Thai Times

Covering the Thai Renaissance
Thursday, Jan 15, 2026

UAE Mandates Premarital Genetic Testing: A Health Revolution in the Making

Emiratis to Undergo Genetic Screening Before Marriage as Part of a National Health Initiative Targeting Genetic Disease Prevention
In a groundbreaking move set to redefine preventive healthcare, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will make genetic testing a compulsory part of premarital procedures for all Emiratis beginning in January 2025.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), aims to bolster long-term family health and elevate the overall quality of life among its citizens.

The strategic inclusion of genetic testing into the premarital schema represents a leap forward in the UAE's ambition to become a vanguard in global healthcare innovation.

MoHAP has underscored this development as a testament to the nation's steadfast commitment to advancing genetic disease prevention and enhancing reproductive medicine.

Not merely a standalone policy, this directive emerges from a deeply integrated national effort, wherein multiple health authorities have pooled their resources and knowledge.

MoHAP, in conjunction with the Department of Health — Abu Dhabi, Dubai Health Authority, and Emirates Health Services, has established the requisite infrastructure, conscripts of medical professionals, and a robust set of guidelines to ensure the successful rollout of this program.

Central to this initiative is the UAE’s National Genome Strategy, an expansive vision to construct a comprehensive national genetic database.

Through this repository, the nation aims to facilitate the early identification and treatment of genetic disorders prevalent within the Emirati populace.

Such a proactive framework not only promises tangible benefits within the country but also aligns with international collaborative efforts, potentially setting a new benchmark in public health policy.

This pioneering step is expected to align closely with the UAE Centennial Vision 2071, promising sustained healthcare development and a significant improvement in public health markers.

By leveraging the potential of genomic science, the UAE is not only preparing to meet its citizens' current healthcare needs but is also shaping a future where early intervention becomes the norm rather than the exception.

As the UAE embarks on this ambitious health strategy, it presents a model of how integrated genomic advances can be operationalized within national health systems.

For Emiratis, the significance of this policy transcends individual health benefits, heralding a comprehensive shift towards a healthier, more informed society and symbolizing hope for future generations free from the shackles of hereditary disease.
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