Introduction: Organ donation in the UAE has evolved into a structured, ethically governed, and collaborative system designed to save lives. Through a national framework led by the National Center for Organ Donation, the country has addressed key operational, cultural, and logistical challenges, making significant strides in both domestic and regional transplantation efforts.
Method: Organ donation in the UAE involves a multilayered process starting from early donor identification in hospitals, supported by staff training and automated alert systems. Medical teams conduct thorough evaluations to determine eligibility, followed by confirmation of brain death using standardized neurological assessments. Family engagement is a critical component, supported by culturally sensitive communication, psychological counseling, and legally documented consent—either in person or virtually. Once consent is secured, donor maintenance protocols ensure organ viability through specialized critical care. Coordinated logistics manage transfers to transplant centers, with seamless collaboration between hospitals, border authorities, and GCC partners. Cross-border sharing with countries like Saudi Arabia and Kuwait is facilitated by charter flights, embassy coordination, and customs clearance.

Results: The UAE’s program has demonstrated success in integrating ethical standards with clinical excellence. Hospitals now report higher rates of timely donor identification. Family consent rates have improved through tailored communication strategies, while logistical efficiency has minimized delays in retrieval and transport. Partnerships across the GCC have expanded recipient access. Post-donation, families receive continued emotional, logistical, and commemorative support. Donor family outreach programs have strengthened public trust and recognition of the system’s humanitarian impact.

Conclusion: The UAE presents a comprehensive, ethically sound model of organ donation built on operational rigor and multisectoral collaboration. Despite challenges, continuous improvements in training, logistics, and family engagement underscore the nation’s commitment to saving lives. The UAE’s framework offers a replicable model for regional and global organ donation systems.