All Emirati nationals who intend to get married will have to have DNA testing done as part of their premarital exams beginning in January 2025. The Emirates Genome Council is leading this new mandate, which attempts to raise living standards and public health nationwide.
What’s Changing?
Currently, premarital medical tests are required for both Emiratis and expatriates, but genetic testing has only been optional. The new rule will change this by making genetic testing a mandatory part of the process. The tests will help identify more than 570 genetic conditions, such as cardiomyopathy, genetic epilepsy, spinal muscular atrophy, hearing loss, and cystic fibrosis. By detecting these diseases early, the initiative hopes to reduce the risk of passing them on to future generations.
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A Vision for the Future
The UAE Centennial Vision 2071, which emphasises sustainable growth and adopting contemporary medical advances, corresponds to this change. The creation of a national genetic database is one of the initiative’s primary objectives. Future generations will be healthier as a result of the early medical interventions made possible by this.
Government Support
“The move will usher in a transformative shift in the healthcare sector, leveraging advanced genomic technologies for proactive and sustainable healthcare,” said the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
The ministry confirmed that all the tools needed to carry out this major task are already available, including skilled medical personnel, specialised knowledge, and the infrastructure needed.
In order to improve public health in the United Arab Emirates, Emiratis must undergo DNA testing prior to marriage. With the use of cutting-edge medical technology, the nation hopes to prevent genetic illnesses and encourage healthier futures for everybody.
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