Whether you opt for a career as a surgeon, dentist, nurse or pharmacist, a medical degree from a coveted institute can open a slew of opportunities for a career in medicine. If the United States and the United Kingdom are too far, there are plenty of homegrown options in the UAE applicants may consider. Which medical universities in the UAE are worth considering? Let’s find out!
UAE is the home to a wide range of universities including the best medical school in Dubai, both international and local institutes. In a very short period of time, Dubai has established an excellent and diversified education system. To meet the international standard and best education to local community and the expats from all over the world, The Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research established Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) in 2011. CAA’s responsibility was to conduct a program of licensure of institutions of higher education and accreditation of each of their academic programs.
List of Top Medical School in Dubai
Following are the top 7 medical schools in Dubai.
1. Gulf Medical University
Gulf Medical University was established in 1998 as a private university. Since then GMU has established itself as not only the best medical school in Dubai but as the best in the whole region. Gulf Medical University was the first medical school in Dubai to offer admission to both male and female students of all nationalities. GMU was listed in Asia’s 100 best and fastest-growing private education institutes by WCRC Leaders-Asia magazine. The institution became a University in the year 2008 following a Decree by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE. Today, the focus of Gulf Medical University has extended into three core areas: Medical Education, Healthcare and Research.
Following are the Graduate Program offered by GMU are:MBBSBBMSDMDPharm DBPTBHS – MLSBHS – MISBHS – ASTBHS – NS
2. RAK Medical and Health Sciences University
Ras al-Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University was established in 2006 by the leadership of Saud bin Saqr al Qasimi, Crown Prince & Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and the Chancellor of the University. Though the university is comparatively a new medical school in Dubai it has been established as the best institute. RAK Medical and Health Science University (RAKMHSU) is the First Comprehensive Health Science University in UAE. Now, RAKMHSU is fully owned and managed by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah. Further, all the programs have been fully accredited by the Commission for Academic Accreditation under the Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research. RAKMHSU is the First in UAE to start two year Master’s Program in Nursing and Pharmacy.
Following are the Masters programs offered by RAKMHSU are:MS in Adult Health Nursing (MSN)MS in Clinical PharmacyMS in Pediatric NursingMS in Community Health NursingMS in Psychiatric-Mental Health NursingMS in Pharmaceutical ChemistryMS in Pharmaceutics and Pharm.D
3. Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (Dubai)
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland was established over 220 years ago and has a worldwide reputation for delivering excellent undergraduate and postgraduate education in the healthcare professions. The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Dubai was established in 2005 and initially located in Knowledge Village. In 2007 the campus moved to Dubai Healthcare City. RCSI-Dubai Masters programs are accredited and are designed with working healthcare professionals in mind. RCSI-Dubai now offers MSc degree programs in Healthcare Management, Quality & Safety in Healthcare Management and Leadership in Health Professions Education. All programs have proved to be very popular, not only in the UAE but also in the wider region, with many healthcare professionals travelling long distances to participate in them. All of these make RCSI-Dubai the leading medical school in Dubai.
4. Harvard Medical School for Global Health Delivery – Dubai
Earlier this year an agreement was signed between Harvard Medical School and Dubai Healthcare City Authority to cooperate in establishing the Harvard Medical School Center for Global Health Delivery—Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The Foundation was created to drive a resurgence in scientific inquiry and discovery in the Middle East, and lead to innovations that will address the region’s most pressing health problems. At the moment Harvard Medical School is offering only Safety, Quality and Informatics Leadership (SQIL) Program. SQIL is a one-year certificate program designed to develop knowledge and skills in patient safety, quality, informatics and leadership. The Dubai Harvard Foundation for Medical Research (DHFMR) offers a limited number of partial scholarships to selected candidates. Still, we rated it as one of the best medical schools in Dubai.
5. Dubai Medical College
Dubai Medical College also known as the Dubai Medical College for Girls was established in 1985. Dubai Medical College for girls become the first private medical school in Dubai to offer a degree in Medicine & Surgery in the United Arab Emirates. This college was established on an Islamic foundation to offer the Girls of the UAE an opportunity to study Medicine within the country and avoid the troubles & risks of travelling abroad. Girls in UAE are offered the chance to serve their country in the medical field and they successfully utilize this opportunity.
6. Dubai Pharmacy College
The Dubai Pharmacy College is the first pharmacy institution in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai Pharmacy College (DPC) was established in 1992 by Dubai philanthropist Haji Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Lootah. In 2005, it won the Dubai Quality Appreciation Program award for education presented by the Crown Prince of Dubai and the Prime Minister of UAE HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Dubai Pharmacy became the best medical school in Dubai. Dubai Pharmacy College was established to educate aspiring Muslim girls in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. DPC is accredited by the Commission of Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE.
The programs offered by Dubai Pharmacy College are:
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
- Master of Pharmacy (MPharm) with specialization in
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Product Development
7. Dubai School of Dental Medicine (Boston University Institute)
Dubai School of Dental Medicine was established in January 2013 to replace previously known The Boston University Institute for Dental Research and Education– Dubai (BUIDRE). BUIDRE was launched in 2008 in a collaboration between Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine and a comprehensive Dubai healthcare complex. The mutual decision to discontinue the venture was reached after Dubai authorities proposed a structure in which they would primarily manage their own institution. That decision allowed the Dubai School of Dental Medicine to build on the efforts to create capacity in Dubai for world-class postdoctoral dental speciality programs. That makes it the unique medical school in Dubai. BUIDRE-Dubai was a post-graduate dental education institute offering programs in dental research, education and specialized dental care, based on programs offered at the Boston University School of Dental Medicine in the USA.
Following Programs were included:
- Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)
- Master of Science (MSD) in the following specialties
- General Dentistry
- Dental Public Health
- Endodontics
- Implantology
- Operative Dentistry
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Periodontology
Mohammed Bin Rashid University oF Medicine And Health Sciences (MBRU)
Are you looking for medical universities in Dubai? Head to MBRU. The Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences offers graduate and undergraduate courses in a range of medical fields for both expats and local UAE residents. These include paediatrics, dental sciences, nursing and more.
Interested applicants may apply for the 6-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, the application deadline of which is January 15th with an annual tuition fee of AED 160,000. Postgraduate programmes at MBRU include Masters of Science in Cardiovascular Nursing, Biomedical Sciences, Prosthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, Endodontics and Periodontology.
- Location: Building 14, Dubai Healthcare City
- Contact: 800 MBRU (6278)
List Of Medical Schools In Dubai
United Arab Emirates University (UAEU)
With a Times Higher Education (THE) ranking of 301-350th, the United Arab Emirates University leads the list of our picks for notable medical universities in the UAE. In this case, the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS) of UAEU is the highest-ranked and best medical school in the country. Apart from UAE nationals, seats are also allotted to students from other Arab countries, Asian And African countries and International Students for undergraduate courses.
CMHS consists of 15 departments including Anatomy, Institute of Public Health, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery and Radiology. Furthermore, it is also listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is recognised by the General Medical Council (UK) as well as the American and Canadian health institutions.
Medical academic programmes from the institute include Undergraduate and Graduate courses in addition to a Higher Professional Training Diploma and Medical Elective Programme. The CMHS and UAEU also offer research in biomedical and clinical science.
- Location: Al Ain – Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-3-713-7300 | +971-3-713-7130 (Undergraduate programme) | +971-3-713-7115 (Graduate programme)
Khalifa University
The College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Khalifa University is next on our list for top medical universities in the UAE. Considered one of the more famous medical universities in Abu Dhabi, the college offers a 4-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree programme which includes clinical experiences and problem-based learning to prepare students in becoming competent physicians. The institute itself is also considered one of the best universities in Abu Dhabi. Seats are allotted after considering a variety of details including the MCAT scores.
Additionally, the course also emphasises on technological practices in healthcare. Also worth noting is the Entering Residency section which includes 13 Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) that medical students are expected to perform upon entering residency. The activities include “Gather a history and perform a physical examination,” and others. Admissions for Fall 2020 for the Doctor of Medicine programme are currently open at Khalifa University with applications to be submitted online.
- Location: Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-2-501-8550
Gulf Medical University (GMU)
Those looking for medical universities in Ajman may consider Gulf Medical University. Formerly known as Gulf Medical College, GMU offers a range of courses including undergraduate studies in biomedical sciences, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, physiotherapy and other courses. The institute welcomes students of all nationalities and is the first in the region to launch programmes like Masters in Physical Therapy and Human Reproduction Biology.
Notable graduate programmes from GMU include Masters in Public Health (MPH), Master in Dental Surgery and Periodontics (MDS), Master of Clinical Pharmacy (MCP), Executive Master in Healthcare Management and Economics (EMHME).
Admissions at GMU are currently open for 2020 to 2021 and are subject to conditions. For example, those interested in applying for the university’s MBBS programme must have completed a minimum of 12 years of education. All in all, when it comes to universities in Ajman, Gulf Medical University is an ideal option. Subscribe toSUBSCRIBE
- Location: Ajman – UAE
- Contact: +971-6-743-1333
Ajman University (AU)
Ajman University or AU ranks in the 2020 QS World University Rankings lists and is one of 11 non-American universities to receive certification by the Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education (ACPE) in 2018.
AU has 9 colleges, three of which are dedicated to medical sciences. These include the College of Dentistry, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the College of Medicine. In addition to an MBBS programme in the College of Medicine, other courses worth noting is the Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) and Master of Science in Pharmacy (MScPharm) offered in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Rak Medical And Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU)
The next entry on our list of best medical universities in UAE is in Ras al Khaimah — the RAK Medical and Health Sciences University. An institute dedicated solely to health sciences, RAKMHSU was launched under the patronage of the ruler of Ras al Khaimah, His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi. Notable courses here include a two-year Masters programme in Nursing and Pharmacy in addition to MS in Adult Health Nursing (MSN). The university’s constituent colleges include the RAK College of Medical Sciences (RAKCOMS), RAK College of Dental Sciences, RAK College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (RAKCOPS) and the RAK College of Nursing.
The MBBS programme from RAKCOMS includes 2 years of pre-clerkship courses and three years of clinical clerkship courses. RAKCOPS, on the other hand, offers a B.Pharm programme as well as a Master of Science (MS) in the specialisations of Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry with the first year dedicated to course work and the second for dissertations.
- Location: Al Juwais, Al Qusaidat – Ras al Khaimah
- Contact: +971-7-204-3200
University Of Sharjah (UOS)
The University of Sharjah features 14 colleges offering courses at the bachelor, diploma, masters and doctorate levels. In terms of medical academics, these include courses in Health Sciences, Medicine, Dental Medicine and Pharmacy.
Degree programmes at UoS are globally recognised and considering the comprehensive courses offered, this isn’t surprising. For example, the College of Health Sciences (CHS) offers seven accredited undergraduate bachelor programmes in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics (CN&D), Environmental Health Sciences (EHS), Health Services Administration (HAS), Medical Diagnostic Imaging (MDI), Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS), Nursing (Nsg) and Physiotherapy (PT).
Some of the goals of CHS is to encourage students to engage in health research with a special focus on local and regional needs. The ultimate aim is to prepare qualified and skilled healthcare professionals capable enough to assume different positions in the medical care system.
Best Medical Schools in the UAE
1. Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU)
The College of Medicine within the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) is one of the top medical schools in UAE. The program to obtain an MBBS lasts six years and is fully taught on campus. Its innovative curriculum is focused on keeping up with the latest needs and developments in the field of medicine.
The program is split into 3 phases: one academic year, then a 2-year block, and a final 3-year block which includes practical skills development. There are specific admissions requirements based on which country of origin you’re coming from, with high averages for high school marks and specifically in science subjects. You should also be able to demonstrate fluency in English, through a variety of language tests.
2. United Arab Emirates University – College of Medicine and Health Sciences
First opened in 1984, the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at the UAE University is the highest ranked medical school in the UAE currently, also being the first one. It is located in Abu Dhabi. They offer a four-year MD program once you have completed a pre-requisite two-year Pre-Medical program offered by the College – all in all, a six-year program to achieve the doctor qualification.
The College’s program focuses equally on medical knowledge and on interpersonal and communication skills, recognizing the importance of how doctors interact with their patients. Patient care is a priority, as is practice-based learning and development.
3. Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences
Khalifa University is based in Abu Dhabi and is aiming to develop world-class healthcare in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the region. They offer a 4-year MD program preparing students for working in the medical services or continuing on to postgraduate study.
Khalifa University also boasts a great research capability including in medical genetics, biomaterials for nanomedicine, cellular biomechanics, bio-robotics, tissue regeneration, and bioinformatics.
Please note: unlike other medical schools, the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Khalifa University requires applicants to have completed an undergraduate degree / Bachelor’s degree. You also need to be proficient in English.
4. Gulf Medical University – College of Medicine
Based in Ajman, the GMU is one of the largest private medical universities in the United Arab Emirates. It started operating in 1998 and offers a medical degree through its College of Medicine.
The university is based on a big compound called Thumbay Medicity with a state-of-the-art research center and multiple laboratories and buildings. The Tumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine is also on site: a cancer and diabetes research program.
The College of Medicine offers the MBBS degree taught over 5 years, designed to develop a culture of teamwork, scientific enquiry and lifelong learning. It includes ambulatory and in-patient care scenarios to develop practical skills, as well as in emergency settings. In order to obtain the degree at the end of your studies, you will need to pass a comprehensive Exit Examination.
5. Ajman University – College of Medicine
Ajman University opened in 1988 in the Ajman emirate. It is very close to Khalifa Hospital which enables students to get medical experience within a hospital environment.
The university offers multiple programs of study in its various colleges. The College of Medicine offers the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree, taught over 6 years (including one year of foundation study which may be waved depending on your level).
To gain admission, you will need to either have completed a high school degree with a minimum of 90% GPA, provide proof of English proficiency and pass certain exams depending on your country of origin, or you could benefit from direct entry depending on your high school curriculum.
6. RAK Medical & Health Sciences University
RAK Medical & Health Sciences University is based in Ras Al Khaimah and is a joint venture of the Ras Al Khaimah government, Al Ghurair Investments and ETA Ascon Group, Dubai.
Within the College of Medical Sciences, this medical school in UAE offers the MBBS degree program split into two years of applied basic science courses and three years of clinical clerkship courses. Once you graduate, you need to spend a year doing an internship before you can begin to fully practice medicine.
The admissions requirements depend on your high school education and the level of science knowledge before you apply.
7. University of Sharjah – College of Medicine
The final school in our list of top medical schools in UAE is the University of Sharjah, which is based in University City, Sharjah, and was established in 1997. They are very involved in the development of the emirate and have expanded to build campuses throughout Sharjah emirate in order to provide training programs directly to several communities.
The College of Medicine teaches the MBBS program across 6 years: one foundation year, 5 regular, and an additional year of clinical practice at the end of the study period. The course is taught in English and therefore requires proof that you are fluent in the language. For admission, you also need to present your high school results.
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