ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Health and Prevention of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the introduction of mandatory genetic testing as part of the premarital screening programme for all its citizens planning to marry countrywide, starting early January 2025.
According to the state-run news agency of UAE, WAM, this step follows a decision from the Emirates Genome Council, approved during the UAE government’s annual meetings.
The ministry of health emphasised that this decision represents a paradigm shift in the nation’s healthcare sector, aiming to safeguard the health of the next generations while ensuring Emirati families benefit from long-term wellness and a high quality of life.
A global leader
This initiative also positions the UAE’s health sector as a global leader in developing its healthcare cadres and research capabilities for genetic disease prevention as well as medicine solutions. It also expands the use of genomic sciences, strengthening partnerships between medical institutions both within the country and globally.
The ministry of health stressed that it is working as one unified national team, in close collaboration with all relevant departments, to implement genetic testing for Emiratis about to marry, saying that it has already provided medical staff, specialised expertise, guidelines, and technical infrastructure, in line with the National Genome Strategy.
National genetic database
According to WAM, the strategy aims to create an integrated national genetic database that will help proactively identify genetic diseases among Emiratis, facilitating early medical intervention.
The ministry of health emphasised that this decision would drive a transformative shift in the healthcare sector, utilizing future technologies to ensure sustainable development and an enhanced quality of life, in line with the UAE Centennial Vision 2071.
The programme operates under the umbrella of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, in collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Health Authority, Emirates Health Services, and Dubai Health, alongside academic, medical, and technological partners, the WAM further reported.
