With over 32,700 registered donors and more than 1,200 organs successfully transplanted across the country, the UAE’s national organ donation program, Hayat, continues to make major strides in saving lives and shaping a new culture of giving. 

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) showcased these achievements during a Ramadan Majlis in Dubai, held under the patronage and in the presence of Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai.

H.E. Dr. Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary of Health Regulations Sector at the Ministry, and Dr. Ali Abdulkarim Al Obaidli, Chairman of the National Committee for Organ Transplantation, attended the event, in addition to senior officials from both government and private sectors.

The Majlis, part of a series of awareness forums launched by the Ministry during the holy month, explored key themes addressing ways to promote the culture of organ donation in the UAE.  From the humanitarian and societal impact of organ donation to the achievements of the “Hayat” program, supported by the country’s leadership, discussions at the Ramadan Majlis in Dubai highlighted the program’s transformative effects on individuals and communities.

Participants also discussed the critical role of forging strategic public-private partnerships in advancing this vital field. They explored innovative ways to integrate artificial intelligence into awareness campaigns and emphasized the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles that enhance overall biological well-being, thereby increasing the potential for organ donation when needed.

Leadership support

His Excellency Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim commended the continued support of the UAE’s leadership for the health sector—support that, he said, always puts people first. “Our leadership has always believed that human life and dignity are at the heart of our nation’s progress,” he said. “And programmes like ‘Hayat’ are tangible evidence of that belief, reinforcing our commitment to building a more sustainable future."

His Excellency emphasized that the values of giving, and generosity are not only deeply ingrained in Emirati society but are also the foundation of the nation’s identity, inspired by the principles of Islamic teachings.

He added that the "Hayat" programme aligns perfectly with the objectives of the Year of Community, which seeks to promote a spirit of brotherhood and social cohesion between Emirati and expat families—showcasing the true essence of solidarity and human connection.

He went on to say: "This Ramadan Majlis on the organ donation program is not just embodying our values—it’s a call to action. Giving, selflessness, and hope are the pillars of this month, and through initiatives like these, we are building a culture of organ donation that brings our community together and gives patients a fresh start at life."

National success story

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Amin Hussain Al Amiri emphasised that the UAE has become a role model in the organ donation and transplantation, both regionally and globally, especially after the launch of a comprehensive national programme that combines international medical excellence with strong humanitarian values.

He highlighted that the ministry organised five Ramadan Majlises across the northern emirates to raise awareness about the Hayat programme, its objectives, and its role in bringing hope to patients suffering from organ failure.

“The Hayat programme is more than just a medical initiative—it’s a national success story—one that reflects the forward-thinking vision of our wise leadership in addressing health challenges through innovative and compassionate solutions,” His Excellency said. “It embodies the values of giving and generosity deeply rooted in our society.”

He further highlighted that the programme’s achievements would not have been possible had it not been for strong collaboration between public and private sector partners, working together to build a modern, world-class healthcare system—while also nurturing a strong community culture that supports the values of organ donation.

“Today, we are witnessing a real shift in public awareness and engagement with the programme, and this can be clearly seen in the growing number of donor registrations and the inspirational human stories of patients whose lives have been renewed with dignity and hope,” he added.

Al Amiri also outlined the latest outcomes of the national efforts, noting that the “Hayat” programme recorded a 30% increase in post-mortem organ donations in 2024 compared to 2023. The rate of post-mortem donors reached 11.6 per million population.

Hayat's achievements

Meanwhile, Dr. Ali Al Obaidli outlined the remarkable progress and future aspirations of the “Hayat” programme, which continues to redefine the landscape of organ and tissue donation in the UAE.

He highlighted a series of remarkable achievements made last year, noting that the number of people registered as donors under the programme has risen to 32,704, while the total number of actual donors in the UAE has reached 331. In parallel, the number of organs successfully transplanted across the country has reached 1,216, with 1,167 patients receiving life-saving transplants—figures that reflect the programme’s growing reach and profound humanitarian impact.

Dr. Al Obaidli stressed that national efforts are moving forward with strong determination to further upgrade the programme, improve its operational systems, and align its standards with the best global practices. He reaffirmed that the ministry is committed to expanding public awareness about the vital role of organ donation in saving lives, restoring hope, and supporting patients and their families through one of the most compassionate acts of giving.