Donate blood and save lives at these centres in the UAE

• Popular Blood Banks
• FAQs

Having access to the right blood type during a critical situation can save lives. In fact, according to the American Red Cross Society, a single blood donation can save up to three lives! There are various centres for blood donation in the UAE where individuals can donate blood and help save lives in the process.

POPULAR CENTRES FOR BLOOD DONATION IN THE UAE

Here’s a list of some of the most popular facilities.

DUBAI BLOOD DONATION CENTRE (DBDC)

Founded in 1986 by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Dubai Blood Donation Centre (DBDC) is one of the leading blood banks in Dubai. The blood bank has state-of-the-art facilities and qualified professionals managing transfusions and donations.

DBDC is also responsible for maintaining and regulating the blood supply to all DHA-approved and private hospitals in Dubai. The facility is accredited by the American Association of Blood Bank (AABB) and is responsible for around 50% of the total blood collected throughout the UAE. According to statistics, DBDC collects around 50,000 units of blood every year.

• Location: Sheikh Ahmed Square, Al Jaddaf, Dubai
• Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 07:00 am – 08:30 pm | Fri-Sat: closed
• Contact: 800-342

ABU DHABI BLOOD BANK (ADBB)

The Abu Dhabi Blood Bank (ADBB) is a reputable blood donation centre which operates under Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC). The centre caters to the blood requirements of both private and public hospitals in Abu Dhabi. ADBB also supplies blood to other emirates when required.

Abu Dhabi Blood Bank collects more than 20,000 units of blood every year and more than 600 units of apheresis platelets. The centre has also announced the launch of a “Frozen Red Blood Cells” project to freeze around 600 units of blood every year.

• Location: Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi
• Opening hours: 07:00 am – 09:30 pm | Sat: closed
• Contact: +971-2-819-1700

AL DHAFRA BLOOD BANK ABU DHABI

Our next pick is the Al Dhafra blood bank. Inaugurated in 2021, Al Dhafra Blood Bank is a relatively newer blood donation facility in Abu Dhabi. The centre adheres to the highest standards set by SEHA to provide the best medical care for residents in Zayed City, Dalma Island and Ghayathi. 

The centre has four rooms and a capacity to receive up to 3,000 donors per year. The blood bank is operated by a team of a medical laboratory technician, nursing staff, a donation assistant and a general practitioner.

• Location: Madinat Zayed City, Abu Dhabi
• Opening hours: 07:00 pm – 04:00 pm | Sat-Sun: closed (Subject to change)
• Contact: +971-2-807-2887

SHARJAH BLOOD TRANSFUSION AND RESEARCH CENTRE

Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Centre has a good reputation in the UAE, thanks to its holistic services. In 2004, the centre collaborated with other blood banks in the UAE to collect over 36,498 blood units through a campaign involving 195 mobile vehicles.

Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Centre operates as the regional blood bank in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO). The blood bank has also ensured UAE’s entry into the official register of the “World Bone Marrow Donors Organisation”, making it the first Arab country to achieve such a feat.

Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Centre has won 22 merit certificates, including the Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences.

• Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Street, Sharjah
• Opening hours: 07:30 am – 04:30 pm | Sat-Sun: closed
• Contact: 800-256-63 

SAQR HOSPITAL BLOOD BANK RAS AL KHAIMAH

The blood bank in Ras Al Khaimah is located at the Al Saqr Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals in the emirate. Al Saqr Hospital Blood Bank in the UAE is approved by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP). The blood donation centre ensures adequate blood supply to various hospitals in Ras Al Khaimah.

• Location: Al Juwais, Ras al Khaimah
• Timings: 24 hours
• Contact: +971-7-204-9999

UMM AL QUWAIN HOSPITAL BLOOD BANK

The Umm Al Quwain blood bank is located in the Umm Al Quwain Hospital. They arrange blood donation drives within the emirate in collaboration with other centres in the UAE, including the Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Centre. Over the years, the blood bank has catered to the blood requirements of other hospitals in Umm Al Quwain.

• Location: Al Rawdha Street, Umm Al Quwain
• Timings: 24 hours
• Contact: +971-6-706-0500

AL AIN BLOOD BANK

Al Ain blood bank is located in Al Jimi. The blood donation centre operates under the management of Tawam Hospital. Aside from Tawam, they supply blood to other hospitals in Al Ain. It is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks Accreditation (AABB).

• Location: Al Jami, Al Ain
• Contact: 80500

OTHER BLOOD BANKS IN THE UAE

FAQs ABOUT UAE BLOOD DONATION

CAN SUGAR PATIENTS DONATE BLOOD IN THE UAE?

As per the WHO guidelines, individuals with type 2 diabetes can donate blood, although it is best to get your eligibility confirmed by trained personnel at the blood bank.

CAN A TATTOOED PERSON DONATE BLOOD IN THE UAE?

People have to wait for about a year after getting tattooed to donate blood in the UAE.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO DONATE BLOOD IN THE UAE?

•  You must bring a valid ID card.
•  You must be in good health with no history of communicable diseases.
•  Your age must be between 18 to 65 years.
•  Your weight should not be less than 50 kg.
•  The haemoglobin level should be normal: a minimum of 13 g (males) and a minimum of 12.5gm (females).
•  The pulse rate should be 50-100 per minute.

WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE TO DONATE BLOOD IN THE UAE?

• Individuals below 18 years old
• Pregnant women
• First-degree relatives of the patient
• Haven’t donated blood in the past 56 days.

HOW MANY TIMES CAN YOU DONATE BLOOD?

You can donate blood after every 56 days.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AFTER DONATION?

• Make sure to drink an adequate quantity of water.
• Avoid smoking.
• Don’t indulge in sports or any strenuous activities for a couple of hours.

IS BLOOD DONATION SAFE?

Yes, it is safe. It doesn’t expose you to any form of illness. All medical equipment is single-use and comes sterilised straight out of the bag, so there’s no risk of infection.

This concludes our list of the best blood donation centres in the UAE. These blood banks ensure an adequate supply of blood and blood products to all hospitals and health care centres. There are various hospitals in the UAE that have blood donation centres.

The UAE has excellent public healthcare facilities that offer a high level of care to patients, such as these government hospitals in Sharjah and government hospitals in Dubai.

Stay tuned to MyBayut for more information on healthcare services and facilities in the UAE.