Dubai Launches ‘Jabr’: A Compassion-First Platform to Transform Bereavement Support

In a groundbreaking move to ease one of life's most difficult moments, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has launched ‘Jabr’—an integrated, compassionate platform designed to completely overhaul how death and bereavement are managed in the emirate. This innovative system aims to eliminate bureaucratic stress for grieving families by centralizing all procedures, from documentation to funeral arrangements, under a single, supportive umbrella. Part of Dubai’s broader “City Makers” program, Jabr redefines government service by pairing digital efficiency with deep human empathy.

How Jabr Works: One Call, One Officer, Complete Care

Jabr fundamentally simplifies the process for families. The moment a death is registered at any hospital in Dubai, the unified digital platform is automatically activated, eliminating the need for families to initiate stressful paperwork.

• A Dedicated Guide: Each family is assigned a single Government Service Officer (GSO) who acts as their sole point of contact. This officer coordinates all logistics with relevant authorities, handling everything from the death certificate to burial or repatriation arrangements.
• Automated Paperwork: The system proactively issues the death certificate and shares it electronically with all necessary entities—including courts, immigration, and airlines—removing the need for families to submit documents repeatedly.
• Expedited Logistics: Whether choosing local burial or international repatriation, Jabr streamlines transport and customs clearance, significantly reducing the delays traditionally associated with these processes.

Beyond Paperwork: Holistic Emotional and Social Support

Jabr’s vision extends far beyond administrative tasks, offering comprehensive psychosocial support tailored to Dubai’s diverse community.

• Condolence Support: For Emirati families, the system facilitates the setup of traditional condolence tents across 70+ locations. For expatriate residents, the GSO connects families with relevant community organizations, cultural centers, and places of worship.
• Counseling Services: In collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), hundreds of school counselors have been trained to support grieving students. The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) also provides optional religious counseling and lectures.
• Dignified Funeral Services: IACAD has trained over 130 volunteers for the ritual washing and shrouding of the deceased. Standardized kits and upgraded cemetery facilities ensure procedures are respectful, hygienic, and efficient.

Streamlining Inheritance and Legal Formalities

Jabr also transforms the often-complex legal aftermath of a death. Upon issuance of the death certificate, the system automatically opens an estate file with Dubai Courts.

• Authorities proactively begin inventorying assets, simplifying the inheritance process.
• The platform facilitates the issuance of Sharia-based heirship certificates without requiring heirs to be physically present during initial stages, easing a significant burden during mourning.

Official Vision: Embedding Humanity in Public Service

Senior officials emphasize that Jabr represents a core shift in governance philosophy.

• Dr. Alawi AlSheikh-Ali, DHA Director-General, stated the initiative places people's emotional and psychological needs at the heart of public services, offering empathy when families are most vulnerable.
• Majid Al Muhairi, Head of DHA IT and Jabr Spokesperson, described the platform as “a supportive and compassionate customer experience” that uses advanced technology to ensure dignified, efficient service, embodying the humanitarian values of the City Makers program.

Also Read: Digital Design Pioneer Devesh Mistry, Co-Founder of RBBi Dubai, Mourned as ‘Superman’

What This Means for Dubai Residents

For the multicultural community of Dubai, Jabr marks a profound improvement in welfare services. It ensures that in a time of profound loss, families can focus on healing and remembrance rather than navigating a maze of logistics. By integrating over 20 government and private entities, Jabr provides a seamless, dignified pathway through bereavement, reinforcing Dubai’s commitment to a compassionate, resident-centric future. This initiative sets a new global benchmark for how cities can support citizens through life's most challenging transitions with both technology and heart.