabi’s top hospitals, while the MOH exam is best suited for those seeking work in the northern Emirates.

Prior to applying, evaluate your long-term career aspirations, desired work area, and hospital network. With adequate planning, correct choice of examination, and full documentation, you can start your career as a licensed nurse in one of the most vibrant healthcare centers of the Middle East.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which exam is valid for Abu Dhabi?

The DOH (previously HAAD) exam is acceptable for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Can I transfer DHA to HAAD or MOH?

Yes, you can transfer on Dataflow verification reuse, as approved by the receiving authority.

Which exam is easiest to clear?

The MOH exam is generally thought to be a bit easier, having a wider syllabus and less scenario-based questions.

Are these licenses valid across UAE?

No, each license is region-specific, though transfer is achievable through correct application.

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