Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Health announced that genetic testing will be a mandatory part of premarital screenings for all Emirati citizens starting January 2025.
The move, part of the Emirati Genome Program, aims to reduce the risk of hereditary diseases and empower couples with vital genetic information for family planning.
Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, highlighted the significance of the initiative during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2024. Al Ghaithi revealed that the testing covers 570 genes linked to over 840 genetic disorders. These include conditions that lead to vision and hearing loss, blood clotting disorders, developmental delays, and severe health issues such as organ failure, hormonal imbalances, and seizures.
“This proactive measure protects future generations from genetic diseases,” Al Ghaithi stated, emphasizing that genetic testing allows couples to determine if they carry shared genetic mutations that could be passed to their offspring. By identifying these risks, couples gain the ability to make informed choices when planning to start a family, thus preventing the transmission of genetic diseases.
Al Ghaithi added that the program enables early intervention, including personalized genetic counseling, diagnosis, and the development of tailored reproductive solutions. For couples planning to marry, she urged participation in the genetic screening, noting that results are typically available within 14 days and offer crucial insights into health planning.
As part of the Emirati Genome Program’s findings, Al Ghaithi reported that genetic data has revealed significant insights into the health of Emiratis. For instance, 12 percent of new genetic variants have been discovered, 25 percent of Emiratis possess genetic traits that help them manage psychological stress, 46 percent have variants that aid lactose digestion, and 20 percent of future generations may face an increased risk of Type 1 diabetes.
The Emirates Genome Council oversees the ambitious Emirati Genome Program, one of the world’s largest genomic initiatives, aiming to collect one million genetic samples. With 750,000 samples already gathered, the program is well on its way to creating one of the largest genomic databases worldwide, positioning the UAE as a leader in population genomics.