If you want to enter a dental residency program anywhere in the UAE — whether under the Department of Health Abu Dhabi (DOH), the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), or the Ministry of Health in the Northern Emirates — there is one examination that all three authorities share: the Emirates Dental Residency Entrance Examination (EDREE).
The EDREE is not a licensing exam for general practice. It is the national entrance examination for dental postgraduate residency training in the UAE, designed to assess whether a candidate possesses the clinical knowledge, diagnostic skills, and professional readiness required to enter supervised specialist training. It is run by the National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS) at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University (UAEU), in Al Ain.
🏛 Official Authority
The EDREE is organised by the National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS), UAE University. All official information — registration, exam dates, blueprint, results, and rules — is managed through the official portal at fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae and the NIHS website at nihs.uaeu.ac.ae. Always verify the latest details directly from these official sources.
What Is the EDREE?
The Emirates Dental Residency Entrance Examination (EDREE) is a written, computer-based entrance examination for dental graduates seeking admission to accredited dental residency programs in the UAE. It is:
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A qualifying exam, not a licensing exam — passing the EDREE qualifies you to apply for residency training programs. It is separate from the MOH, DHA, or DOH dental licensing examinations required for general practice
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A unified national exam — the same EDREE is accepted by all three UAE health authorities: DOH (Abu Dhabi), DHA (Dubai), and EHS/MOH (Northern Emirates)
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Administered by NIHS/UAEU — run by the National Institute for Health Specialties in collaboration with the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain
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Held annually December to March — multiple exam slots are offered within this window each academic year
“This is a qualifying exam and candidates must successfully pass this exam to qualify for residency training. Subsequent requirements for acceptance into residency training are detailed at the respective websites of the participating authorities.”
— NIHS / CMHS UAE University, Exam Structure Page (fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae)EDREE vs Prometric Dental Exams — Key Distinction
This is the most commonly confused point. The EDREE and the Prometric dental licensing exams (MOH, DHA, DOH) are completely different examinations for different purposes.
| | EDREE | MOH / DHA / DOH Exams |
|---|
| Purpose | Entry into dental residency (postgraduate training) | General dental practice licence |
| Who needs it | Dentists applying for residency/specialty programs | Dentists wanting to practise general dentistry in UAE |
| Administered by | NIHS / UAE University (UAEU) | Prometric (on behalf of MOH, DHA, DOH) |
| Exam venue | Al Ain — NIHS Assessment Centre, UAEU | Prometric/Pearson VUE centres (multiple locations) |
| Pass score | 65% (2025–26) | MOH: ~60% | DHA: ~60% | DOH: 65% |
| FDI notation | Yes — FDI two-digit system throughout | Varies by authority |
| Result validity | 2 years | MOH: 5 years | DOH: 2 years | DHA: varies |
| Blueprint | Official EDREE Blueprint 2025–2026 (downloadable) | Separate subject weightage per authority |
💡 Do I need both EDREE and MOH/DHA/DOH?
It depends on your goal. If you want to practise as a general dentist in the UAE, you need the MOH, DHA, or DOH licensing exam (not EDREE). If you want to enter a specialist residency program, you need the EDREE. Many dentists who already hold a UAE practice licence and want to pursue specialty training will also sit the EDREE. They are independent requirements for different career pathways.
EDREE Eligibility 2025–26
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The exam is open to all dental graduates (BDS/BDent/DMD/DDS or equivalent) and final-year dental students who satisfy the residency training application criteria of UAE health authorities
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Both UAE nationals and all other nationalities are eligible to register
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The NIHS/UAEU eligibility criteria for the exam itself are: Bachelor's Degree in Dentistry + required documents. The specific residency program application criteria (e.g., minimum experience, licensing requirements) are set independently by each health authority and residency program — check directly with the relevant institution
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Responsibility note: it is the candidate's own responsibility to verify the exact eligibility criteria of the residency program they intend to apply for, as each program may have additional specific requirements
📄 Required Documents (NIHS Official)
1. Copy of a valid passport · 2. Copy of Emirates ID (for UAE residents) · 3. Payment receipt of the exam fee. These are the documents specified by NIHS for EDREE registration. Additional documents may be required when applying to specific residency programs after passing the exam.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|
| Exam Type | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | Approximately 150 MCQs (single best answer format) |
| Duration | 3 hours |
| Question Style | Clinical case-based scenarios; FDI two-digit tooth notation used throughout |
| Language | English |
| Unscored items | Some additional pilot questions may appear — unscored, additional time provided |
| Pass Score (2025–26) | 65% or above |
| Result Announcement | 4 days after exam date (results published on official portal) |
| Result Validity | 2 years from the date of passing |
| Max Attempts | 3 attempts within one academic year |
| Exam Venue | NIHS Assessment and Evaluation Centre, UAEU, Al Ain, UAE
GPS: 24.196921, 55.652402 |
| Registration Fee | AED 1,000 per attempt (excl. tax) — non-refundable |
| Registration Portal | fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae |
⚠️ No Refunds. No Date Changes.
As per UAE University policy: examination fees once paid are non-refundable. Once enrolled for a particular examination date, candidates cannot change the date nor transfer fees to another examination. Enrol only when fully prepared and confident about the specific exam date you choose.
⚠️ Retakes Are Recorded and Matter
Every attempt — whether pass or fail — is recorded in your official transcript along with your score. These details are forwarded to all relevant health authorities. According to the official FAQ on fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae: “The more retakes you have, lesser is the chance of you getting considered by the health authorities.” Prepare thoroughly before your first attempt.
EDREE Blueprint 2025–26 — Official Subject Weightages
The official EDREE Applicant Guide (“Exam Blueprint”) for 2025–2026 is published by NIHS/UAEU at fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae. The blueprint covers 11 disciplines with the following official weightages. Note: distributions may differ by up to ±5% in each category.
| Discipline | Weight | Approx. Questions |
|---|
| Restorative Dentistry | 12% | ~18 |
| Endodontics | 10% | ~15 |
| Prosthodontics | 10% | ~15 |
| Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery | 10% | ~15 |
| Patient Safety & Occupational Dental Hazards | 10% | ~15 |
| Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry | 8% | ~12 |
| Periodontics | 8% | ~12 |
| Oral Medicine & Oral Pathology | 7% | ~10.5 |
| Orthodontics | 7% | ~10.5 |
| Oral Radiology | 5% | ~7.5 |
| Ethics, Jurisprudence & Practice Management | 5% | ~7.5 |
| TOTAL | 100% | ~150 |
📌 Official Blueprint Available
The full EDREE Applicant Guide and Exam Blueprint (2025–2026) including detailed topic lists for each discipline, competency domain descriptions, cognitive domain framework, suggested reading resources, FDI numbering system guide, and sample questions is available for free download at: fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae/downloads/EDREEBluePrint-2025.pdf
Four Competency Domains (All Sections)
Every section of the EDREE assesses questions across four integrated competency domains, as defined in the official blueprint:
📋Diagnosis & Treatment Planning (DTP)
Integrating patient history, clinical findings, investigations, and radiographs to establish accurate diagnoses and formulate evidence-based, individualised treatment plans.
🦷Oral Health Management (OHM)
Prevention, maintenance, and restoration of oral health; managing acute and chronic conditions; coordinating care; promoting long-term oral health and function.
⚖️Practice & Profession (PP)
Ethical and legal responsibilities; professionalism; informed consent; record keeping; infection control; patient safety; cultural sensitivity; teamwork; quality improvement.
🔬Clinical Foundational Knowledge (CFK)
Clinically relevant foundational knowledge supporting effective day-to-day practice and sound clinical decision-making. Assessed within clinical scenarios. Standalone basic science not clearly linked to clinical practice is out of scope.
📖 Cognitive Framework
The EDREE is designed primarily to assess higher levels of cognitive competence as per Bloom's taxonomy — application, analysis, and clinical decision-making. The majority of items are of low to moderate difficulty (broad coverage of essential knowledge); a smaller proportion of high-difficulty items maintains appropriate rigour. The exam will test clinical application of dental science, clinical diagnosis, and management — not rote memorisation of basic science facts.
EDREE Exam Dates 2025–26 — Official Schedule
The following is the official 2025–26 exam schedule for the Dental/Pharmacy residency entrance examination, as published on fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae. Exams are held annually from December to March.
| Enrolment Start | Enrolment Ends | Exam Date | Result Date | Status |
|---|
| Friday, 19 Dec 2025 | Wednesday, 14 Jan 2026 | Sunday, 18 Jan 2026 | Thursday, 22 Jan 2026 | ● Closed |
| Friday, 19 Dec 2025 | Saturday, 31 Jan 2026 | Sunday, 1 Feb 2026 | Thursday, 5 Feb 2026 | ● Closed |
| Friday, 2 Jan 2026 | Wednesday, 11 Feb 2026 | Sunday, 15 Feb 2026 | Thursday, 19 Feb 2026 | ● Closed |
| Friday, 2 Jan 2026 | Wednesday, 4 Mar 2026 | Sunday, 8 Mar 2026 | Thursday, 12 Mar 2026 | ● Closed |
Important note from official portal: “Big Thanks! NIHS would like to thank all examinees who took part in the 2026 EMREE cycle. The deadline to submit your residency application to the respective authorities is 30 March 2026.” The 2026–27 academic year schedule will be published on the official portal. Check fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae regularly.
⚠️ Seats Are Limited — Register Early
From the official portal: “Seats are limited for each examination and enrolment will be purely on 1st come 1st serve basis. Exam enrolment opens at 8:00 AM on respective enrolment start days and closes at 11:59 PM on the end date, OR when the seats are full — whichever comes first.” Do not wait until the enrolment deadline. Register on the opening day.
How to Register for the EDREE — Step by Step
1
Visit the Official Registration PortalGo to fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae — the official NIHS/CMHS UAE University exam portal. This is the only platform for EDREE registration. You can also access it via the NIHS website at nihs.uaeu.ac.ae → E-Services → Emirates Dental Residency Entrance Examination.
2
Create an Account / RegisterClick “Register” and create your account with all required personal details. Ensure your name matches your passport and/or Emirates ID exactly — face recognition with official ID is required on exam day.
3
Upload Required DocumentsUpload: (1) Copy of valid passport; (2) Copy of Emirates ID (if UAE resident); (3) Payment receipt of the exam fee. Ensure documents are clear and legible.
4
Enrol in an Exam SlotFrom your account, click the “Examinations” menu. Available exam dates with open enrolment will show with an “Enrol” link. Enrolment is strictly first-come-first-served and opens at 8:00 AM on the enrolment start date. Select your preferred exam date and proceed to payment.
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Pay the Exam FeeThe examination fee is AED 1,000 per attempt (excl. tax). Payment is made online via credit card (Mastercard, Visa, Visa Electron). On successful payment, enrolment is confirmed automatically and a payment receipt is generated. Fees are non-refundable; dates cannot be changed after enrolment.
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Arrange Travel / Visa if InternationalThe exam is held in Al Ain, UAE. If you are an international candidate without a UAE visa, you must arrange your own visit visa. The UAE University and health authorities are not responsible for candidate visa matters. Apply for the visit visa well before the exam date. Candidates who cannot attend due to travel restrictions may be offered rescheduling or a refund (per the official announcement — check the portal).
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Attend the Exam in Al AinArrive at the NIHS Assessment and Evaluation Centre, UAEU (GPS: 24.196921, 55.652402) on your exam day. Bring your valid passport and/or Emirates ID. Face recognition is mandatory. A 15-minute practice session on the computer is allowed before the exam begins. The Chief Proctor will announce start and end of the exam and time markers at the halfway and three-quarter points.
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Receive Results & Apply for ResidencyResults are available on the portal approximately 4 days after the exam (result date is listed in the schedule table above). If you pass (65%+), your result transcript is available as a PDF on the portal — this PDF is accepted by all three UAE health authorities; no printed transcript from the NIHS office is required. Your result is valid for 2 years. Then apply to the relevant residency programs per their specific requirements.
Exam Rules & Conduct
The following rules are from the official Rules and Regulations published by NIHS/UAEU. Non-compliance has serious consequences including removal from the exam, ban, and referral to health authorities.
- ✓Face recognition with valid passport or Emirates ID is mandatory for entry
- ✓Candidates arriving more than 10 minutes after the exam starts will not be admitted
- ✓All candidates must sign a Confidentiality Agreement — failure to sign means you cannot sit the exam
- ✓No communication between candidates by any means whatsoever inside the exam room
- ✓No books, electronic devices, notes, or unauthorised materials may be brought in
- !Candidates who share questions on social media (WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, or others) will be identified, debarred, and reported to the respective health authorities
- !Cheating results in immediate removal, a comprehensive report to the Examination Officer, and disciplinary action under UAE University Bylaws (Federal Law No. 4 of 1976)
- !No candidate may leave before permitted; no examination or answer materials may be removed from the exam hall
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How to Prepare for the EDREE
📖Download and Study the Official Blueprint
The EDREE Blueprint 2025–2026 at fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae is your primary study guide. It lists the specific topics for all 11 disciplines, the four competency domains, the cognitive framework, suggested reading resources, FDI notation guide, and sample questions. Begin all preparation from this document.
🎯Prioritise Clinical Application, Not Recall
The blueprint explicitly states the exam tests “clinical application of dental science, clinical diagnosis and management” at a level expected of a fresh graduate with at least one year of post-basic dental training. Bloom's higher-order levels (application, analysis, decision-making) dominate — not simple recall. Practice clinical MCQs, not textbook definitions.
📊Study to Weightage
Allocate study time proportional to blueprint weightage. Restorative (12%) deserves the most time, followed by Endodontics, Prosthodontics, OMS, and Patient Safety (each 10%). Patient Safety & Occupational Dental Hazards at 10% is a high-weight section that many candidates underestimate — give it serious attention.
🦷Master the FDI Tooth Numbering System
The EDREE uses the FDI two-digit tooth numbering system throughout all exam components. The blueprint includes a dedicated FDI Numbering System guide. Ensure you are fluent in converting between FDI, Universal, and Palmer notations before exam day — losing time on tooth identification costs marks.
🔧Use the Sample Questions in the Blueprint
The official EDREE Blueprint 2025–2026 includes sample questions at the back. These are the gold-standard reference for question style, difficulty level, and clinical scenario depth. Work through every sample question and understand the reasoning behind each answer before looking at any other resource.
⏱Simulate Under Timed Conditions
150 questions in 180 minutes = 72 seconds per question. Practice exclusively under timed conditions. Use the Prometric CBT interface if familiar — the EDREE is computer-based and extended screen time can cause fatigue. Complete at least 3 full-length timed practice sessions before exam day.
📚 Suggested Reading Resources
The official EDREE Blueprint 2025–2026 includes a curated list of Suggested EDREE Reading Resources for each of the 11 disciplines. These are the authoritative recommended texts endorsed by the NIHS examination team — study from the list in the blueprint, not general-purpose textbooks. Download the blueprint at fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae/downloads/EDREEBluePrint-2025.pdf to access the full list.
Frequently Asked Questions — EDREE 2026
What is the EDREE exam?
The EDREE (Emirates Dental Residency Entrance Examination) is the official national qualifying examination for dental graduates seeking to enter accredited dental residency training programs in the UAE. It is administered by the National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS) in collaboration with the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University (UAEU), in Al Ain. Passing the EDREE is a prerequisite for applying to dental residency programs — it is a qualifying exam, not a general practice licence exam.
Is the EDREE the same as the MOH, DHA, or DOH dental exam?
No. The EDREE and the Prometric dental licensing exams (MOH, DHA, DOH) are completely different examinations for different purposes. The EDREE is run by NIHS/UAEU and qualifies you for dental residency training. The MOH/DHA/DOH exams are run by Prometric on behalf of health authorities and qualify you for general dental practice licences. The exams have different blueprints, venues, administering bodies, and purposes. Some dentists may need both — MOH/DHA/DOH to practise, and EDREE to pursue specialty training.
Who is eligible to sit the EDREE?
The EDREE is open to dental graduates (BDS/BDent/DMD/DDS or equivalent) and final-year dental students who satisfy the residency training application criteria of UAE health authorities. Both UAE nationals and all other nationalities are eligible. It is the candidate's responsibility to verify the specific eligibility requirements of the residency program they intend to apply for after passing the EDREE.
What is the EDREE pass score for 2025–26?
The pass score for the EDREE in the 2025–26 academic year is 65% or above. This is the highest pass mark among the three UAE residency entrance exams: EMREE (medical) requires 60%, EDREE (dental) requires 65%, and EPREE (pharmacy) requires 55%. The minimum passing mark is set periodically by scientifically sound standard-setting processes by the NIHS examination board.
How many questions are in the EDREE and how long is it?
The EDREE consists of approximately 150 MCQs to be completed within 3 hours. The exam is computer-based. Some additional unscored pilot questions may be included — these do not affect your final score and additional time is provided for them. The full details are in the official EDREE Blueprint 2025–2026 available at fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae.
What subjects are covered in the EDREE blueprint?
The EDREE blueprint covers 11 disciplines: Restorative Dentistry (12%), Endodontics (10%), Prosthodontics (10%), Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (10%), Patient Safety & Occupational Dental Hazards (10%), Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry (8%), Periodontics (8%), Oral Medicine & Oral Pathology (7%), Orthodontics (7%), Oral Radiology (5%), and Ethics, Jurisprudence & Practice Management (5%). Blueprint distributions may vary by ±5%. The full blueprint with topic lists is at fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae/downloads/EDREEBluePrint-2025.pdf.
How many times can I attempt the EDREE?
You are allowed a maximum of 3 attempts to pass the EDREE within one academic year. No further attempts are allowed after passing the exam during the same academic year. Candidates who passed in a previous academic year are granted only one additional opportunity to retake. Critically: all attempts (pass or fail) are recorded in your transcript and forwarded to health authorities. According to the official NIHS FAQ: “The more retakes you have, lesser is the chance of you getting considered by the health authorities.”
Where is the EDREE held?
The EDREE is held at the NIHS Assessment and Evaluation Centre at UAE University (UAEU), Al Ain, UAE. The GPS coordinates are 24.196921, 55.652402. International candidates are responsible for arranging their own UAE visit visa to attend the examination. UAE University and health authorities are not responsible for visa matters. On successful acceptance into a residency programme, the respective authority processes the UAE residence visa.
What is the EDREE registration fee?
The registration fee is AED 1,000 per attempt, excluding tax. Payment is made online via credit card (Mastercard, Visa, Visa Electron) through the portal at fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae. The fee is all-inclusive (registration, processing, and handling charges). Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Once enrolled for a date, you cannot change it or use the fee for a different exam date.
Can final-year dental students sit the EDREE?
Yes. Final-year dental students are eligible to attempt the EDREE per the official eligibility criteria on fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae. However, candidates should also verify with the specific residency programmes they intend to apply to, as individual programmes may have additional requirements regarding graduation and licensure status at the time of application to the programme itself.
How are EDREE exam results released?
Results are published on the official portal (fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae) approximately 4 days after the exam date. Each candidate receives a result transcript in PDF format. This PDF is accepted by all three UAE health authorities (DOH, DHA, MOH/EHS). No printed transcript from the NIHS office is provided or required. The result transcript shows percentage scores per discipline as well as the overall total score. Results are valid for a maximum of 2 years.
Is the Emirates ID mandatory to sit the EDREE?
Emirates ID is preferable for identity verification. However, it is only mandatory for UAE residents. For candidates without UAE residency, a valid passport is mandatory. Face recognition with an official identification document is required for entry to the exam hall.
Do I need TOEFL or an English language certificate to sit the EDREE?
No. There is no requirement of TOEFL or any English language proficiency certificate to sit the EDREE. The exam itself is conducted in English. However, individual residency programmes may have their own English language requirements — check with the specific programme you intend to apply to after passing the EDREE.
What happens after passing the EDREE?
Passing the EDREE qualifies you to apply for dental residency training programs in the UAE. The EDREE is one requirement among several — you must then apply to the relevant residency programmes with all required documents per their specific criteria. The number of available residency seats and the specific application process is detailed on the NIHS website under “Accredited Programs” and at the respective authority websites (DOH, DHA, EHS/MOH). Your EDREE result is valid for 2 years from the date of passing.
Can I see my individual subject scores in the EDREE result?
Yes. The EDREE result transcript includes both the percentage score for each individual discipline and the overall total percentage score. Note: you cannot simply average the individual discipline percentages to get the total — the weighting of each question is proportional to the total number in that discipline. Some questions are linked to multiple disciplines, which further complicates manual calculation. The transcript PDF from the portal is the official record.
What tooth numbering system does the EDREE use?
The EDREE uses the FDI (Fédération Dentaire Internationale) two-digit tooth numbering system as the standard reference across all exam components. This is explicitly stated in the official blueprint. The blueprint includes an FDI Numbering System guide. Ensure you are comfortable with FDI notation before the exam — not the Universal (1–32) or Palmer notation.
How should I study for the EDREE?
Key preparation strategies: (1) Download and study the official EDREE Blueprint 2025–2026 from fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae — including the topic lists, sample questions, and suggested reading resources. (2) Focus on clinical application and decision-making, not basic science recall. (3) Allocate study time proportional to blueprint weightage — Restorative (12%), Patient Safety (10%), Endodontics/Prosthodontics/OMS (10% each). (4) Master FDI tooth notation. (5) Practise under timed computer-based conditions. (6) Attempt the EDREE only when scoring consistently above 70% on timed mock tests, since retakes negatively affect your standing with health authorities.
EDREE 2026 — Key Takeaways
- ✓EDREE = residency qualifying exam — not the same as MOH/DHA/DOH licensing exams; entirely different purpose, venue, and administrator
- ✓Administered by NIHS/UAEU, Al Ain — register only at fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae
- ✓~150 MCQs in 3 hours, computer-based — clinical vignette questions, FDI notation throughout
- ✓Pass score: 65% (2025–26) — highest of the three UAE residency entrance exams
- ✓11 disciplines in the official blueprint — download it free from fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae
- ✓Maximum 3 attempts per academic year — every attempt is recorded and seen by health authorities
- ✓AED 1,000 per attempt, non-refundable — no date changes after enrolment
- ✓Result valid 2 years — apply to residency programs within this window
- ✓Register early — seats are limited and fill on first-come-first-served basis from 8:00 AM on enrolment start day
Sources (Official Only): National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS), UAE University — nihs.uaeu.ac.ae/en/emirates_dental_residency_entry_exam/ · CMHS Medical Examination Board, UAE University — fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae · EDREE Applicant Guide / Exam Blueprint 2025–2026 — fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae/downloads/EDREEBluePrint-2025.pdf · EDREE Exam Structure, Application Process, FAQs, and Rules & Regulations pages — fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae. Content is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements directly at nihs.uaeu.ac.ae and fmhsmeb.uaeu.ac.ae before applying.
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