Starting from October 1, citizens planning to marry in Abu Dhabi will be required to undergo mandatory genetic testing as part of the premarital screening program, according to the emirate's Department of Health. The authority announced that this service will be available at 22 primary care centers across Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra, and Al Ain. The genetic testing results will be issued within 14 days.
This test is designed to help couples identify if they carry shared genetic mutations that could be passed on to their future children, potentially causing preventable genetic diseases. The comprehensive genetic screening tests for 570 autosomal recessive genes, which contribute to more than 840 genetic disorders.
Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at DoH, stated, "This initiative aims to prevent genetic diseases and enhance early intervention through various stages, including diagnosis, tailored genetic counseling, and the introduction of reproductive medicine solutions for couples."
Common genetic disorders can result in children being born with loss of vision and hearing, blood clotting disorders, developmental delays, organ function failure, hormonal imbalances, and seizures, among other conditions. During the pilot phase of this program, the authority supported over 800 couples in Abu Dhabi, helping them make informed health decisions before marriage. Data indicates that 86% of the couples achieved genetic compatibility, while only 14% required additional intervention and family planning based on their genetic results.
