It takes less time to register as an organ donor than it does to order your favourite takeaway. Yet, that one small decision could one day save multiple lives. The UAE’s national organ donation programme continues to grow, with more than 39,000 people now registered as organ donors. If you’ve ever wondered how organ donation works in the UAE, who’s eligible, or how you can officially register yourself, keep reading for everything you need to know.
What Is The UAE’s Hayat Programme?
The UAE’s official organ donation programme is called Hayat, which fittingly means “life” in Arabic. Launched by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), Hayat was created to encourage organ and tissue donation while making the entire process safe, transparent and regulated. The programme connects hospitals and transplant centres across the country, helping patients who are waiting for life-saving organ transplants receive the care they need.
One Donor Can Save Up To Eight Lives
Here’s something many people don’t realise. A single deceased organ donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation. They can also improve the lives of many more people through tissue donation, helping restore sight, repair damaged tissue and improve quality of life for others. That’s why every new registration matters. It could become someone’s second chance at life.
Who Can Register & How To Sign Up?
The Hayat programme is open to both Emiratis and residents. To register, you generally need to:
- Be 18 years or older
- Hold a valid Emirates ID
- Register your decision through the official Hayat programme, by logging in through your UAE Pass
Even if you register, medical specialists will assess whether donation is medically possible if the situation ever arises. And rest assured your registration will be securely linked to your Emirates ID within the national registry.
Why Telling Your Family Is So Important
This might actually be the most important step of all. While registering officially records your decision, your family will still be involved if organ donation becomes possible after death. Having an open conversation now means your loved ones already know your wishes, making an incredibly difficult moment a little easier. It may not be the easiest conversation to have, but it’s one that could ultimately help save lives.
What Organs Can Be Donated?
Depending on medical suitability, donated organs may include:
- Heart
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Lungs
- Pancreas
Living donation is also possible in certain cases, such as donating a kidney or part of a liver to eligible relatives under UAE regulations.
Ready to make a decision that could one day change someone’s life? Take a few minutes to register as an organ donor through the UAE’s Hayat programme, and don’t forget to let your loved ones know about your decision too.
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