One blood donation can save up to three or four lives, and in a country with busy roads, major surgical centres, and one of the region’s highest rates of inherited blood disorders such as thalassemia, the need for donors never pauses. The UAE runs a well organised network of government blood banks across the emirates, supported by mobile donation drives that visit workplaces, malls, and community events throughout the year.
This guide lists the main blood donation centers in UAE emirate by emirate, with locations, timings, and contact numbers, then explains who can donate, how the process works, and what to expect on the day.
Blood Donation Centers in the UAE
1. Dubai Blood Donation Centre, Al Jaddaf, Dubai
Founded by the Dubai Health Authority and now part of Dubai Health, the Dubai Blood Donation Centre (DBDC) is the emirate’s central blood bank and one of the leading facilities of its kind in the region. It supplies blood to all DHA and private hospitals in Dubai, collects a large share of all blood donated in the country, and is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). Donors can give whole blood on a walk in or booked basis, while platelet and double red cell apheresis run by appointment. Registration and appointments are available online and through the Dubai Health app, one of the useful healthcare apps in the UAE, and every donor receives an e-card that tracks their donations.
| Address | Within Latifa Hospital premises, behind Latifa Hospital Mosque, Oud Metha Road, Al Jaddaf, Dubai |
| Timings | Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM (whole blood); apheresis by appointment Monday to Thursday, 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM |
| Phone | 800 342 / +971 4 219 7000 |
| [email protected] |
2. Abu Dhabi Blood Bank, Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi
Operated under SEHA’s Abu Dhabi Blood Bank Services and linked to Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, the Abu Dhabi Blood Bank serves both public and private hospitals across the capital and supports other emirates when needed. Donors register with their Emirates ID, complete a health questionnaire covering medical, medication, and travel history, and pass a short screening before donating.
| Address | Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi |
| Timings | Sunday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Phone | 800 50 (SEHA line) |
| Operator | SEHA / Sheikh Khalifa Medical City |
3. Al Ain Regional Blood Bank, Al Ain
Serving the Al Ain region and its hospitals, this SEHA facility in the Al Jimi and Civic Center area keeps some of the longest donor hours in the country, making it easy to give blood after work.
| Address | Al Mu’tarid, Civic Center area, Al Jimi, Al Ain |
| Timings | Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM; Sunday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Phone | +971 3 707 4567 |
| Operator | SEHA |
4. Al Dhafra Blood Bank, Zayed City, Abu Dhabi
The newest facility in SEHA’s network serves the Al Dhafra region, welcoming donors from Zayed City, Ghayathi, and Dalma Island with capacity for thousands of donors each year.
| Address | Next to the Preventive Medicine centre, Zayed City, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi |
| Timings | Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Phone | 800 50 (SEHA line) |
| Operator | SEHA |
5. Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Centre, Sharjah
Run under Emirates Health Services, Sharjah’s centre acts as a regional blood bank working in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, and organises large mobile donation campaigns across the northern emirates alongside its fixed site donations.
| Address | Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Sharjah |
| Timings | Weekdays approximately 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM, with shorter weekend hours (confirm by phone) |
| Phone | +971 6 558 2111 |
| Operator | Emirates Health Services (EHS) |
6. Saqr Hospital Blood Bank, Ras Al Khaimah
Ras Al Khaimah’s blood bank operates from Saqr Hospital, one of the emirate’s largest hospitals, and is approved by the Ministry of Health and Prevention. It maintains the blood supply for hospitals across RAK and welcomes walk in donors.
| Address | Saqr Hospital, Ras Al Khaimah |
| Timings | Daytime hours; call ahead to confirm |
| Phone | +971 7 222 3666 |
| Operator | EHS / MOHAP approved |
7. Fujairah Hospital Blood Bank, Fujairah
On the east coast, Fujairah Hospital receives blood donors for the emirate’s hospitals and coordinates local donation drives with community organisations.
| Address | Fujairah Hospital, Fujairah |
| Timings | Daytime hours; call ahead to confirm |
| Phone | +971 9 224 2999 |
| Operator | Emirates Health Services (EHS) |
8. Umm Al Quwain Hospital Blood Bank, Umm Al Quwain
Umm Al Quwain’s dedicated blood bank operates from the emirate’s main hospital and arranges donation drives across the community in collaboration with local partners.
| Address | Umm Al Quwain Hospital, Umm Al Quwain |
| Timings | Daytime hours; call ahead to confirm |
| Phone | +971 6 706 0500 |
| Operator | Emirates Health Services (EHS) |
9. Mobile Blood Donation Drives, Nationwide
All the major blood banks run mobile units that visit government offices, companies, universities, malls, and mosques throughout the year, and Ajman residents are largely served this way alongside hospital collections. Companies can arrange an on site drive by contacting the Dubai Blood Donation Centre or the Sharjah Blood Transfusion and Research Centre directly, which is one of the most effective ways to donate as a team.
Who Can Donate Blood in the UAE?
The eligibility rules are consistent across the country. Donors must be in good general health, aged 18 to 65, and weigh at least 50 kilograms. At screening, blood pressure should fall within the accepted range, pulse should be between 50 and 100 beats per minute, and body temperature should not exceed 37.5 degrees Celsius. A quick hemoglobin check confirms your iron levels are sufficient. Certain conditions, medications, recent travel to specific countries, recent tattoos, and recent illness can lead to a temporary or permanent deferral, which the screening doctor will explain. People with an existing medical condition or ongoing medication concerns may want to consult an internal medicine doctor in Dubai before donating. Bring your Emirates ID, as it is required for registration everywhere.
How the Donation Process Works
The full visit usually takes under an hour, and the donation itself only about 10 minutes. You register with your Emirates ID and complete a health questionnaire, then a nurse checks your blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and hemoglobin. Once cleared, you donate roughly 450 millilitres of whole blood while relaxing in a donor chair, after which you rest briefly with refreshments before leaving. Eat a normal meal and drink plenty of water beforehand, avoid heavy exercise for the rest of the day, and keep the small bandage on for a few hours. If screening identifies a result that requires further investigation, additional testing may be available through diagnostic facilities such as Trust Medical Laboratory Dubai.
How Often Can You Donate?
Whole blood can be donated once every eight weeks, which allows your red cells to fully recover. Platelet apheresis donors can give more frequently under the blood bank’s guidance, since platelets regenerate within days. Regular donors in Dubai are recognised through the donor e-card system, which records every donation and upgrades donor status over time.
Benefits of Donating Blood
The greatest benefit is the one you give: each donation can support three to four patients, from accident victims and surgical patients to people living with thalassemia who depend on regular transfusions. Donors gain something too. Every donation includes a mini health screening, regular donation helps the body manage excess iron, and it stimulates the bone marrow to produce fresh blood cells. Research has also associated regular donation with cardiovascular benefits. If you have an existing heart condition, clear it with your doctor before donating; our guide to cardiologists in Dubai can help you find the right specialist to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I donate blood in Dubai?
At the Dubai Blood Donation Centre within the Latifa Hospital premises in Al Jaddaf, open Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM, or at any of its mobile donation drives around the city.
Do I need an appointment to donate blood in the UAE?
Walk ins are accepted at most centres, but booking through the Dubai Health app or the relevant blood bank’s system shortens your visit and is required for platelet apheresis.
What documents do I need to donate blood?
Your Emirates ID is required for registration at every blood donation centre in the UAE.
How long does blood donation take?
The donation itself takes about 10 minutes, and the full visit, including registration, screening, and rest, usually takes 45 minutes to an hour.
Can I donate blood for a specific person?
Yes. UAE blood banks accept both general donations and directed donations for a specific patient, subject to compatibility and screening.
Is donating blood safe?
Yes. All equipment is sterile and single use, centres follow strict international standards, and the Dubai Blood Donation Centre holds AABB accreditation. Most donors feel completely normal within hours.