The UAE has introduced new rules regulating the donation and transplantation of organs and tissues. Cabinet Resolution No. (61) of 2026 provides the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. (25) of 2023 concerning the Donation and Transplantation of Organs and Tissues.
The new Resolution provides detailed rules for organ and tissue donation and transplantation and sets out the responsibilities of healthcare facilities and medical professionals involved in these procedures. It also introduces measures aimed at protecting donors and recipients throughout the process.
Before accepting a donation from a living person, the healthcare facility must complete the required medical examinations and make sure that the donor is medically suitable for the procedure.
The donor must also receive sufficient information about the procedure, including its possible medical effects and risks, before giving consent.
Donation may take place in accordance with the deceased person’s wishes or the consent requirements provided under the law. The relevant healthcare professionals must also follow the required procedures for confirming death before any organ or tissue is removed.
The process must be properly documented and carried out only through authorised healthcare facilities.
Healthcare facilities must carry out the necessary medical examinations before transplantation and assess whether the recipient is medically ready for the procedure.
During and after the transplantation, the medical team must monitor the recipient’s condition and provide the necessary treatment and follow-up care. This includes measures to prevent infection and reduce the risk of rejection of the transplanted organ or tissue.
They must keep proper medical records, document the procedures carried out for donors and recipients and ensure that transplantation procedures are performed by qualified medical professionals.
The rules are intended to ensure that every stage of the donation and transplantation process is properly supervised and documented.
These procedures are subject to specific medical and technical requirements and require appropriate approval before transplantation. The framework also requires relevant information and safety data to be recorded and monitored.
The Resolution provides the detailed framework required for the implementation of the UAE legislation governing organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
They establish detailed requirements for consent, medical examinations, healthcare facilities and the protection of donors and recipients.
The new rules also support developments in transplantation medicine while maintaining medical safety, proper supervision and the protection of everyone involved in the donation and transplantation process.
Note: This Legal Update / Newsletter is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. It is based on laws and legal interpretations in effect as of the date of publication. Laws and regulations may change over time, and their application can vary depending on individual circumstances. Readers are strongly encouraged to seek specific legal counsel before acting on any of the information provided herein.
The new Resolution provides detailed rules for organ and tissue donation and transplantation and sets out the responsibilities of healthcare facilities and medical professionals involved in these procedures. It also introduces measures aimed at protecting donors and recipients throughout the process.
Conditions for Organ and Tissue Donation
Organ and tissue donation must be based on free and informed consent and must follow the conditions set by UAE law.Before accepting a donation from a living person, the healthcare facility must complete the required medical examinations and make sure that the donor is medically suitable for the procedure.
The donor must also receive sufficient information about the procedure, including its possible medical effects and risks, before giving consent.
Donation After Death
The rules also regulate the donation of organs and tissues after death.Donation may take place in accordance with the deceased person’s wishes or the consent requirements provided under the law. The relevant healthcare professionals must also follow the required procedures for confirming death before any organ or tissue is removed.
The process must be properly documented and carried out only through authorised healthcare facilities.
Protection of Donors and Recipients
The new rules place importance on protecting both the donor and the recipient.Healthcare facilities must carry out the necessary medical examinations before transplantation and assess whether the recipient is medically ready for the procedure.
During and after the transplantation, the medical team must monitor the recipient’s condition and provide the necessary treatment and follow-up care. This includes measures to prevent infection and reduce the risk of rejection of the transplanted organ or tissue.
Responsibilities of Healthcare Facilities
Healthcare facilities involved in organ and tissue transplantation must comply with the medical, technical and safety requirements set by the law.They must keep proper medical records, document the procedures carried out for donors and recipients and ensure that transplantation procedures are performed by qualified medical professionals.
The rules are intended to ensure that every stage of the donation and transplantation process is properly supervised and documented.
New Developments in Organ Transplantation
The UAE has also expanded its legal framework to address developments in modern transplantation medicine, including the use of certain non-human and manufactured organs and tissues.These procedures are subject to specific medical and technical requirements and require appropriate approval before transplantation. The framework also requires relevant information and safety data to be recorded and monitored.
Implementation of the New Rules
Cabinet Resolution No. (61) of 2026 was issued on 20 April 2026 and entered into force on 21 April 2026.The Resolution provides the detailed framework required for the implementation of the UAE legislation governing organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
Conclusion
The new Executive Regulations provide a clearer framework for organ and tissue donation and transplantation in the UAE.They establish detailed requirements for consent, medical examinations, healthcare facilities and the protection of donors and recipients.
The new rules also support developments in transplantation medicine while maintaining medical safety, proper supervision and the protection of everyone involved in the donation and transplantation process.
Note: This Legal Update / Newsletter is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. It is based on laws and legal interpretations in effect as of the date of publication. Laws and regulations may change over time, and their application can vary depending on individual circumstances. Readers are strongly encouraged to seek specific legal counsel before acting on any of the information provided herein.