DHA vs MOH UAE How to Prepare?
If you’re a healthcare professional planning to work in the United Arab Emirates, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is which licensing exam to take: the DHA (Dubai Health Authority) or the MOH (Ministry of Health UAE). Both exams open doors to clinical practice, but they differ in terms of location, competition, scope, and benefits.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between DHA and MOH, and show you exactly how to prepare for the MOH exam — with official links included.
Table of Contents
⚖️ DHA vs MOH – Key Differences
| Feature | DHA (Dubai Health Authority) | MOH (Ministry of Health UAE) |
|---|---|---|
| Where You Can Work | Only in Dubai | All Emirates except Dubai & Abu Dhabi (e.g., Sharjah, Ajman, RAK) |
| Salary & Benefits | Generally higher | Moderate but stable |
| Competition | Tougher, more candidates | Comparatively less competitive |
| Growth Potential | High in private sector | Good in public and private |
| License Transferability | Can upgrade to MOH or HAAD with experience | Can transfer to DHA later |
| Work Settings | Advanced clinics, private hospitals | More government and mid-tier clinics |
💡 Verdict:
Choose DHA if you’re aiming to work in Dubai, want higher pay, and are okay with stiff competition.
Choose MOH if you’re open to working in Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, and want an easier entry into the UAE healthcare system.
📚 How to Prepare for the MOH Exam
The MOH UAE exam is Prometric-based, meaning it’s a computer-based multiple-choice exam. Here’s how to prepare effectively:
🧠 Recommended Study Materials
- MOH Recall Questions (shared by past test-takers)
- Prometric-style MCQ books
- Review for Gulf Licensing Exams – Dr. Naif Al-Ghanim
- MCQs in Dentistry/Medicine for Gulf Exams
- Kaplan, USMLE Step 2 CK, Oxford Handbooks for clinical questions
- High-Yield Topics by specialty:
- Dentists: Endodontics, Operative, Oral Surgery, Infection Control, Radiology
- Doctors: Internal Medicine, Emergency, Pharmacology, Clinical Guidelines, Ethics
📱 Telegram / WhatsApp Study Groups
Join MOH Recall or Prometric UAE study groups to access:
- Daily MCQs
- Recent recalls
- Exam updates and peer discussions
🗓️ Pro Tips for Success
- Study for at least 4–6 weeks intensively.
- Solve 100–150 MCQs daily.
- Review mistakes and repeat weak topics.
- Do weekly full-length mock exams with timers.
- Focus on clinical application, not just theory.
🔗 Official Exam Links (MOH, DHA, HAAD)
Here’s where you can register and find exam details:
- ✅ MOH UAE (Ministry of Health & Prevention):
https://www.mohap.gov.ae - ✅ DHA (Dubai Health Authority):
https://www.dha.gov.ae - ✅ HAAD / DOH (Abu Dhabi – Department of Health):
https://www.doh.gov.ae - ✅ Prometric Gulf Exams Portal (for exam booking):
https://www.prometric.com/test-takers/search/moh
✍️ Final Thoughts
Both MOH and DHA exams are stepping stones to a rewarding medical or dental career in the UAE. Choose based on your career location goals, readiness, and preference for competition levels. With focused preparation and the right resources, you can ace your licensing exam and build a successful future.