Organ Donation in UAE

​In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), organ donation is legally permitted and regulated, aligning with Islamic principles that emphasize saving lives. The UAE's Federal Decree Law No. 5 of 2016 on the Regulation of Human Organs and Tissue Transplantation provides a comprehensive framework for organ donation and transplantation. 

Organ Donation in Islam

Legal Framework in the UAE

The law allows transplantation from both living and deceased donors under specific conditions:​

• Living Donors: Must be legally competent, provide informed consent, and be related to the recipient within the fourth degree or be spouses married for at least two years. An authorized medical committee must confirm that the donation poses no harm to the donor. ​

• Deceased Donors: Organ removal is permissible only if the donor's consent was conclusively confirmed before death, documented either by a notary public or through the Emirates Identity card. Organ removal can only occur after death has been confirmed in line with the Ministerial Decision No. 550 of 2017 Concerning Requirements for Determining Death. ​

The law strictly prohibits the sale of human organs and tissues or any form of organ trafficking. Unlicensed advertising of organ transplantation is also banned. ​

National Program for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue - 'Hayat'

To promote organ donation, the UAE launched 'Hayat,' a national program encouraging residents to register as organ donors. Any person in the UAE over the age of 18 and holding an Emirates ID may register their desire to donate organs after brain death. Upon registration, individuals receive an electronic donor card. The program aims to regulate the donation and transplantation process, provide care to patients with organ deficiencies, and improve community health and quality of life. ​

Licensed Health Facilities for Transplantation

The UAE government has authorized specific health facilities to conduct organ transplantation:​

1. Cleveland Clinic Hospital​
2. Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC)​
3. Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC)​
4. Dubai Hospital​
5. Mediclinic Hospital - Dubai​
6. Al Jalila Specialist Hospital for Children​
7. Human Organs and Tissues Transplantation Centre at Al Qassimi Hospital, Sharjah​

The public is advised to avoid illegal and unauthorized organ transplants and to seek services only from these licensed facilities. ​

National Centre for Regulating Human Organs and Tissues Transplantation

Established in September 2020, the National Centre aims to unify efforts in organ and tissue transplantation across the UAE. Its objectives include implementing prevention and treatment programs for organ failure, developing procedures for transplantation, organizing the preservation and distribution of organs, coordinating with health authorities for practitioner training, and encouraging the practice of organ and tissue transplantation. The Ministry of Health and Prevention operates the center. 

Public Awareness and Attitudes

Despite the legal framework and religious endorsements, studies indicate that public awareness about organ donation laws in the UAE remains low. A study conducted in Dubai revealed that 66% of respondents had poor general knowledge of organ donation, and 55% were unaware of the UAE's organ donation laws and regulations. Additionally, 58% were unwilling to register as organ donors, although 51% would accept an organ donation if required. ​

Conclusion

In the UAE, organ donation is legally sanctioned and supported by Islamic principles that emphasize the importance of saving lives. The government has established comprehensive regulations and programs to facilitate organ donation and transplantation. However, increasing public awareness and education about these laws and the benefits of organ donation are crucial to encouraging more individuals to participate in this life-saving practice.​

This article was previously published on saudimoments. To see the original article, click here