The United Arab Emirates has opened a month-long public consultation on proposed regulations governing the transplantation and implantation of non-human organs and tissues into the human body, marking another step in expanding the country’s healthcare framework to accommodate emerging medical technologies.
The consultation follows amendments introduced by the UAE government on December 10, 2025, which broadened the country’s organ and tissue donation law to include non-human organs and tissues. Under the revised legislation, non-human organs include both animal-derived and manufactured organs, creating the legal foundation for detailed regulations covering their medical use.
The consultation has been published through the UAE Legislation platform’s Community Engagement Unit and invites healthcare professionals, industry experts and other stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed framework. Authorities said the process is intended to ensure the final regulations reflect technical expertise while maintaining high standards of patient safety and ethical practice.
According to the consultation document, the introduction of non-human organ transplantation represents a significant development for the UAE’s healthcare sector, as previous legislation focused exclusively on human organs and tissues. Officials said the consultation will help shape a comprehensive regulatory system that addresses both medical and ethical considerations before the technology is adopted more widely.
Participants have been asked to submit recommendations on several key issues. These include the need for a clear legal framework, the potential benefits of regulating non-human organ transplants, safety standards, implementation measures within the healthcare system, possible risks, and additional proposals to strengthen governance and compliance. Stakeholders are also being asked to identify practical challenges that may arise when introducing such procedures.
The legal amendments introduced last year include strict safeguards governing the use of non-human organs and tissues. Transplantation will only be permitted when it is considered the most suitable medical option for a patient’s condition.
The law also prohibits the removal of animal organs for transplantation without obtaining approval from the Ministry of Health and Prevention or the relevant health authority. Healthcare facilities and manufacturing companies involved in producing or handling such organs must secure the required licences before carrying out any procedures.
Before transplantation can take place, clinical and laboratory testing must confirm the safety and effectiveness of the organ or tissue. Specialist physicians are required to verify biological compatibility, fully explain all confirmed and potential health risks to patients or their legal representatives, and obtain written informed consent.
Violations of the regulations carry severe penalties. Healthcare facilities, manufacturers or specialist physicians found breaching the rules may face imprisonment and fines ranging from Dh100,000 to Dh2 million, or either penalty.
The consultation comes as international research into xenotransplantation continues to advance. The World Health Organization has noted that while animal organs and bioengineered tissues offer promising alternatives to human organ donation, they are not yet capable of replacing traditional organ transplantation. The WHO has also stressed the importance of strong regulatory oversight as clinical trials involving animal-to-human transplants continue to expand worldwide.
