Genetic testing will become a mandatory part of premarital screenings for all UAE citizens planning to get married from January 2025. This initiative is led by the Emirates Genome Council and represents a major step forward towards improving public health and the quality of life in the country.
While premarital medical testing was already mandatory for both Emiratis and expatriates, genetic testing was previously optional. The new mandate aims to proactively identify inherited diseases, including more than 570 genetic mutations linked to conditions such as cardiomyopathy, genetic epilepsy, spinal muscular atrophy, hearing loss and cystic fibrosis.
The initiative aligns with the UAE Centenary Vision 2071, focused on sustainable development and the adoption of cutting-edge medical technologies. By establishing a national genetic database, the strategy will facilitate early medical intervention, ensuring better health for future generations.
“This move will mark the start of transformative change in the healthcare sector, leveraging advanced genomic technologies for proactive and sustainable healthcare,” the Ministry of Health and Prevention said. He confirmed that all necessary resources, including qualified medical personnel, specialist expertise and technical infrastructure, are already in place to implement this ambitious initiative.
