Nephrology in the United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, and Umm al-Quwain are the seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It has a population that exceeds 9.6 million, of which 14.5% are nationals. The UAE has made substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure since its establishment in 1971. The renal services, in the form of dialysis, were started in 1976, and the transplantation service was established in 1985. All forms of renal replacement therapy and renal services are freely available for UAE nationals, and it is covered by insurance, which is obligatory for all citizens; or by charity, in the case of nonnational residents. The thrive of the Emirates to reach self-sufficiency in organ transplantation resulted in the establishment of cadaveric transplant services in 2017. Plans are underway to establish the UAE Organ Procurement Organization, which will further enhance the UAE organ donation services to a more systematic approach.