In the United Arab Emirates, prospective spouses are required to undertake a premarital medical checkup, which includes the opportunity to undergo genetic testing.
Enhanced Pre-Marital Screening in the UAE
In addition to the previously required premarital medical examination, couples in the United Arab Emirates can now choose to have genetic testing done as part of the process. Cardiomyopathy, genetic epilepsy, spinal muscular atrophy, hearing loss, cystic fibrosis, and other severe and chronic, hard-to-treat disorders can be found by this optional test that identifies more than 570 genetic abnormalities.
Accessing the service
Emirates Health Services (EHS) Director of the Primary Health Care Department, Dr. Kareema Alraesi, emphasizes the free provision of this genetic test in addition to the mandatory premarital screenings. Interested couples can book appointments for the genetic test at three EHS health centers: the Family Health Promotion Centre in Sharjah, the Julphar Health Centre in Ras Al Khaimah, and the AlFaseel Family Health Promotion Centre in Fujairah. You can book appointments via the EHS smart app, call center, or directly visit the relevant health center.
After receiving the test results, specialized consultants refer couples who share a genetic mutation for counseling and guidance. These consultants offer valuable information, answer questions, and provide suitable options to help couples make informed decisions about their marriage and future children. The aim is to empower couples with the knowledge they need to navigate potential genetic risks and explore available alternatives.
According to Dr. Essam Al Zarooni, Acting Executive Director of the Clinical Services Sector at EHS, genetic testing serves as a preventive measure to safeguard the community against inherited genetic diseases. By identifying disease-causing genes and assessing the risk of passing them on to future generations, genetic testing enables couples to take proactive steps to protect their children's health and well-being.
Premarital screening, including genetic testing, has been a mandatory requirement in the UAE since its inception in 2008. This comprehensive medical examination ensures that couples are free from genetic, infectious, or sexually transmitted diseases before entering into marriage. The inclusion of genetic testing as part of this screening process reflects the UAE's commitment to promoting public health and supporting informed decision-making among couples.