Dubai Health Reports Significant Surge in Kidney Transplants, Highlighting Organ Donation Awareness
Dubai is witnessing a remarkable increase in life-saving kidney transplant procedures, with Dubai Health announcing a substantial 46% rise in operations performed in 2025 compared to the previous year. This impressive growth underscores a growing community commitment to organ donation, facilitated by the national 'Hayat' programme.
The figures reveal that Dubai Health physicians successfully conducted 73 kidney transplants in 2025, a notable jump from the 50 procedures carried out in 2024. This advancement aligns with the global observance of World Kidney Day, celebrated annually on March 12th, drawing attention to kidney health and the critical need for organ donation.
Dubai Health operates an integrated academic health system that fosters collaboration across numerous federal, local, and private entities. This extensive network is vital for supporting organ transplantation efforts throughout the UAE. Key partners include:
- The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP)
- The Dubai Health Authority
- The Dubai Healthcare City Authority
- Dubai Airports
- The Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS)
- The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai
- Dubai Customs
- The Dubai Police General Command
- The Dubai Public Prosecution
- Mediclinic City Hospital
- Several private sector hospitals
This multi-stakeholder approach signifies a unified national strategy aimed at bolstering organ donation and transplantation programmes across the Emirates.
A Testament to National Efforts and Integrated Care
Dr. Mohamed Al Awadhi, Executive Director of the Dubai Health Women and Children's Campus and Chair of the Dubai Health Organ Donation and Transplantation Committee, expressed his optimism regarding the progress. "The increase in kidney transplant procedures during 2025 reflects the UAE’s continued progress in driving awareness of organ donation," he stated. "This is strongly supported by the national efforts led by The National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue ‘Hayat’, and the effective collaboration among healthcare entities across the country."
Dr. Al Awadhi further elaborated on Dubai Health's operational philosophy. "At Dubai Health, we operate through an integrated academic health system that brings together care, learning, discovery, and giving," he explained. "This approach enables us to advance organ transplant programmes in line with the highest international medical standards, while also developing specialised medical professionals and strengthening coordination with healthcare entities and strategic partners to expand transplant services and improve patient access to essential treatments."
Nujood AlKhloofi, Senior Director of the Organ Donation and Transplantation Program at Dubai Health, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the programme's success. "The continued growth of Dubai’s kidney transplant programme reflects the success of national efforts to promote organ donation and transplantation in the UAE, helping save the lives of many patients and improving their quality of life," she remarked.
AlKhloofi also detailed the internal enhancements within Dubai Health to support these initiatives. "As part of Dubai Health’s commitment to supporting organ donation initiatives, qualified coordinators have been assigned to manage the donation process and ensure procedures are conducted efficiently," she said. "Their capabilities have also been strengthened through hands-on training programmes, in addition to participation in conferences and workshops."
The Crucial Role of Transplant Coordinators
The dedication and expertise of transplant coordinators are central to the success of these programmes. Maha Al Taher, a Clinical Transplant Coordinator at Dubai Health, described the multifaceted nature of their role. "The work of transplant coordinators combines both clinical expertise and compassionate patient support," she explained. "Coordinators stay with patients and their families throughout the treatment journey, manage medical records, and coordinate with medical teams. This ensures that required evaluations, tests, and appointments are completed seamlessly, enabling patients to be placed on transplant waiting lists in accordance with the highest standards of safety."
Dhai Abdulla Binjarn, another Clinical Transplant Coordinator at Dubai Health, outlined the comprehensive process from initial contact. "The transplant coordinator’s role begins with identifying eligible cases and providing initial awareness and counselling to the patients and families," Binjarn stated. "This is then followed by medical, social, and financial assessments, ensuring comprehensive support through every step of the journey."
For paediatric cases, the role is equally vital. Abdalazeez Alghraizat, Clinical Pediatric Transplant Coordinator at Dubai Health, emphasised this. "The coordinator plays a critical role in paediatric transplant care by closely monitoring children’s medical conditions, coordinating with the clinical teams, and supporting families," he noted.
Philanthropic Support and Academic Advancement
Beyond clinical services, community initiatives play a significant role in supporting patients. Al Jalila Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Dubai Health, actively contributes to the kidney transplant programme by providing essential financial assistance to patients who face treatment costs. The Foundation’s ‘Your Donation Saves Lives’ programme is a key driver for funding transplants and supporting various care initiatives.
Furthermore, the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU), the learning and discovery component of Dubai Health, is instrumental in advancing the field of organ transplantation. MBRU offers specialised education and training programmes designed to equip medical professionals with the necessary expertise. These include the Adult Nephrology Fellowship Program and a dedicated training programme on ‘Core Skills in Organ Donation’. The University is also actively engaged in conducting scientific studies and research to refine and enhance best practices in organ transplantation, ensuring the UAE remains at the forefront of this critical medical discipline.
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