UAE records 1,026 organ transplants in 30 months, deceased donations rise 35%

In a span of 30 months between 2024 and June 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) carried out a total of 1,026 organ transplants, with deceased donations increasing by 35% during that period, according to Dr. Ali Abdulkarim Al Obaidli, Chairman of the National Committee for Organ Transplantation. The number of deceased donors rose from 110 in 2024 to 149 in 2025, helping save the lives of 451 people who needed organ transplants.

The UAE achieved a rate of 13 deceased donors per million people, Dr. Al Obaidli reported while addressing the third EHS International Critical Care, Organ Donation and Transplantation Conference in Dubai. Transplants included kidney, liver, heart, and lung procedures, along with multi-organ transplants. The first half of 2026's transplant figures have yet to be calculated against the same period in 2024.

The UAE's transplant program is one of the fastest-growing globally, thanks to government support, legislation, regulation, institutional capacity, and public engagement. Nine hospitals now provide kidney transplant services, five offer liver transplants, and one hospital conducts multi-organ transplants. The national committee collaborates with the National Centre for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues, and the UAE supports regional cooperation in organ donation and transplantation, as seen in its partnership with Kuwait.

The UAE's comprehensive health insurance system includes provisions to support organ donation and transplantation, aiming to give individuals and donors' families the right to donate and save other lives.