To “protect the health of future generations”, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will ban marriage for all Emirati couples from January 2025, The News reported on Thursday, citing the Gulf country’s WAM news agency. Earlier, genetic testing has been announced as mandatory.
To prevent genetic diseases and improve public health, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) is spearheading the program in Abu Dhabi with the support of the Department of Health, Dubai Health Authority, Emirates Health Services, and Dubai Health.
The program was recently approved following a decision by the Emirates Genome Council, during the annual meetings of the UAE government.
More than 800 couples were screened in the testing program, which began as a pilot project in Abu Dhabi in 2022. The results showed that 86 percent of the couples were genetically compatible, while 14 percent needed additional family planning measures.
The program is designed to identify genetic risks early, enabling couples to make informed decisions about starting a family.
The tests cover 570 genes associated with more than 840 medical conditions. By detecting potential genetic mutations, healthcare providers can reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions and diabetes, contributing to better long-term health outcomes.
According to MoHAP, the strategy aims to create an integrated national genetic database that will help identify genetic disorders among Emiratis, facilitating early medical intervention.
MoHAP stressed that this decision will lead to a transformation in the healthcare sector, using future technologies to ensure sustainable development and better quality of life, in the United Arab Emirates. According to the Emirates Centenary Vision 2071.