On the occasion of World Organ Donation Day, Abu Dhabi announces the completion of a major milestone in its journey toward becoming a leading destination for healthcare excellence, pioneering organ transplantation and transforming lives. Since the launch of Hayat – the National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue – in 2017, a total of 1,090 organ transplants have been performed across the Emirate until 2024, with 290 conducted during the last year alone. This achievement reflects the Emirate’s growing reputation for medical excellence and advanced healthcare infrastructure.
“Reaching this milestone is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s unwavering commitment to delivering best in class care. Through our infrastructure, talent, and innovation, the Emirate has become a hub for organ transplantation in the region and beyond,” said H.E. Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi. “We continue to encourage more people to register as organ donors through Hayat programme, a single act that can transform multiple lives and shape a healthier future for all.”
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The 290 transplants performed in 2024 included seven heart transplants, 142 kidney transplants, 117 liver transplants, 22 lung transplants, and two pancreas transplants.
Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system continues to push boundaries through complex surgeries, including multi-organ and robotic-assisted transplants that improve surgical precision and recovery outcomes. These achievements are made possible by four leading transplant centres including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), Burjeel Medical City (BMC), and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City (SSMC).
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has played a pivotal role in advancing the transplant field in the UAE. Established in 2017 as the nation’s first multi-organ transplant centre, the hospital performed 241 multi-organ transplants in 2024, alone, including the UAE’s first combined heart and lung transplant. Other milestones include the region’s first combined lung-liver transplant in 2023 and the nation’s first triple-paired kidney exchange. It also houses the UAE’s only dedicated multi-organ transplant ICU and the only lung transplant programme.
SEHA Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, a subsidiary of PureHealth, the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East, the largest healthcare platform in the Middle East, has successfully performed over 114 kidney transplants in 2024 and continues to expand its liver transplant programme for both adult and pediatric patients—demonstrating its steadfast commitment to delivering world-class care and enhancing patient outcomes. It is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technologies and supported by a multidisciplinary team of experts, establishing its position as a regional leader in kidney transplantation.
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Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, a flagship hospital in the UAE for serious and complex care and a subsidiary of the PureHealth group, has distinguished itself in research and education, with 10 international conference presentations and the Best Abstract Award at ISODP 2023 in Las Vegas. The facility performed the first COVID-positive organ donation in UAE, demonstrating medical leadership and innovation. It was ranked second among UAE hospitals for the highest number of utilised organ donors in 2022.
Burjeel Medical City has also emerged as a leader in multi-organ transplantation. Among its achievements is the UAE’s first paediatric living donor liver transplant, first ABO-incompatible kidney transplant, and youngest paediatric liver transplant at just five months old.
Organ donation can save patients suffering from serious conditions such as cancer, heart disease, lung failure, liver cirrhosis, and kidney failure. To promote long-term well-being, DoH encourages residents to adopt healthy lifestyles, including balanced nutrition and regular physical activity, to help prevent chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity—major contributors to organ failure.
The National Programme for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation, “Hayat”, launched by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), is a national system to enhance efforts in the donation and transplantation of human organs and tissues, in line with the highest international standards. Hayat aims to regulate organ donation and transplantation, provide comprehensive care for patients and enhance the safety, well-being and quality of life of all community members.
