Genetic testing will be a part of the mandatory premarital screening programme from January 2025 for all citizens

Genetic testing for all UAE citizens planning to marry will be included in the mandated premarital screening programme beginning in January 2025. While a premarital medical examination was required for both citizens and foreigners before marriage, genetic testing was optional. 

This effort is the result of an Emirates Genome Council decision that was endorsed during the yearly meetings of the UAE government. The approach intends to establish an integrated national genetic database that will aid in the early detection of genetic illnesses among Emiratis.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention emphasized that this decision will result in a radical shift in the healthcare industry, leveraging future technology to promote sustainable development and an improved quality of life, in accordance with the UAE Centennial Vision 2071.