Dubai: One hour of your time could help save a life. Whether you want to donate regularly or register as an emergency donor, blood donation centres across the UAE make the process simple and accessible. Here is where you can donate, the eligibility requirements you need to meet and how to register.DubaiDubai’s Blood Donation Centre in Al Jaddaf is part of the Dubai Health network, and supplies around 50% of the blood units used by medical facilities across the UAE.All donors receive a donor e-card. Each time you donate, the card will be updated to reflect the number of donations you have made and upgraded as you reach new donation milestones.You can also become an Emergency Donor by adding your contact details to the Dubai Health system during registration and you will be contacted in cases where your blood donation could make a life-saving difference.Where to donate bloodThe Blood Donation Centre in Al Jaddaf is the primary centre for donating blood. However, Dubai Health also organises several blood donation drives periodically and the timings and locations for the mobile units are highlighted on the blood donation service website linked below.Who is eligible to donate blood?In order to donate blood you must meet the following criteria:You must be aged between 18 - 65 years.If you are aged 18 - 21, you must weigh more than 50kg.If you are aged 21 or over, you must weigh over 55kg.You must hold a valid UAE or GCC ID. Tourists and visitors are not permitted to give blood.You are advised against donating blood if you are pregnant or breastfeeding..You should be in overall good health on the day of your donation.When you arrive for your blood donation, you will be assessed based on:Travel historyBlood pressure (50–100mmHg diastolic and 90–180mmHg systolic)Different types of blood donation1. Whole blood donationWhole blood (WB) donation is the most common form of blood donation, in which a person donates one unit (450ml) of blood. In these cases of blood donation, the beneficiaries could be cancer patients, patients with blood disorders, and surgical and trauma patients.Process duration: 60 minutesFrequency: Every 56 Days.2. Platelet donationPlatelet donation involves the extraction of platelets from your blood to help patients with clotting disorders, cancer, and other medical conditions. However, additional eligibility criteria will be evaluated during the screening process. In these cases of donation, beneficiaries include patients with leukaemia, cancer, and platelet dysfunctionProcess duration: 90 minutesFrequency: Every two weeks, up to 24 times annually.3. Double red blood cell donationA double red blood cell donation collects two units of red blood cells while returning the other blood components to the donor’s body. This process is particularly beneficial for patients with severe anaemia, who are undergoing surgery, or who have experienced trauma.Additional eligibility criteria will be evaluated during the screening process.Process duration: 70 minutesFrequency: Every 16 weeks.How to donate bloodYou first need to register online with Dubai Health before proceeding with the blood donation process. The registration should be completed on the same day that you wish to make the blood donation.These are the steps to follow:Visit https://dubaihealth.ae/service/blood-donationClick on ‘start service’Select ‘Donate blood now’You will then be asked to log in using your UAE PASS, a Dubai Health account (if you have one) or a valid UAE mobile number.Once you log in, you will also be asked to provide a valid UAE mobile number, and verify it with an OTP sent to the number.You will then be provided with material that pertains to the health requirements for blood donors as well as the effects blood donation may have. Review the documents carefully, check the consent box and click on ‘continue’.Fill out the questionnaire, which will cover your health and travel history.Click on ‘submit’.You will then receive a QR code, which you need to show at the centre before proceeding with the blood donation process. The QR code will also be sent via SMS to your registered mobile number.How to become an emergency donorVisit https://dubaihealth.ae/service/blood-donationClick on ‘start service’.Select ‘become an emergency donor’.Enter your full name, mobile number and blood group.Click on ‘register’.You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number for verification.Once you have completed the verification process, you will be registered on the Dubai Health system and also receive a confirmation SMS on your registered mobile number.Blood donation centre locationThe blood donation centre is located near the Dubai Health Customer Happiness Centre on Al Wasl Club Street in the Al Jaddaf area. Location link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Z8SvngsNtJTdSoEi9Working hoursMonday to Friday: 7am–8.30pmAbu DhabiIn Abu Dhabi, you can donate blood at the Abu Dhabi Blood Bank, located in the Al Khalidiya area. At the centre, you will first be required to fill out a form, which will cover your medical, medication and travel history. Once you register with your Emirates ID, you will undergo medical screening after which you can proceed with the blood donation process.Working hoursSunday to Friday: 8am to 8.30pmEHS blood donor centresYou can also donate blood at several Emirates Health Services (EHS) centres in the UAE.Blood donation requirementsYou should be in good general health at the time of blood donation.Age: 18- 65 years.Weight: not less than 50 Kg.Blood pressure: Between 50/100 to 90/180 (mm Hg).Pulse rate: 50-100 pulses/minute.Body temperature: Should not be more than 37.5°C.You must have a valid Emirates ID, which needs to be presented at the time of blood donation.You will undergo a preliminary interview with a physician, and be asked about your medical, medication and travel history to the malaria endemic countries.It is not recommended for pregnant and lactating women to donate blood.EHS Blood Donor CentresYou can donate blood by directly visiting the centres below, where you will first undergo an assessment before proceeding with the blood donation process:SharjahBlood Transfusion and Research CenterSheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd, Muweilah Industrial AreaAl Dhaid Hospital Blood BankAl Thamamah area, Al DhaidKhorfakkan Hospital Blood BankSaih Alkhor Suburb, KhorfakkanKalba Hospital Blood BankAl Saaf 8 area, KalbaDubaiKuwait HospitalAl Baraha area, DubaiUmm Al QuwainUmm Al Quwain Hospital Blood BankUAQ Hospital, Al Rawdha StreetRas Al KhaimahSaqr Hospital Blood BankAl Juwais area, Ras Al KhaimahFujairahFujairah Hospital Blood BankNext to Fujairah Mall, Khalifa Bin Zayed StreetDibba Hospital Blood BankNear the Lantern Roundabout, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Street
