In the UAE, Muslim couples planning to get married are required to undergo premarital medical fitness screening before sending out those wedding invitations. This mandatory counselling and screening service aims to protect the health of couples and ensure that no potential infections are transmitted between them. The screening is specifically required for Muslims who wish to marry in the country, while civil marriage applicants are exempt from this requirement. The tests include checks for genetic, infectious, or sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B & C, syphilis, genetic diseases, and anaemia.
The premarital screening service is available at various healthcare centres across the UAE, including Emirates Heal Services (EHS), SEHA, Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, and the Government of Ajman. To access the service through EHS, applicants need to provide three passport-size photos with a white background, a copy of Emirates ID and passport, and have a guardian present for applicants under the age of 18. The process can be completed either online through the EHS website or by visiting any of the healthcare centres.
Applicants can visit the EHS website, select “Patient Services”, search for “Premarital Counselling and Screening”, and click on “start service”. They can then log in using their credentials or the UAE pass, fill in the required information, and book an appointment at the primary healthcare centres for the test. After an electronic consultation, applicants can head to the lab for blood collection and will be notified when the certificate is ready for collection. At the healthcare centre, applicants will need to register at the reception, provide their medical history, and undergo a blood test as part of the programme.
The premarital screening service typically takes five working days to complete and costs Dh100 for UAE and GCC citizens, and Dh250 for other Muslim couples. EHS also offers pre-marriage vaccination services as needed, and certificates are only issued if the test results indicate health fitness. This screening process is crucial in ensuring the well-being and health of couples before they enter into marriage, as it allows for early detection and treatment of any potential health issues that could affect their relationship in the future. It is a preventive measure that helps couples start their married life on a healthy and informed note.
