EHS: Genetic Testing to Be Included in Premarital Screening for UAE Nationals Starting January 2025

The Emirates Health Services (EHS) announced that genetic testing will become an integral part of the premarital screening program, starting January 2025. This aligns with the efforts of EHS to strengthen preventive measures and support the ‘Emirati Genome Program’, which aims to reduce the transmission of genetic diseases and ensure a healthier future for generations to come.

His Excellency Dr. Essam Al Zarooni, Acting Executive Director of the Medical Services Sector at Emirates Health Services, described this decision as a groundbreaking advancement in preventive healthcare in the UAE. He highlighted that these screenings significantly reduce the risk of congenital disorders in future generations, promote informed family planning, and help limit the spread of genetic diseases. 

He said: “This initiative is closely aligned with the ‘The National Genome Strategy’, as it will contribute to building a comprehensive genetic database for UAE nationals, which will support scientific research and guide future strategies to ensure early medical intervention and consequently enhance public health outcomes for Emiratis.”

The genetic testing list includes 570 genes that cover 840+ medical conditions. It is designed to detect genetic mutations that individuals may carry asymptomatically and assess the risk of having children with genetic disorders. The testing process involves analyzing genetic material from blood samples collected from both individuals planning to marry.

EHS said that these screenings will be added to the routine marriage investigations and will be considered a mandatory part, starting January 2025. Individuals will receive their results within 14 days, and if there are common genetic mutations detected in the couple, a medical consultation will be arranged with a team of geneticists and family physicians to provide appropriate advice and assist the couple in making informed decisions regarding marriage and childbirth.

Genetic screening and pre-marriage counseling services will be available at 22 health centres affiliated with the Emirates Health Services. These include the Al Muhaisnah and Al Awir centres in Dubai, as well as the centres of Al Khalidiyeh, Al Riqa, Wasit, Aldhaid, Al Madam, Dibba Al Hisn, KhorFakkan, Kalba, and the Family Health Promotion Centre in Sharjah. 

In Ajman, the services will be offered at the Al Madina, Al Mushairif, Al Manama, and Muzairah centres, while in Umm Al Quwain, they will be available at the Al Khazan and Falaj Al Mualla centres. In Ras Al Khaimah, services will be provided at the Ras Al Khaimah and Julphar centres, and in Fujairah, at the Alfaseel Family Health Promotion Centre, as well as the Qidfa and Dhadna centres. Service requests can be made through the smart app of EHS, or by contacting the number 8008877.

Through this service, the Emirates Health Services aims to fulfill its mission of improving the health of individuals and the community, enhancing preventive measures to reduce the health burden resulting from genetic diseases, thereby underlining its commitment to the UAE’s vision of enhancing the quality of life for all community members, in alignment with the "We the UAE 2031" vision and the UAE Centennial 2071.

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