Abu Dhabi’s Hayat Programme Achieves Milestone of Over 1,000 Organ Transplants, Affirming Its Position as a Regional Leader in Organ Donation and Transplantation
ABU DHABI — In a significant advancement for healthcare in the region, Abu Dhabi has celebrated a monumental achievement with its Hayat Programme surpassing 1,000 organ transplants since its inception in 2017. The National Programme for Donation and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissue has now recorded a total of 1,090 successful transplants, with 2024 distinguishing itself as a record-breaking year, witnessing 290 procedures alone.
This impressive tally includes a diverse array of transplant types—seven heart transplants, 142 kidney transplants, 117 liver transplants, 22 lung transplants, and two pancreas transplants—demonstrating the programme’s broad capacity and the range of its services. The application of advanced medical technologies such as robotic-assisted surgeries and multi-organ transplant techniques has played a pivotal role in enhancing surgical precision and improving patient recovery outcomes, setting new benchmarks in the field.
The success of the Hayat Programme can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of four of the leading medical institutions in the Emirates: Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Burjeel Medical City, and Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City. Each of these institutions has contributed significantly to the growth and effectiveness of the organ transplant network within the Emirate. In 2024, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, recognized as the country’s primary multi-organ transplant centre, alone performed 241 transplants, including the groundbreaking nation’s first combined heart and lung procedure. Furthermore, other pioneering achievements have been recorded, such as a combined lung-liver transplant and the success of a triple-paired kidney exchange.
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City demonstrated excellence with 114 kidney transplants in the same year, while Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City has emerged as a leader in both research and education, achieving the UAE’s first-ever organ donation from a COVID-positive donor. Burjeel Medical City has also made notable strides with innovative procedures involving paediatric patients and ABO-incompatible transplants, showcasing the extensive capabilities and dedication to advancing medical science in Abu Dhabi.
Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, commented on this landmark achievement, describing it as a reflection of the Emirate’s sophisticated healthcare capabilities and commitment to improving the lives of its residents. She emphasized the critical need for community engagement in organ donation, urging the public to register as organ donors. “Every single donor has the potential to save multiple lives,” she stated, highlighting the profound impact that such altruistic acts can have on families and the broader community.
The organ transplantation statistics not only underscore the capabilities of Abu Dhabi’s healthcare sector but also indicate a shifting cultural landscape surrounding organ donation in the region. Historically, cultural taboos and misconceptions surrounding organ donation have hindered potential donor registration. However, increased public awareness campaigns, improved healthcare infrastructure, and successful public figures advocating for organ donation are gradually dispelling these myths.
The health implications in the region are profound, as the need for organ transplants continues to grow in line with lifestyle-related health issues, which have become more prevalent. The increase in cases of diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic diseases has heightened the demand for organ transplants, making programs like Hayat not just beneficial but essential for public health.
As Abu Dhabi continues its journey as a leader in healthcare innovation and organ transplantation, the vision set forth by the Emirate is one of proactive healthcare—where preventative measures, education, and advanced medical treatment converge to not only save lives but also enhance the quality of life for its residents. The success of the Hayat Programme exemplifies this vision, establishing a model for other regions to emulate.
Abu Dhabi’s healthcare achievements, particularly through the Hayat Programme, mark the Emirate as a beacon of hope and a leader in organ transplantation within the region, ensuring that it is well-equipped to face future medical challenges head-on.
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