In a significant administrative update, the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has officially ceased its function of issuing birth and death certificates. These essential registration services will now be managed by Emirates Health Services (EHS) in the northern emirates, while Dubai and Abu Dhabi will continue to operate under their respective local health authorities.
The transition was executed with minimal announcement, as MoHAP has removed all associated services from its website and discontinued its WhatsApp application system. Residents will now have to adapt to a decentralized process based on their specific emirate of residence.
Changes Implemented
MoHAP has stepped back from the issuance of birth and death certificates.
- Emirates Health Services (EHS) will now oversee services in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.
- Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Department of Health (DoH) in Abu Dhabi will continue to manage these services locally.
- Certificates issued by EHS, DHA, or DoH will be considered equivalent to those that were previously issued by MoHAP.
Birth Certificates: Current Process
Eligible Applicants:
Parents (of any nationality), legal guardians, or authorized representatives.
Application Locations:
- Through the EHS website (requires UAE Pass)
- Using the Mabrouk Ma Yak platform (for Emiratis only)
- At EHS public health centers or hospitals
Required Documents:
- Valid Emirates ID and passport for both parents
- Hospital-issued and certified birth notification
- Electronic civil record
- Marriage certificate or notarized document establishing parentage
For UAE Citizens with Births Overseas:
- Return tickets
- ID and passports of both parents
- Attested marriage certificate
For Complex Cases (e.g., births in prisons):
- Court-issued documents
- Letters from correctional institutions or social services
Birth Notification Fees & Time
- Birth Certificate in Arabic: AED 65 (~₹1,470)
- English Copy (optional): AED 65 (~₹1,470)
- Time to Issue: 1 working day
Death Certificates: Process and Requirements
Eligible Applicants:
Immediate family members or legally authorized individuals.
Application Locations:
- Through the EHS online portal
- At specified public health centers or hospitals
Required Documents:
- Emirates ID or passport of the deceased
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Interior
- Official death report
- For suspicious or unknown-cause deaths: Forensic report
- Name consistency across all documents is mandatory
For International Use:
Certificates need to be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation as well as the embassy of the respective foreign country.
Death Certificate Fees & Timelines
- Death Certificate in Arabic: AED 65 (~₹1,470)
- English Copy (optional): AED 65 (~₹1,470)
- Time to Issue: 5 minutes for e-certificates; physical copies available upon personal visitation
Service Hours
- Monday to Thursday: 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Significance of the Change
This restructuring exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to decentralizing administrative authority to regional bodies, particularly concerning citizen services. EHS’s existing management of public healthcare in the northern emirates positions it as a suitable successor to MoHAP for handling life-event documentation.
Conclusion
Going forward, when residents require a birth or death certificate in the UAE, MoHAP will no longer be the primary authority. Instead, depending on their location, individuals will interact with EHS, DHA, or DoH, which come with new procedures, slightly adjusted fees, and an emphasis on digital verification.
While this adjustment might seem procedural, it signals a broader transformation in the management of civil documentation across the UAE—moving towards a more digital, localized, and health system-integrated approach.