ABU DHABI: The UAE has made mandatory genetic testing for all getting married from 2025. As part of the mandatory pre-marital testing, genetic testing is also mandatory for all UAE citizens.
While pre-marital medical testing was mandatory for couples, including citizens and expatriates, only those who wanted to do pre-marital genetic testing were allowed. This has now changed. The UAE government has approved the decision of the emirate's Genome Council.
Authorities said that more than 570 genetic changes can be detected through genetic testing. Health experts said that such 'mutations' can lead to cardiomyopathy, genetic epilepsy, spinal muscular atrophy, hearing loss, cystic fibrosis, and other incurable diseases.
The government aims to create a national genetic database through the new testing directive and provide early detection and treatment of genetic diseases. The Department of Health and Prevention states that the government's new decision will lead to a major change in the health sector. Officials also point out that this will ensure sustainable development and a better quality of life.
The health department also announced that the necessary medical staff, expert services, guidelines, and technical assistance have been provided to implement premarital genetic testing.