Doctors from Gulf countries have cautioned individuals who practice marriages between relatives (such as children of uncles, aunts, cousins) about the growing health risks associated with this phenomenon. Experts note that marrying within the same family or close kinship significantly increases the probability of genetic diseases occurring.
To prevent this problem, doctors emphasize genome literacy so that people understand the importance of genetic testing and counseling before marriage, thereby protecting future children from congenital pathologies.
During a discussion titled 'Genetic Risk in the Gulf: What Our DNA Says About Hereditary Diseases,' it was noted that the population of Gulf countries possesses a specific genetic identity formed by common ancestors and early genetic changes (so-called 'founder variants'). This is why the region is becoming a major center for genomic medicine.
To stop the spread of dangerous diseases among descendants of consanguineous marriages, gene testing has become mandatory before marriage in the UAE, which is a crucial step. Since the DNA of close relatives is largely similar, there is an increased risk that if both cousins carry a hidden (recessive) mutation from the same ancestor, their child may inherit two copies of this defective gene, potentially leading to a serious illness.
Descendants of consanguineous marriages show a high risk of developing blood disorders such as thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. Problems related to cystic fibrosis, birth defects, and kidney diseases may also arise. Furthermore, there are risks of neurological problems and developmental disorders, including reduced cognitive abilities, as well as congenital hearing and vision problems.
During the session, consultant physician-geneticist Dr. Mariam Alshehi from SKMC/SEHA and an associate professor at the Department of Medical Genetics at UAEU noted that the high frequency of marriages between close relatives in the Gulf region leads to an increase in cases of recessive genetic diseases. She cited a study published in Nature Medicine led by Dr. Ahmed Abu Tayoun from the Dubai Health Genomics Center. This study found that eight percent of the first 1000 couples screened before marriage in Dubai were carriers of the same pathogenic variant, which is higher than in similar international studies.
Dr. Alshehi also mentioned another study conducted in Oman, according to which parents were close relatives in 80 percent of metabolic disease cases in children. In the UAE, mandatory genetic testing before marriage was introduced in January 2025, involving screening over 570 genes in Abu Dhabi and 782 genes in Dubai. Dr. Alshehi stressed that the UAE is conducting the world's first prenatal genetic screening program, followed by the second stage of protection—newborn screening.
In a discussion led by Dr. Shams Alawar, Professor and Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UAEU, Dr. Junaid Muhib Khan, Director of Medical Education and Consultant Neonatologist at SSMC, stated that the results of newborn genetic screening are already showing positive changes. Citing a Dubai study from May 2026, he reported that 53 percent of tested children were found to have genetic diseases. Moreover, treatment methods for 47 percent of these children were adjusted, and 36 percent received pharmacotherapy.
He noted that the region is moving from an evidence-based approach to 'precision medicine,' aiming for a complete transition to this approach by 2030. He also added that early genetic screening helps avoid unnecessary tests and provides families with clarity in case of a child's illness.
Both doctors believe that the biggest challenges lie outside the laboratory. Dr. Alshehi said that doctors often encounter couples distressed by positive results. She insisted that the screening method in the UAE must align with cultural and religious beliefs, and methods like a 'public carrier registry' used elsewhere should not be applied.
Dr. Khan emphasized that having a genetic variant 'is not a disease,' and therefore patients or communities should not be assigned any special labels. Dr. Alshehi concluded: 'We have reached a stage where people understand what genome sequencing is and its benefits. However, we are still far from fully understanding genomic medicine, and a huge amount of work remains in education.' She added that specialized genetic counselors need to be prepared to help translate genetic data into everyday clinical decisions, and she mentioned that in the coming years, UAE genomic healthcare...
