Mandatory Genetic Testing For Premarital Screenings In UAE Set To Begin In January 2025

The Abu Dhabi Department of Health has declared that genetic testing will become a compulsory element of premarital screenings for Emirati citizens starting January 2025. This initiative, announced during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2024, highlights the significance of the Emirati Genome Programme. Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, emphasised its importance in safeguarding public health.

Dr. Al Ghaithi explained that this genetic testing will examine 570 genes linked to over 840 genetic disorders. "This preventive measure safeguards community members from hereditary diseases and allows couples to undergo genetic testing to determine if they carry shared genetic mutations that could be passed on to their offspring, potentially causing preventable genetic diseases," she stated. Common issues include vision and hearing loss, blood clotting disorders, and developmental delays.

Al Ghaithi further highlighted how genetic testing aids in preserving community health and ensuring a healthier future for generations. It empowers couples with information for family planning and prevents passing on genetic diseases to children. Early intervention is enhanced through diagnosis, personalised counselling, and reproductive solutions for couples.

She urged all prospective couples to undergo these tests, noting results take about 14 days. Participants in the Emirati Genome Programme receive health recommendations based on their genetic data, enabling informed decisions.

The UAE's proactive approach aims to reduce genetic disease incidence while providing valuable family planning insights. Al Ghaithi noted that thanks to data from the Emirati Genome Programme, 12% of new genetic variants have been discovered. Notably, over 25% of Emiratis possess genes enhancing resilience to psychological stress.

Moreover, 46% have variants aiding lactose digestion in dairy products, while 20% of future generations face a higher risk of Type 1 diabetes. These findings underscore the programme's value in understanding population genetics.

Emirates Genome Council's Strategic Role

The Emirates Genome Council, led by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, plays a crucial role in establishing the UAE as a genomics research hub. It supports world-class healthcare and preventive treatment programmes while reducing genetic disorders and disabilities.

The Council oversees the Emirati Genome Programme's development and success. It aims to collect one million samples by gathering 750,000 so far, making it one of the largest genomic databases globally.

This initiative represents a significant step towards improving public health through mandatory premarital screenings involving genetic testing. By doing so, it seeks to minimise hereditary disease prevalence and equip couples with essential information for family planning decisions.

With inputs from WAM