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Donating blood in Abu Dhabi can save hundreds of lives so once you feel settled in your new home you definitely should consider donating.
24 July 2013
| Last updated on 24 November 2019
Are you keen on donating your blood while living in Abu Dhabi? Here's all the information on how-to and where...
One of the greatest things we can do as humans is to share our blood to help save other people's lives. After all, blood donation does save lives. In fact - one unit of donated blood can save up to three people's lives.
Because blood cannot be manufactured and stored indefinitely, it's essential and encouraged that people volunteer themselves to donate their blood to help when needed. The amazing thing is, as blood can be separated into different components (like plasma, red blood cells, platelets), you have even more chance of helping several lives in various different ways.
Donating blood in Abu Dhabi is a fairly straightforward thing to do. However, there might still be some confusion over who is allowed and who is not allowed to donate blood in Abu Dhabi, as well as where to do it.
Here are the things you need to know before you go to the nearest blood donation centre in the UAE's capital city.
How to Donate Blood in Abu Dhabi: What to Know and What to Do
Is blood donation safe?
Absolutely. While you may have a small bruise appear around the pricking point on your arm, your body will compensate the volume of blood you have donated within 24 hours.
Plus, the blood banks in Abu Dhabi are run by SEHA (Arabic word for health), who adhere to the most stringent international standards in the handling of blood and products, ensuring the highest levels of patient safety at all times.
Am I eligible for blood donation?
Any healthy adult aged between 18 and 65 years old, who weigh at least 50kg, can donate blood in Abu Dhabi.
Any individual who has had recent surgery, or are taking certain medications, or anyone who has a chronic medical condition or infectious disease, pregnant women and those who have recently give birth cannot donate their blood.
So how do I donate blood in Abu Dhabi?
If you wish to donate your blood, the process is simple to follow:
- Visit your nearest blood bank and complete a medical questionnaire to assess your eligibility to donate blood
- Provide your valid ID such as a driving license, Emirates ID or any proof of UAE residency
- If you are fit to donate, they will collect roughly a 450ml unit of blood
- After donating, you will be asked to rest for a few minutes and drink an energy-replenishing refreshment
- You must drink plenty of fluids in the following 24 hours and refrain from lifting heavy objects
- Refrain from smoking for at least 6 hours, and avoid being in high places
Where can I donate my blood in Abu Dhabi?
There are a few different locations that you may donate your blood in Abu Dhabi.
The Abu Dhabi Blood Bank (ADBB)
The Abu Dhabi Blood Bank operates under the direction of the Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) and the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi (HAAD). It provides donors the opportunity to give blood in a convenient environment compliant with international standards. The Blood Bank's blood supply covers the needs of governmental and private hospitals in Abu Dhabi and supports the other Emirates.
- Location: Al Manhal Street, Khaldiya Area, Abu Dhabi
- Contact tel: +971 2 819 1700
- Operating hours: 7 am to 10 pm (Sunday - Thursday), 7 am to 3 pm (Saturdays)
Al Ain Regional Blood Bank
Alternatively, if you're nearer Al Ain, you may visit the Al Ain Regional Blood Bank, managed by Tawam Hospital.
- Location: Al Jimi Area, Abu Dhabi
- Contact tel: 800 8722
- Operating hours: 8 am to 10 pm (Sunday - Thursday), 10 am to 6 pm (Saturdays)
Mobile Blood Bank
The last option is the Mobile Blood Bank. This service provides location-independent blood donating and encourages blood drives by going to organisations, public venues, universities and other areas in the community. In order to host a Mobile Blood Bank, organisations can call +971 3 762 3088 to make arrangements.
What happens to my blood once donated?
All blood collected from donors is carefully screened, as the blood has to fulfill high-quality standards it must undergo 6 major tests for infectious disease: HIV 1 and 2 Antibody, HIV p24 Antigen (AIDS), Hepatitis B Core Antibody (anti HBc), Hepatitis C Antibody (anti HCV), HTLV I and II Antibody (anti HTVL I and II) and serological test for Syphilis.
