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Medical Test Premarital Screening

Premarital screening and medical test in the UAE are obligatory services that are needed prior to marriage registration under the law of UAE. Screening of premarital is aimed to protect the health of the population, preserve the future marriage, and mitigate the chances to contract hereditary and infectious diseases, which may have an impact on married life, pregnancy, and children, especially in cases handled by marriage lawyers in Dubai.

In the UAE, premarital medical examination is a mandatory legal procedure of some kinds of marriages and should be done prior to the official registration of the marriage contract by the competent authority, including procedures applicable to civil and Sharia marriages.

What Is Pre-marriage Screening in UAE?

Premarital screening refers to a series of medical examinations on both parties, who are planning to get married. Such tests evaluate the existence of infectious diseases and genetic disorders that may affect marital life or children in future.

UAE health authorities control the screening procedure, which is one of the legal conditions of registering the marriage in the appropriate cases, particularly in marriage registration procedures in the UAE.

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Premarital Medical Testing in the UAE Is Mandatory or Not?

In the UAE, medical testing is required during premarital proceedings of marriages registered under the Islamic (Sharia) process. In case of civil marriages, a requirement can be different according to the emirate and the nature of marriage being registered, including civil marriage procedures for non-Muslims.

No medical screening is obligatory, and failure to do this could lead to the rejection of the marriage contract.

Who Do You Personally Think Needs to Be Screened During Premarital?

Medical tests are usually necessary prior to marriage including:

  • Couples get married according to the Sharia law

  • Muslim marriages in the UAE

  • Couples had to follow the regulations set by the health authorities

  • Those who were taught by the courts or marriage registrars

In the case of civil marriages particularly, non-Muslims, medical testing conditions may vary and ought to be checked on a case to case basis.

What Medical Tests Are Covered During Premarital Screening?

The UAE presumes that the premarital screening will entail tests on:

Infectious Diseases

  • HIV

  • Hepatitis B

  • Hepatitis C

  • Syphilis

Genetics and Hereditary Abnormalities

  • Thalassemia

  • Sickle cell anemia

The list of tests might be changed occasionally by the UAE health authorities.

In Which UAE Can Premarital Medical Tests Be Conducted?

The premarital screening should be done by approved medical centers by the government and these include:

  • Public hospitals

  • Authorized health clinics

  • Health authority facilities of the government

The tests done in non-approved centers will not be recognized in case of marriage registration.

Premarital Medical Test Report Validity

The validity of premarital medical results is normally short-lived. In case the marriage is not registered within the validity period, the couples will be asked to undergo the screening again.

Health authorities and matrimonial registration rules decide the period of validity.

Does Premarital Test Behavioral Failure Prevent Marriage?

The failure or success does not necessarily forbid marriage. However:

  • Medical counseling can be administered to couples

  • Guidance on risks may be given by health authorities

  • Some of the conditions might need acknowledgment forms

The ultimate choice to get married lies with the parties with the condition that they must go through the legal procedures.

Medical Test Results Confidentiality

The premarital testing outcomes are considered medical secrets. The information is provided to certified medical workers and other bodies of relevancy to the marriage registration.

The law in the UAE does not allow unauthorized disclosure of medical information.

Premarital Screening in Marriage Registration

In the legal registration of marriage, which is applicable in the stated case, premarital medical screening is included in the legal documentation. Marriage registrars and courts might demand evidence of the screening that has been done before issuing or granting the marriage contract, including in family court and marriage registration cases.

Legal Implications of Not Doing Premarital Screening

Non adherence to the required premarital screening may lead to:

  • Denial of registration of marriage

  • Procrastination in marriage processes

  • Marriage laws do not conform to the law

Regularity will guarantee legal and legal registration of marriage in the UAE.

Relevance of Legal Advice

The UAE has various legal and administrative processes during the marriage process, such as medical examination, documents, and court permission. It is important to know when medical tests are compulsory and their impact on the registration of marriage to save the inconveniences and legal complications, particularly in family law matters in the UAE.

How HHS Lawyers Help

HHS Lawyers & Legal Consultants work with:

  • Marriage legislation in the UAE

  • Explaining the premarital screening requirements

  • Registration of marriage processes

  • Marriage advisory: civil and Sharia

To make marriage processes, our legal staff takes care that they are done according to the UAE laws and regulations.

Need Family Law Help?

Dubai's Expert Advice at Your Fingertips.

+971 52 1782469

CONTACT NOW

Frequently Asked Questions: Premarital Medical Screening

Is premarital medical examination a requirement in the UAE?

In the UAE, medical screening prior to marriage is compulsory in marriages registered under the Islamic (Sharia) law. In civil marriages, because of the non-Muslims in particular, the requirements can differ according to the emirate and the marriage type that is registered. For example, under the Abu Dhabi Civil Marriage Law (Law No. 14 of 2021) and similar federal regulations active in 2026, a medical examination is often not mandatory for non-Muslim civil contracts, though it remains highly recommended for health security.

What is the motive of premarital screening in UAE?

Screening before marriage is meant to save the health of the citizens, to save the stability of marriage and to minimize cases of hereditary and infectious diseases that could affect the marriage life, pregnancy or even children. In 2026, there is an increased focus on the UAE Genome Program, which aims to use these screenings to proactively manage the long-term wellness of Emirati families.

What types of medical examinations are involved in premarital screening?

In the UAE, premarital screening usually covers tests on infectious diseases including HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis, and genetic diseases such as Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anemia. As of January 2025, mandatory Genetic Testing (covering over 570 genes) has been integrated for all UAE Nationals to identify risks for more than 800 medical conditions.

Where do the premarital medical tests take place?

Government-approved health facilities such as government hospitals, permitted health clinics and official health authority facilities have to be used to do premarital medical tests. Major providers include Dubai Health, Emirates Health Services (EHS), and SEHA (in Abu Dhabi). Marriage registration does not accept tests offered in non-approved centers.

What is the validity of a premarital medical test report?

The medical test results of premarital are acceptable over a short time as stipulated by the UAE health authorities. Currently, the certificate is typically valid for three months from the date of issue. Failure to have the marriage registered in this time may mean that the couple has to repeat the screening.

Does marriage not take place because of a failed premarital medical test?

Test failure or positive result does not necessarily mean a failure to marry. Couples can be given medical counseling, risk education or they can even be made to sign acknowledgement forms. It is up to the parties to decide on the final decision to go ahead, but the legal procedures are also at play. In cases of infectious diseases, the law may require the affected party to notify their partner and seek specialist follow-up.

Do premarital medical tests remain confidential?

Yes. The premarital medical test results are confidential medical information and they are not disclosed to any other medical professionals and the marriage registration authorities. The law of the UAE does not permit unauthorized disclosure. Results are generally only shared with the two individuals involved.

What will be the consequences of failure to do premarital screening?

Lack of mandatory premarital screening could lead to rejection or stalling marriage registration and non-conformity of the UAE marriage laws. For Sharia-compliant marriages, the Ma’zoon (marriage officer) cannot legally execute the contract without a valid certificate.

Do non-Muslim civil marriages have premarital screening?

In case of civil marriages among non-Muslims, the requirements of premarital screening can vary depending on the emirate. While Abu Dhabi’s Civil Family Court does not require the test, some other jurisdictions or embassy-led marriages might still request it. Legal advice should be sought to ensure that screening is necessary in a particular case.

What is the relevance of legal advice in the premarital screening requirements?

In the UAE, marriage is legal, medical and administrative. Legal guidance can make it clear when medical examinations are obligatory and will not interrupt the registration of marriage without inconveniences and legal issues. This is especially important for interfaith couples or those marrying under the 2026 secular civil laws.

Hazem Darwish

Hazem Darwish, is a Senior Partner of HHS Lawyers in UAE. Practicing law for almost a decade, he has in-depth knowledge on UAE legislation with particular expertise on legal drafting, contract drafting, labor disputes, family law, and regulatory compliance for business organizations. Hazem Darwish also provides counsel on legal rights and obligations in the UAE to clients, including individuals and businesses subject to investigation or prosecution under Criminal Law by major regulators.
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