End-of-Life & Palliative Care Rights in UAE
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from UAE federal decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
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 to Do If You or a Family Member Needs Palliative Care in the UAE
- 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.
Common Questions
When does it apply — end-of-life & palliative care rights?
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 I do if I or a family member in the UAE has been diagnosed with a terminal illness and needs palliative care?
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 — end-of-life & palliative care rights?
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.