Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The UAE has built an infrastructure that makes blood donation easy, convenient, and tightly coordinated, ensuring every drop goes exactly where it's needed. But the real lifeblood that makes it work, experts say, remains the donors themselves.
On World Blood Donor Day — observed on June 14 to honour the millions of people whose donations save lives every day — healthcare experts in the UAE spotlighted the country's advanced infrastructure and how a culture of blood donation is widely encouraged among citizens and residents.
From smart screening technology to digital donor management systems and interlinked blood bank networks, the UAE has made remarkable strides in strengthening its blood donation ecosystem, said Dr Mohamed Mustafa Elsheikh, Internal Medicine Consultant at Burjeel Medical Centre – Al Falah.
"These innovations help improve safety, optimise inventory management, and ensure that blood products reach patients efficiently when needed," he told Aletihad.
Those investments are also evident in the modern donation centres in operation and the rigorous screening protocols that ensure "every unit of blood goes through state-of-the-art diagnostic checks before it reaches a patient”, said another expert, Dr Bhanuprakash Kadaba Bhaskar, Critical Care Medicine Specialist and Medical Director at Medeor Hospital, Dubai.
What stands out, however, is how the UAE has made the most of technology to fold blood donation into people’s lives.
"Apps now let donors book appointments, track their donation history, and receive health updates — all without friction. Mobile blood banks take it further, reaching universities, malls and corporate offices," Dr Bhaskar told Aletihad.
"The idea is simple," he added. "The easier it is to give, the more people actually do it, and the more stable the national supply stays across all emirates."
Dr Bhaskar noted that while blood donation drives are valuable, it is ultimately “a culture of donation” that keeps hospitals stocked. No matter how advanced medical technology becomes, nothing can replace the role of blood in healthcare and emergency response, he said.
“There is no factory that makes blood. There is no substitute and no workaround. When a trauma patient arrives in the ER at 2am, or a child needs surgery, the only thing standing between them and disaster is blood that someone chose to give,” Dr Bhaskar said.
Encouraging those who have never donated to take that first step, Dr Elsheikh said “even a single donation has the potential to save multiple lives”.
He acknowledged that many people still believe blood donation is “painful or could negatively affect a person’s health”. In reality, he stressed, it is a safe, carefully monitored process.
“By replacing myths with facts and sharing positive donor experiences, we can encourage more people to view blood donation as a simple yet powerful act of community service,” he said.
Dr Arun Hari, Cardiologist at LLH Hospital, Musaffah, agreed that misconceptions about pain, weakness and eligibility continue to discourage potential donors.
Debunking these myths, Dr Hari clarified: "There may be a small pinch when the needle goes in, but the procedure is carefully managed by trained staff, and the body naturally replaces the donated blood."
He added that the momentary discomfort is well worth it. “Blood donation is a small act of kindness with a very real impact,” Dr Hari said. “You may never meet the person who receives your blood, but your decision could give them another chance at life.”
He also reassured first-time donors that there's nothing to fear. “Give once, see how it feels, and consider making it a habit.”
