Prime Highlights:
- Emirates Health Services conducted 3,699 premarital genetic tests in 2025, identifying 130 cases of genetic incompatibility among couples.
- Couples found to be incompatible were referred to genetic specialists for guidance on safe and informed family planning.
Key Facts:
- The screening checks 570 genes linked to over 840 medical conditions, with results available within 14 working days.
- Genetic testing is now mandatory for all Emirati couples planning to marry, effective January 2025, supporting the UAE’s preventive healthcare goals.
Background:
The Emirates Health Services (EHS) has conducted 3,699 genetic tests across its health centres between January and December 2025 as part of its ongoing premarital screening programme, aiming to reduce inherited diseases and promote family and community wellbeing.
According to EHS, the screenings detected 130 cases of genetic incompatibility among couples, who were subsequently referred to specialised genetic counselling for informed decision-making regarding future family and health planning. The results revealed that 96.5% of couples tested were genetically compatible, while 3.5% were identified as incompatible.
Dr. Kareema Al Raisi, Director of Primary Healthcare at EHS, emphasized the importance of genetic testing in preventive healthcare. She noted that the programme aligns with national health priorities and the Emirates Genome Council’s strategy to establish an advanced framework for preventing inherited diseases, backed by expert clinical teams and state-of-the-art laboratory technologies.
The premarital genetic test checks 570 genes associated with over 840 medical conditions, with results available in 14 working days. Couples found to be genetically incompatible meet with a genetic specialist, who explains the risks and gives advice on safe family planning.
EHS continues to expand awareness through direct counselling for couples preparing for marriage, media campaigns, social platforms, and community engagement sessions at primary healthcare centres. Currently, 21 EHS health centres nationwide provide the service as part of an integrated premarital examination programme, which also includes early detection of hereditary and communicable diseases.
The initiative grew stronger after the Ministry of Health and Prevention made genetic testing mandatory for all Emirati couples planning to marry, starting January 2025, following a directive from the Emirates Genome Council.
