The UAE is to introduce mandatory premarital genetic testing for all Emirati couples from January in support of a national drive to "safeguard the health of future generations", it was announced on Wednesday.
The screening strategy was initially rolled out in Abu Dhabi in October to bolster efforts to detect and prevent genetic conditions and will now be extended across the Emirates.
The programme will be led by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, with the support of Abu Dhabi's Department of Health, the Dubai Health Authority, Emirates Health Services, and Dubai Health, alongside academic, medical, and technological partners, state news agency Wam said.
The launch of the scheme comes on the directives of the Emirates Genome Council, approved during the recent UAE government annual meetings. The ministry said the screening policy would come into effect in "early January", but not provide a specific date.
The health ministry said its aim was to create an integrated database to proactively identify genetic diseases among Emiratis and allow for early medical intervention.
Under the plans, couples due to marry will undergo tests to identify potential genetic mutations they may carry, which could be passed on to their future children and lead to preventable genetic diseases.
The testing covers 570 genes associated with more than 840 medical conditions, the ministry said, and will help citizens to make informed decisions based on their health status when planning to start families.
Enhancing public health
Abu Dhabi launched a pilot phase of the project in 2022, in which more than 800 couples have taken part since 2022, before making the screening programme mandatory from October 1.
Data from that trial found 86 per cent achieved genetic compatibility and 14 per cent required additional intervention and family planning based on genetic results.
Medical experts said at the time that the screening strategy was key to protecting the health and well-being of UAE citizens.
"The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi has integrated genetic testing as a core element of its premarital screening programme, aiming to reduce the incidence of inherited diseases in the Emirate," said Dr Ayman El-Hattab, a consultant in clinical genetics at Burjeel Medical City, following the announcement of Abu Dhabi's genetic testing policy.
"By screening individuals before marriage, this initiative enhances the ability to identify a broader range of genetic conditions beyond just inherited blood disorders, helping couples make informed decisions about their future. This expanded genetic screening is expected to significantly impact public health by lowering the burden of hereditary diseases."
Dr Fahed Al Marzooqi, deputy chief operating officer of Abu Dhabi technology-enabled healthcare company M42, said genetic testing was critical to identify diseases more prevalent among the Emirati population.
“In the UAE, this is especially important due to the high prevalence of genetic disorders within the Emirati population, partly attributed to the region’s history of consanguineous marriages.
“Understanding genetic risks allows healthcare providers to take proactive measures, improving patient outcomes and reducing the long-term burden of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes," he said.
