Dubai, UAE — November 25, 2025: The Dubai Health Authority (DHA), in collaboration with the General Headquarters of Dubai Police, organised a seminar on organ and human tissue donation and transplantation in the United Arab Emirates, under the theme “Endless Giving.”
The event took place at the Dubai Police Officers Club, in the presence of Dr Younis Kazim, Acting CEO of the Health Regulation Sector at the Dubai Health Authority; Brigadier Abdulrahman Khalifa Al Shaer, Director of the General Department of Human Rights; Lt. Colonel Dr Ali Mohammed Al Matroushi, Director of the Child and Women Protection Department; Dr Hanan Ali Obaid, Director of the Health Policies and Standards Department; Ayesha Ali Al Falahi, Adviser at the Health Policies and Standards Department; and Dr. Maria Gomez, Director of the National Centre for the Regulation of Human Organs and Tissues Transplantation at the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention.

Strong National Commitment

Brigadier Al Shaer welcomed the participants and highlighted the great importance the UAE places on human health and dignity, considering them the cornerstone of building a developed and cohesive society. He emphasised that organ and tissue transplantation is a matter of profound humanitarian and scientific significance, reflecting human solidarity while also presenting ethical and legal challenges that require a delicate balance between medical advancement and the protection of human rights.

Comprehensive Legislative Framework

He explained that, in line with this vision, the UAE has established an integrated legislative framework to regulate donation and transplantation based on the highest medical and ethical standards. Federal Decree-Law No. (25) of 2023 on the Regulation of Human Organ and Tissue Transplantation strengthens this direction, reaffirming the country’s commitment to human dignity and ensuring that donation and transplantation procedures align with Islamic principles and universal humanitarian values.

Recognition of DHA Efforts

Brigadier Al Shaer praised the notable efforts of the Dubai Health Authority for its pivotal role in supporting and regulating organ donation programmes, and in enhancing community awareness of the importance of these noble humanitarian initiatives that contribute to saving lives and improving quality of life in the UAE.
He added that today’s seminar reaffirms the importance of collaboration among specialists across the medical and health sectors to exchange expertise, review the latest developments, discuss emerging issues, and explore global best practices that ensure human safety and safeguard dignity.

Endless Giving

Dr Younis Kazim reviewed the comprehensive efforts undertaken by the Dubai Health Authority to ensure the application of global best practices in organ and human tissue donation and transplantation. He highlighted DHA’s commitment to encouraging licensed health facilities to offer these services under approved health standards and regulations that ensure the highest levels of safety for both donors and recipients, thereby fostering trust in Dubai’s healthcare system and positioning it as a model regionally and internationally.

He stressed the importance of the seminar and its role in promoting a culture of donation—transforming it from a medical need into a humanitarian and ethical mission that reflects values of compassion, solidarity, and saving lives.
Dr Kazim called for unified efforts to support the success of the National Programme for Organ Donation and Transplantation, as well as the Dubai Programme for Regulating Organ Donation and Transplantation Services, through raising community and cultural awareness about the importance and benefits of this noble humanitarian practice.

Expert Lectures

The seminar featured several specialised lectures. Dr Ali Abdul Kareem Al Obaidli, Chair of the National Committee for Organ Transplantation at the Ministry of Health and Prevention, President of the Middle East Society for Organ Transplantation, and Board Member of the World Association for Donation and Transplant Professionals, delivered a lecture on the culture of organ donation.

Dr Mohammed Iyad Al Kubaisi, Senior Mufti at the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, presented the ethical and legal dimensions of organ donation.
Prof Sherif Nasr Ahmed, Associate Professor and Head of the Criminal Law Department at the Dubai Police Academy, delivered a lecture on organ transplantation within national and international legislative frameworks.

The seminar also included a humanitarian segment titled “Inspiring Stories”, sharing real experiences from families of donors and recipients, highlighting the profound impact of donation in saving lives and restoring hope.

Honouring Participants

At the conclusion of the seminar, Brigadier Abdulrahman Al Shaer and Dr Younis Kazim honoured the participating entities and speakers.