Abu Dhabi to fully cover death-related fees, repatriation for all residents

The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has announced the expansion of its Sanadkom initiative to include all residents in the emirate, effective immediately. The announcement was made on Thursday and marks a significant extension of a service that was previously exclusive to UAE nationals.

Under the initiative, all fees associated with death-related transactions — from obtaining a death certificate to embalming and repatriating remains — will now be fully covered for residents. This comes as part of a comprehensive effort to simplify procedures for grieving families while eliminating financial concerns during such challenging times.

Sanadkom is designed to streamline and centralise the processes involved when a loved one passes away.

"Following the issuance of a death notice, the Sanadkom team reaches out to bereaved families offering their condolences. The team will send a text message, outlining the initiative’s services. A representative will be assigned to assist the family with all the procedures they have to complete," the DoH explained.

The initiative connects seven government entities to ensure smooth coordination and efficient handling of the necessary formalities. These entities include the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) and the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund (ADPF), among others.

"Residents won't have to visit any government entity. They will be able to complete the procedures directly at the Abu Dhabi healthcare facility where their loved one died," according to the statement.

The doctor-in-charge at the healthcare facility will oversee the completion of required reports and permits, with the family’s consent, thereby avoiding additional trips or stress.

The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an will play a pivotal role in bearing the financial costs associated with death-related transactions. These include issuing death certificates, ambulance transportation, embalming and the repatriation of remains for international travel.

Her Excellency Hind Al Zaabi, Executive Director of the Customer Experience and Relation Sector at DoH, expressed the department's commitment to providing exceptional service during emotionally challenging times.

"Under the directives of our wise leadership, the department remains committed to enhancing and ensuring the delivery of exceptional and unique services to all members of the community. Recognising the emotional toll of losing a loved one, the Sanadkom initiative provides compassionate support, guiding bereaved families through any required procedures," she said.

"As we embark on this new phase of extending the initiative’s benefits to all residents of the emirate, DoH remains steadfast in our commitment to expanding Sanadkom’s services and offerings, with a unified goal of effectively supporting the entire Abu Dhabi community."

Launched in January 2024, Sanadkom has already assisted numerous families of deceased UAE citizens, ensuring they complete necessary procedures and transactions with minimal difficulty. With the expansion now encompassing all residents, the initiative solidifies Abu Dhabi’s dedication to community support and inclusivity.

This move aligns with Abu Dhabi's broader vision of providing world-class, compassionate services to its diverse population, making it a model for other regions to follow.