Dubai’s “Jabr”: A Revolutionary, Compassion-First System for Bereaved Families
In a landmark move to support its community during life’s most difficult moments, Dubai has launched “Jabr”—a groundbreaking, human-centered platform that completely reimagines how death and bereavement are managed. Spearheaded by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) under the visionary “City Makers” program, Jabr replaces a maze of bureaucratic procedures with a single, compassionate point of contact, ensuring families can focus on healing rather than paperwork.
How Jabr Works: One Officer, One Platform, Complete Care
The core of Jabr is a dedicated Government Service Officer (GSO) assigned to each bereaved family. This officer becomes the family’s sole guide, managing every detail so they don’t have to.
End-to-End Coordination: The GSO liaises with all relevant entities—from hospitals and courts to immigration, airlines, and the municipality.
Automated Digital Backbone: The moment a death is registered at any hospital, the unified Jabr digital platform triggers automated alerts across government departments. This proactive system initiates death certification, legal filings, and logistical arrangements without family intervention.
Eliminated Redundancy: The digitally issued death certificate is automatically shared with all required authorities, eliminating the need for families to submit the same document multiple times.
Beyond Paperwork: Holistic Emotional, Social & Legal Support
Jabr’s true innovation lies in its holistic embrace of a family’s needs, addressing grief with cultural sensitivity and practical support.
1. Compassion & Community Care:
Condolence Support: For Emirati families, the system facilitates traditional condolence tents at over 70 locations. For expatriate residents, the GSO connects families with relevant community organizations and places of worship.
Psychological Support: In collaboration with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), over 230 school counselors have been trained to support grieving students. The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) provides optional religious counseling.
2. Streamlined Legal & Inheritance Processes:
Upon death registration, Dubai Courts automatically open an estate file, removing the need for heirs to initiate proceedings in person.
Authorities proactively begin asset inventory, simplifying the inheritance process and facilitating the issuance of necessary certificates.
3. Dignified Final Arrangements:
IACAD-trained volunteers are available for the ritual washing and shrouding of the deceased, with standardized kits provided.
Funeral, burial, and repatriation logistics are expedited through coordinated channels with Dubai Municipality and other partners.
A New Benchmark in Citizen-Centric Governance
Officials emphasize that Jabr represents a fundamental shift in the philosophy of public service.
Dr. Alawi AlSheikh-Ali, DHA Director-General, stated the system embodies “the Dubai Government’s profound commitment to placing people at the forefront,” providing emotional support when families are most vulnerable.
The platform integrates over 20 government and private entities, creating a seamless experience that reduces both emotional stress and financial strain. A unified payment gateway through Digital Dubai simplifies any necessary transactions.
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Why Jabr is a Global Model
In an era where digital transformation often feels impersonal, Jabr sets a new global standard by using technology to enable deeper humanity. It recognizes that efficient service and compassionate care are not mutually exclusive but are essential partners in supporting societal well-being.
For Dubai’s diverse residents, Jabr means that during a time of profound loss, the government actively shoulders the administrative burden. This allows families the space, time, and support they need for mourning and remembrance. By seamlessly blending digital efficiency with institutional coordination and human empathy, Dubai’s Jabr platform is more than a procedural overhaul—it’s a powerful statement about the value of dignity, respect, and care in a modern, compassionate city.
