UAE Announces Mandatory Premarital Genetic Testing For Emiratis From January

UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has announced that mandatory genetic testing will be launched as part of the premarital screening programme for all Emiratis planning to marry nationwide. This will be implemented from January 2025. 

The Ministry noted that this decision represents a paradigm shift in the UAE's healthcare sector, aiming to safeguard the health of future generations while ensuring Emirati families benefit from long-term wellness and a high quality of life. As part of the premarital screening process, genetic testing is a preventive health measure that allows couples planning to marry to 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. According to Emirates News Agency, the testing covers 570 genes associated with over 840 medical conditions.