About the exam
Who runs it? The National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS), UAE University, via the official exam board site. EMREE has sister exams for dentistry (EDREE) and pharmacy (EPREE).
What is it for? The exam structure page describes it as “only a qualifying exam” for residency training. It is not a licence and does not guarantee a residency seat.
What level is it? Knowledge and skills expected of a graduate with at least one year of training, focusing on clinical application, diagnosis and management in a UAE context.
More: What is EMREE?
Eligibility and registration
Can IMGs apply? Yes. All nationalities who meet the residency criteria may register. Final-year students are also eligible.
What ID do I need? An official ID (passport and/or Emirates ID); face recognition is used. Non-residents need a valid passport and their own visa.
How do I book? Create one account on the registration page, enrol during an open window and pay by card. Only one exam can be booked at a time.
Can I change my date? No. There are no refunds, date changes or fee transfers.
More: Eligibility · Registration
Format and content
What does the exam look like? Usually 120 MCQs in 3 hours, computer-based, with possible unscored pilot items. The official 2012 sample uses four-option single-best-answer vignettes; the current number of options is not stated officially.
Which subjects? Internal Medicine 20%; Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Surgery and Family Medicine 15% each; Psychiatry and Public Health 10% each (Nov 2025 blueprint).
What is the difficulty mix? 40% easy, 40% moderately difficult, 20% difficult.
What language? Not explicitly stated, although all official materials are in English.
More: Exam pattern · Blueprint · Syllabus
Scores, results and retakes
Pass mark: 60% for 2025-26.
Do authorities want more than a pass? DoH Abu Dhabi lists ≥70 for UAE and international graduates. Dubai Health uses score, percentile and attempts.
Results: an electronic statement with score and ranking within ten working days, plus a PDF transcript showing every attempt.
Validity: up to 2 years.
Retakes: up to three attempts to pass per academic year.
Appeals: via the official appeals form; no deadline or fee is published.
More: Passing score · Results
Dates and fees
Fee: AED 1,000; VAT wording differs between official pages, so confirm at checkout. Residency applications are separate: EHS charges AED 600 and DoH charges none.
Dates: the 2025-26 cycle had 12 sittings from 21 December 2025 to 14 June 2026. The 2026-27 calendar had not been published as of 1 November 2026.
More: Exam dates · Fees
Exam day and residency applications
What happens on exam day? Bring your passport and/or Emirates ID for face recognition. Lockers are provided, a 15-minute practice session may be offered, candidates more than 10 minutes late are refused entry and nobody may leave in the first 30 minutes (see the official rules).
Is there a single national match? No single national match portal was found. You apply separately to DoH (through TAMM), Dubai Health (GME admissions portal administered by MBRU) and EHS (digital services portal). The authorities then run a cross-match or post-match between them.
When do residency applications open? For 2026, DoH listed 1–31 March, Dubai Health 19 February to 31 March, and EHS opens registration each March. Check each authority’s page for future years.
More: How EMREE fits the residency process
About EMREE UAE
We are an independent preparation platform, not connected to UAE University, NIHS, DoH, Dubai Health/DHA, EHS or any authority. Our questions are original, mapped to the official blueprint, and each explanation cites standard texts or current clinical guidelines. You can try the free 20-question diagnostic without paying, and compare plans on the pricing page. No preparation resource can guarantee a pass. For official decisions, always contact the exam board at [email protected] or +971 3 713 7108.
Frequently asked questions
What is EMREE?
The Emirates Medical Residency Entrance Examination, a unified entry exam for residency training in the UAE, conducted by NIHS, UAE University.
Which authorities accept EMREE?
DoH Abu Dhabi, Emirates Health Services (EHS) and Dubai Health/DHA (via MBRU GME). The exam board says the PDF transcript is accepted by all three.
Who is eligible to sit EMREE?
Medical graduates and final-year medical students who satisfy the residency application criteria of UAE health authorities. All nationalities may register.
How much does EMREE cost?
AED 1,000. The home page says this excludes tax, while the application process page calls it all inclusive. There are no refunds.
How many questions and how much time?
Usually 120 MCQs in 3 hours. Some sittings add unscored pilot items with extra time.
Where is the exam held?
At the College of Medicine & Health Sciences test centre in Al Ain. No overseas centres are mentioned officially.
What is the pass mark?
60% for the 2025-26 cycle. It is set periodically and may change.
Is there negative marking?
The official pages do not say either way.
When are the 2026-27 dates?
Not published as of 1 November 2026. The 2025-26 cycle ran 12 sittings from December 2025 to June 2026.
How quickly are results released?
Within ten working days officially; one to five days in the 2025-26 schedule.
How long is my result valid?
Up to 2 years (24 months).
How many attempts are allowed?
Up to three attempts to pass within one academic year. Those who passed in a previous year get one additional retake.
Do I need TOEFL or IELTS to sit EMREE?
No. Residency programmes set their own English requirements.
Is SMLE, USMLE or PLAB accepted instead?
Dubai Health/MBRU accepts the SMLE. No official source we found accepts USMLE or PLAB as a substitute, and DoH and EHS do not name alternatives.
Are your questions real EMREE questions?
No. EMREE UAE writes original practice questions based on the official blueprint. We do not use or claim recalled exam questions.
Sources
Official information last verified on . Rules and dates can change — always confirm on the official site before you register or apply.
- EMREE exam board (NIHS, UAE University) – home page
- EMREE exam board – Exam Structure
- EMREE exam board – Application Process
- EMREE exam board – FAQs
- EMREE exam board – Register
- EMREE exam board – Processing of Results
- EMREE exam board – Exam Rules
- EMREE exam board – Examination Appeals
- EMREE Blueprint (Nov 2025, PDF)
- DoH Abu Dhabi – Medical Residency Program (MEAD 2026)
- Dubai Health / MBRU – GME Residency Admissions
- Emirates Health Services – Registration in the Doctors' Residency Programs