Ramadan 2025: UAE urges residents to pledge ‘gift of life’ to promote organ donation

Dubai: The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) is calling on UAE residents to “give the gift of life” by pledging to donate their organs during the holy month of Ramadan.

With more than 32,700 registered donors and more than 1,200 successful organ transplants, the UAE’s national organ donation programme, Hayat, has made significant strides in saving lives and shaping a culture of giving.

The ministry has conducted five Ramadan Majlises in northern emirates, urging residents to offer hope to patients and reinforcing the nation’s values of giving and community support. The Majlises raised awareness about the Hayat programme, its objectives, and its role in bringing hope to patients suffering from organ failure.

At a Ramadan Majlis held in Dubai under the patronage of Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai, MoHAP officials discussed the programme’s achievements and future goals.

The Majlis, which included key figures such as Dr Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary of Health Regulations, and Dr Ali Abdulkarim Al Obaidli, Chairman of the National Committee for Organ Transplantation, explored how the UAE can further promote organ donation.

Dr Al Amiri highlighted the national success of the Hayat programme, saying it 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.”

He said the Hayat programme recorded a 30 per cent increase in post-mortem organ donations in 2024, with a donor rate of 11.6 per million population.

Dr Al Obaidli outlined future efforts to expand the programme, improve operational systems, and align with global best practices.

He pointed out the impact of Ramadan Majlises held across the country, which aim to inspire residents to register as organ donors. “The UAE is leading the region and globally in organ donation, reflecting our commitment to a compassionate, forward-thinking healthcare system,” he said.

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.

During the event, 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.”

Tamim pointed out 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.

“This Ramadan Majlis on the organ donation programme 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,” he added.