DUBAI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) decided to conduct premarital genetic testing for all Emirati couples from January 2025, the WAM news agency reported on Thursday.
The UAE made this decision to “protect the health of future generations”.
During the UAE government annual meetings, the programme was recently approved after a decision from the Emirates Genome Council.
The programme is designed to identify genetic risks early, enabling couples to make informed decisions about starting families.
The UAE media reported that the order could prevent genetic illness and improve the public health. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) is spearheading this programme with assistance from the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Health Authority, Emirates Health Services and Dubai Health.
The testing programme, which began as a pilot project in Abu Dhabi in 2022, screened over 800 couples. The results showed 86% of couples were genetically compatible, while 14% required additional family planning measures.
The tests cover 570 genes linked to more than 840 medical conditions. By detecting potential genetic mutations, healthcare providers can reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions and diabetes, contributing to better long-term health outcomes.
The MoHAP said that this decision would drive a transformative shift in the healthcare sector, utilising future technologies to ensure sustainable development and an enhanced quality of life, in line with the UAE Centennial Vision 2071.
An integrated national genetic database, it said, would also help proactively identify genetic diseases among Emiratis, facilitate early medical intervention.
