End-of-Life & Palliative Care Rights
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on UAE federal decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions.
UAE Federal Law
What is this right?
End-of-life care in the UAE is guided by medical ethics, Islamic principles, and federal law. Here is what patients and families should know:
- Palliative care: Patients with terminal illnesses have the right to palliative care focused on pain relief and quality of life. Several public hospitals now have dedicated palliative care units.
- Euthanasia prohibited: Active euthanasia and assisted suicide are strictly illegal in the UAE and are treated as criminal offences under the Penal Code.
- Do-not-resuscitate (DNR): DNR orders can be issued with the informed consent of the patient (or their legal guardian) and the agreement of the treating medical team. The process follows strict hospital protocols.
- Withdrawal of treatment: Withdrawing life-sustaining treatment is a sensitive area. It generally requires consensus among the medical team, the family's understanding, and in many cases, ethics committee review.
- Pain management: Patients have the right to adequate pain management, including controlled substances when medically necessary, even in end-of-life situations.
When does it apply?
- You or a family member has a terminal or life-limiting illness.
- You are making decisions about end-of-life medical care in the UAE.
- You want to understand the legal framework around DNR orders and palliative care.
What should you do?
- Discuss your wishes with your doctor and family members — open communication about end-of-life preferences is important.
- Ask your hospital about palliative care services — not all facilities offer them, and you may need a referral to a specialised centre.
- If you want a DNR order, discuss it with your treating physician and ensure it is documented in your medical records.
- Designate a trusted family member to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated — consider a legal power of attorney for healthcare.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not assume a foreign advance directive is valid in the UAE — UAE medical facilities follow local law and protocols.
- Do not pressure medical staff to take actions that are illegal under UAE law, such as euthanasia.
- Do not leave end-of-life decisions undiscussed — having these conversations early reduces family conflict during a crisis.
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