Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult journeys. In the moments following such a loss, the last thing any family in Dubai—whether Emirati or expatriate—should have to worry about is a mountain of paperwork, running between government offices, or the daunting bureaucracy of registering a death and settling an estate.
This deeply human challenge is precisely what the Dubai Government has stepped in to address with the launch of the ‘Jabr’ system, an innovative and compassionate framework spearheaded by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). Rooted in the city’s humanitarian ethos and part of the wider ‘City Makers’ initiative, this new service is set to redefine how the community experiences and navigates the sensitive period of bereavement. It moves beyond just a digital upgrade; it’s a commitment to placing people and their emotional needs first.
The Human Touch: A Dedicated Officer for Every Case
At the heart of the Jabr transformation is the concept of “Humanity First.” The previous process often meant families had to visit multiple entities—from the police and hospital to the municipality and courts—each requiring the same documents and information. The new system eliminates this burden.
Under the Jabr system, as soon as a death is registered in any public or private hospital, the system is immediately activated. The most crucial change? Each family is proactively assigned a dedicated Government Service Officer.
This officer is the family’s single point of contact, their advocate, and their guide. They take charge of every formal procedure on the family’s behalf, coordinating with all relevant entities for funeral arrangements, repatriation if needed, and all necessary documentation. This critical step ensures that during their most vulnerable time, families can focus on mourning and supporting one another, rather than navigating a complex administrative maze.
The Jabr system reflects the Dubai Government’s profound commitment to placing people at the forefront of its priorities. This commitment is demonstrated through a focus on the psychological and social dimensions of loss,” said His Excellency Dr Alawi AlSheikh-Ali, Director-General of the DHA. This mindset shift is a testament to the UAE’s authentic cultural values of support and community.
A Digital Revolution for Peace of Mind
The engine driving this human-centred service is a unified, smart digital platform. This isn’t just about faster emails; it’s about seamless, intelligent automation.
As soon as the death is registered, the system issues an automatic, real-time notification to all government departments involved. This instant alert enables a ‘proactive service delivery’ model. For example, the death certificate is now issued proactively and automatically circulated to all relevant entities. This means no more printing copies, no more having to present the same document over and over, and crucially, no more duplication of effort.
Furthermore, the process for transporting the deceased and arranging repatriation abroad has been significantly expedited, and the time needed for burial and condolence services has been drastically reduced. This digital overhaul, as Majid Al Muhairi, Official Spokesperson of the Jabr System, explained, aligns with Dubai’s rapid digital evolution. It uses smart solutions to integrate, coordinate, and simplify services to world-class standards. The elimination of redundant steps and the unified payment point in collaboration with Digital Dubai dramatically reduces both the emotional and financial pressures on families.
Supporting Community and Well-being
Jabr’s comprehensive support extends far beyond just paperwork and logistics. It addresses the emotional and social needs of the bereaved in culturally relevant ways, ensuring comprehensive care for both Emiratis and residents.
1. Social & Community Support
For Emirati families, the Community Development Authority (CDA) now coordinates to provide an additional condolence tent, along with full hospitality services for the traditional three-day mourning period. Over 70 designated and equipped locations have been set up in coordination with the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) to ensure tents can be installed quickly at the family’s chosen location—a vital reflection of the local culture and tradition of communal mourning.
For resident expatriate families, the system is equally supportive. The Government Service Officer shares details on condolence initiatives coordinated with eight public-benefit organisations and places of worship, ensuring that every family finds the support that aligns with their background and needs.
2. Emotional and Spiritual Comfort
Recognising that grief affects everyone, especially children, the system includes dedicated psychological support. The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), working with the Dubai Academic Health Corporation, has taken a proactive step by training 230 school counsellors specifically to support students coping with the loss of a family member.
Additionally, for those seeking spiritual comfort, IACAD provides optional religious lectures from qualified counsellors once the family is ready to receive them. This holistic approach confirms that the government’s role is not just transactional, but deeply supportive of the entire family’s well-being.
Easing the Inheritance Journey
One of the most complex and intimidating procedures after a death is estate settlement. Jabr tackles this head-on with another significant digital leap: the proactive opening of the estate file by Dubai Courts.
As soon as the death certificate is issued and transmitted through the unified system, the estate preparation file is automatically registered—no in-person attendance required. Relevant authorities then proactively inventory the deceased’s assets. This integration allows heirs to proceed smoothly and quickly with inheritance documentation, including the Sharia-based heirship certificate, giving the family the space to decide how to manage the estate without the initial pressure of chasing documents. This is a game-changing step for people in Dubai, offering peace of mind when they need it most.
By integrating the legal, administrative, and social support functions into one seamless, human-led system, the DHA’s ‘Jabr’ initiative truly embodies the spirit of Dubai: a city that puts its people first, ensuring that even in the most challenging times, its residents are met with compassion and efficiency.
The launch of the Jabr system represents an integrated and compassionate leap forward for Dubai’s government services. By replacing complicated, multi-step bureaucracy with a single, dedicated Government Service Officer and a seamless digital backbone, the DHA is not merely simplifying a process—it is offering genuine solace to bereaved families during their period of loss. This commitment to ‘Humanity First’ sets a new global standard for how a city can truly care for its people when they need it most.
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