Understand the different Gulf healthcare licensing exams and choose the right path for your career.
The Middle East has become one of the top destinations for Filipino nurses—and for good reason. Competitive tax-free salaries, proximity to the Philippines, and a large Filipino community make Gulf countries an attractive career move.
But if you’ve started exploring opportunities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Qatar, you’ve probably encountered confusing acronyms: HAAD, DHA, DOH, Prometric, SCFHS, QCHP…
This guide breaks down the three main licensing pathways so you can understand exactly which exam you need and how to prepare for it.
Understanding Gulf Healthcare Licensing
Unlike the Philippines (which has a single national licensing exam), each Gulf country—and sometimes each emirate—has its own health authority and licensing requirements.
The Major Players:
- UAE (United Arab Emirates): Divided by emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.)
- Saudi Arabia: National licensing through SCFHS
- Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain: Each has its own health authority
The Good News: Once you pass one Gulf exam and work for 2+ years, transferring your license to another Gulf country is often possible through mutual recognition agreements.
HAAD / DOH (Abu Dhabi)
What is HAAD?
HAAD stands for Health Authority Abu Dhabi. It has been rebranded as DOH (Department of Health Abu Dhabi), but most Filipino nurses still call it the “HAAD exam.”
Who needs it: Nurses working in Abu Dhabi emirate hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Exam Details
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Type | Computer-based (Prometric centers) |
| Questions | 100-150 MCQs |
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Pass Score | Approximately 60% (scaled) |
| Validity | Apply for license within 2 years of passing |
Requirements
- Valid nursing license (PRC for Filipino nurses)
- Minimum 2 years clinical experience (for most positions)
- Dataflow verification — credential verification service (4-8 weeks processing)
- Good standing certificate from PRC
- IELTS score (typically 6.0-6.5 overall)
- Valid passport
Estimated Fees
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| HAAD/DOH Exam | $200-$300 |
| Dataflow Verification | $200-$400 |
| License Processing | ~$200 |
| Total | $600-$900 |
DHA (Dubai)
What is DHA?
DHA stands for Dubai Health Authority—the licensing body for all healthcare professionals working in Dubai.
Who needs it: Nurses working in Dubai hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations.
Reputation: DHA is often considered the most competitive and prestigious Gulf nursing license, reflecting Dubai’s position as a global healthcare hub.
Exam Details
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Type | Computer-based (Prometric centers) |
| Questions | 100 MCQs |
| Duration | 2.5 hours |
| Pass Score | Scaled scoring (varies) |
| Validity | Apply within 2 years |
Estimated Fees
| Item | Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| DHA Exam | $250-$350 |
| Dataflow Verification | $200-$400 |
| License Processing | ~$250 |
| Total | $700-$1,000 |
DHA vs HAAD: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Aspect | DHA (Dubai) | HAAD/DOH (Abu Dhabi) |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | Often considered harder | Moderate difficulty |
| Prestige | Higher (Dubai brand) | Respected, growing |
| Salary Range | Generally higher | Competitive |
| Cost of Living | Higher (Dubai is expensive) | Lower than Dubai |
| Job Market | More competitive | Strong demand |
RAGRS Tip: If you have a choice, consider your career goals. Dubai offers higher salaries but also higher living costs. Abu Dhabi offers a good balance of income and lifestyle.
Prometric (Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Others)
Understanding “Prometric”
This is where many nurses get confused. Prometric is actually the name of the testing company that administers exams—not a specific license.
When Filipino nurses say “Prometric exam,” they usually mean one of these:
| Country | Authority | Exam Name |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | SCFHS | Saudi Prometric |
| Qatar | QCHP | Qatar Prometric |
| Oman | MOH | Oman Prometric |
| Bahrain | NHRA | Bahrain Prometric |
| Kuwait | MOH | Kuwait Prometric |
Saudi Arabia (SCFHS Prometric)
Saudi Arabia is the largest market for Filipino nurses in the Gulf. The exam is administered by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS).
Exam Details
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Type | Computer-based (Prometric) |
| Questions | 100-150 MCQs |
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Pass Score | Approximately 60% (scaled) |
Special Considerations for Saudi
- Religious access: Many nurses choose Saudi for proximity to Makkah and Madinah
- Largest Filipino nursing community in the Gulf
- Gender-segregated settings: Be prepared for this aspect of Saudi healthcare
Qatar (QCHP Prometric)
Qatar offers excellent salaries and benefits, making it highly competitive. Strong labor protections post-2020 reforms have made it an attractive destination.
Which Exam Should You Take?
Decision Framework
| If You Want… | Choose… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Highest salary potential | DHA (Dubai) or Qatar | Premium markets |
| Easiest entry point | HAAD/DOH or Oman | Less competitive exams |
| Religious pilgrimage access | Saudi (SCFHS) | Work near holy cities |
| Best work-life balance | Qatar or Abu Dhabi | Strong labor protections |
| Largest job market | Saudi Arabia | Most opportunities |
The Most Important Factor
Get a job offer first. Most nurses secure employment before taking the exam, and your employer will tell you exactly which exam to take. The agency or hospital handles much of the application process.
How to Prepare for Gulf Nursing Exams
Study Focus Areas
- Fundamentals of Nursing — Basic skills, procedures, infection control
- Medical-Surgical Nursing — The largest portion of most exams
- Pharmacology — Drug calculations, classifications, safety
- Scenario-Based Questions — Clinical judgment and prioritization
Preparation Timeline
| Nurse Background | Recommended Prep Time |
|---|---|
| Recent NLE passer | 4-6 weeks |
| Working nurse (PH experience) | 4-8 weeks |
| NCLEX-prepared nurse | 2-4 weeks (Gulf exams are generally easier) |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Taking the wrong exam — Confirm with your employer which license you need
❌ Neglecting Dataflow — This credential verification takes 4-8 weeks; start early
❌ Underestimating IELTS — Many job offers require 6.5+ overall
❌ Not confirming requirements — Each employer and authority has specific needs
Dataflow: The Critical Step
What is Dataflow? Dataflow is a credential verification service used by Gulf health authorities. It verifies your nursing school credentials, PRC license authenticity, and work experience claims.
Timeline: 4-8 weeks (can be longer if documents have issues)
Cost: $200-$400
Important: Start Dataflow verification as soon as you have a job offer. Don’t wait—it’s often the longest delay in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HAAD harder than DHA?
Generally, DHA (Dubai) is considered slightly harder than HAAD (Abu Dhabi), but both are passable with proper preparation. The difference is not dramatic—if you can pass one, you can likely pass the other.
Can I transfer my HAAD license to Dubai?
Yes, after working 2+ years in Abu Dhabi, you can often transfer your license to DHA (Dubai) through mutual recognition. However, some additional requirements may apply.
Do I need IELTS for Gulf nursing jobs?
Almost always yes. Most employers require IELTS Academic with scores of 6.0-6.5 overall. Some may accept OET as an alternative.
How long does Dataflow verification take?
Typically 4-8 weeks. Start this process immediately after receiving a job offer as it’s often the longest delay.
Which Gulf country pays nurses the most?
Qatar and Dubai generally offer the highest salaries, but Saudi Arabia often offers the best savings potential when factoring in lower living costs.
Your Gulf Nursing Career Starts Here
The Gulf offers exceptional opportunities for Filipino nurses—competitive salaries, career growth, and a chance to gain international experience. Whether you choose Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, or Qatar, proper preparation and understanding of the licensing process will set you up for success.
At Ray A. Gapuz Review System, we offer comprehensive Gulf exam preparation programs designed specifically for Filipino nurses. Our review covers HAAD, DHA, and Prometric exams with proven strategies and practice materials.
Ready to start your Gulf nursing career?
Contact Ray A. Gapuz Review System:
- Website: raygapuzreviewsystem.com
- Location: United Nations Avenue, Manila
- Programs: NLE Review, NCLEX Review, Gulf Exam Preparation