Seha launches year-long UAE campaign to encourage women to donate blood

Abu Dhabi Health Services (Seha) has launched a nationwide campaign in the United Arab Emirates to encourage more women to donate blood, The National reported on November 1. The initiative will run for a year, although its exact launch date was not stated.

The campaign will use educational outreach, activities focused on women, community engagement and programmes recognising donors, according to the newspaper. These activities are planned throughout the year rather than as a single donation event.

Dr Eiman Al Zaabi, identified by The National as medical director of Seha's blood bank services, said the effort seeks to bring eligible women into donation programmes and encourage them to give regularly through continued education and recognition.

Figures attributed to Seha by the newspaper show that 8,599 Emirati women have enrolled as donors since 2020, contributing 4,022 donations. Those totals cover Emirati women specifically, while the campaign's stated aim is to encourage women more broadly. The National identifies Seha as part of PureHealth.

Eligibility guidance differs between the newspaper's report and Dubai Health's service page, potentially reflecting different service rules. The National gives an age range of 18–65, a minimum weight of 50kg and an Emirates ID requirement. Dubai Health lists weights above 50kg for ages 18–21 and above 55kg for those aged 21 and older, and accepts valid UAE or GCC identification.

Both descriptions require donors to be in good health. Dubai Health excludes tourists and visitors, while The National describes that restriction as generally applicable. Dubai Health also advises women who are pregnant or breastfeeding not to donate.

Dubai Health says its Blood Donation Center supplies approximately half of the blood units used by medical facilities across the UAE. Its service page does not specify the period covered by that estimate.

The service page lists the centre in Al Jaddaf and mobile donation drives as places to give blood. Donors can register and book appointments through Dubai Health's website or Smart App.