Abu Dhabi has launched one of the most comprehensive newborn genetic screening programmes in the world, covering more than 815 treatable childhood conditions. The initiative is a cornerstone in the emirate’s journey towards precision medicine and preventive care.
The programme uses whole-genome sequencing to identify health risks in babies at the earliest stage of life, ensuring timely treatment and tailored medical guidance. It reflects the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi’s commitment to providing world-class healthcare and aligns with the vision of the Emirati Genome Programme.
How the programme works
The genetic screening begins immediately after birth, with cord-blood samples collected from newborns with parental consent. These samples undergo advanced sequencing and analysis, with results available within 21 days.
Parents receive detailed genetic counselling to understand the findings. If a condition is detected, families are guided through personalised treatment plans with support from paediatric specialists and multidisciplinary teams.
Currently, the programme is available at selected maternity hospitals, including Kanad Hospital and Danat Al Emarat Hospital, with expansion planned across all maternity hospitals in Abu Dhabi. It covers UAE nationals and children born to Emirati mothers in the emirate.
Training medical teams for the future
To ensure smooth implementation, Abu Dhabi’s health authorities have prioritised training healthcare professionals. Paediatricians, neonatologists, and genetic counsellors have undergone specialised sessions to handle both technical and emotional aspects of the programme.
Workshops have also been extended to obstetricians, nurses, midwives, and laboratory staff, reinforcing the emirate’s healthcare capacity. This collaborative approach ensures that families receive not only accurate results but also compassionate guidance when navigating sensitive medical information.
Strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role in precision medicine
Officials describe the newborn genetic screening initiative as a major step towards a healthcare model that is proactive rather than reactive. Instead of waiting for symptoms to appear, the programme enables early interventions that could significantly improve a child’s quality of life.
The wider vision is to integrate the newborn programme into the Emirati Genome Programme, which already supports premarital screening and family-based genetic counselling. Together, these initiatives create a connected system of personalised healthcare that will benefit generations of UAE families.
Building trust with families
Early genetic testing can raise questions for parents, but the programme emphasises communication and reassurance. Counsellors help families understand what results mean, what treatments are available, and how conditions can be managed. This personal element ensures that cutting-edge science is paired with family-centred care.
By embedding trust and transparency into the process, Abu Dhabi is not only improving clinical outcomes but also reshaping how families experience healthcare in the emirate.
A healthcare milestone for the UAE
With this launch, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a global leader in preventive healthcare. The newborn genetic screening programme is expected to become a model for other countries looking to integrate genomics into national healthcare systems.
As it expands across maternity hospitals, the initiative will play a critical role in safeguarding children’s health, reducing long-term medical costs, and offering peace of mind to families across the emirate.
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