About the EMREE Exam (UAE)

Emirates Medical Residency Entrance Examination – National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS), UAE

The EMREE (Emirates Medical Residency Entrance Examination) is the official entrance exam required for doctors who wish to join residency training programmes in the United Arab Emirates. It is administered by the National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS) and serves as the national standard for assessing the knowledge, clinical reasoning, and readiness of applicants before entering structured postgraduate training.

This exam is mandatory for entry into residency pathways under health authorities such as:

Emirates Health Services (EHS)

DoH Abu Dhabi

Dubai Health (DHA) (where applicable)

NIHS-accredited training centres across the UAE

 

Purpose & Importance

Ensures all residents meet a minimum national standard of competence.

Serves as a competitive entrance filter for UAE residency seats.

Evaluates clinical reasoning, foundational medical knowledge, and decision-making skills.

Required for both UAE nationals and international graduates applying for structured training.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the requirements outlined by NIHS and the respective UAE health authorities:

1. Medical Degree

MBBS (or equivalent) from a recognized medical school.

BDS graduates may apply for dental-specific pathways where applicable.

2. Internship / House Job

Completion of a 1-year rotating internship in a recognised hospital.

3. Valid Professional Registration

Applicants must hold valid registration/eligibility for registration with their home country’s medical regulatory body (e.g., PMDC/PMC, GMC, NMC, etc.).

4. Final-Year MBBS Students (Special Pathway)

NIHS allows final-year MBBS students to apply if they submit:

An official application/permission letter from the Dean/Principal of their medical college

Evidence that they are currently enrolled in final year

Any documents required by NIHS confirming expected graduation

5. Additional Requirements

Depending on the training authority:

English-language proficiency may be requested for applicants from non-English medium backgrounds

Passport copy

Recent photograph

Equivalency documentation if required

 

Exam Format (Updated Based on NIHS Standard Structure)

The EMREE is conducted as a computer-based test (CBT) in approved UAE testing centres.

📌 EMREE Structure

120 MCQs (Single-best–answer format)

3 hours duration

Covers:

Clinical medicine

Surgery

Emergency care

Basic sciences integrated with clinical reasoning

Ethics and professional practice

UAE-specific healthcare system scenarios (where applicable)

Key Features

MCQs are clinically integrated, focusing on real-life reasoning rather than rote memory.

The exam assesses readiness for direct entry into postgraduate residency training.

Scoring is standardized through NIHS assessment criteria.

 

Why the EMREE Matters

Clearing EMREE is essential for:

1. Entry into UAE Residency Training

Required for joining NIHS-accredited residency programs across the UAE.

2. Eligibility for National Training Pathways

Enables candidates to enter structured programmes under:

Emirates Health Services (EHS)

DoH Abu Dhabi training hospitals

NIHS-affiliated institutions

3. Professional Advancement in the UAE

Successful candidates gain access to a highly competitive training system that leads to:

Specialist qualifications

Consultant pathways (after post-residency progression)

Long-term clinical career opportunities in the UAE

 

Exam Attempts & Validity

There is no official limit on the number of EMREE attempts. After passing the exam usually one extra attempt can be allowed to improve the score.

Passing the EMREE qualifies the candidate for the current + following year induction cycle of residency; future cycles may require updated submission of documents.

Exam validity (for residency entry) is governed by NIHS rules for that specific year.

 

What to Expect as a Candidate

1. Clinically Focused Exam

The exam prioritizes clinical problem-solving and applied medical science.

2. High Competition

UAE residency positions are competitive, so strong performance is essential.

3. Broad Syllabus

Covers major disciplines across medicine, surgery, emergency care, ethics, and applied basic sciences.

4. Consistent Preparation Required

Candidates must practice MCQs, improve clinical reasoning, and review high-yield modules in an organized manner.