Blitz Bureau
MANDATORY genetic testing will be introduced as part of the premarital screening programme for all Emiratis planning to marry nationwide, starting early January 2025, according to Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP).
While premarital medical examination was mandatory for couples, both citizens and expats, ahead of marriage, genetic testing was optional. This initiative follows a decision from the Emirates Genome Council, approved during the UAE Government’s annual meetings.
Earlier, a top official had told Khaleej Times that genetic testing detects over 570 genetic mutations that can cause hereditary diseases such as cardiomyopathy, genetic epilepsy, spinal muscular atrophy, hearing loss, cystic fibrosis, and “other severe and chronic diseases that are difficult to treat”. The strategy aims to create an integrated national genetic database that will help proactively identify genetic diseases among Emiratis, facilitating early medical intervention.
The Ministry emphasised 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.
It stressed that it is working as one unified national team, in close collaboration with all relevant authorities, to implement genetic testing for Emiratis about to marry, adding that it has already provided medical staff, specialised expertise, guidelines, and technical infrastructure, in line with the National Genome Strategy.
