Do you need a premarital medical test before your wedding?

Yes, for a Sharia marriage. u.ae says screening “is a mandatory requirement for Sharia marriages for Muslims only” and that “a marriage contract cannot be registered without a valid medical certificate for both parties”. It says the test “is not required for a civil marriage”.¹

Dubai Health’s own service page puts it more widely: “all couples are required to undergo premarital medical screening before marriage”.² The two official pages differ. If you are marrying in Dubai, ask Dubai Courts or your marriage official whether they will ask for the certificate.

What does the test check?

u.ae says the screening looks for HIV, hepatitis and syphilis, and inherited blood disorders such as thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia.¹

Since January 2025 the Ministry of Health and Prevention has made genetic testing part of the screening for all Emiratis planning to marry. The list covers 570 genes and more than 840 genetic disorders.¹

How long do the results take?

In Dubai, the genetic test results for UAE nationals are “typically available within two weeks (10 working days) after both partners’ samples are received”.² Dubai Health does not publish a turnaround for the standard test.

Where do you take the test?

Only at approved facilities: government hospitals, health centres accredited by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, and some approved private hospitals depending on the emirate. Results from other facilities are not accepted.¹

Sources: u.ae¹ and Dubai Health.²

Book the screening as soon as you have a target date, and keep the certificate with your marriage documents.