How to Report a Death and Arrange Final Rites in the UAE 2023

Guide to Reporting a Death and Completing Final Rites in the UAE

Dealing with the passing of a loved one is tough, but understanding the process can make things easier. This guide explains how to report a death and handle a death in the UAE, including obtaining essential documents and arranging final rites.

Steps for Report a Death in the UAE

Step 1: Report the Death

In case of a death outside a hospital, call 999 immediately to inform the police. They’ll prepare an initial death report and transfer the deceased to the government morgue. If the death happens in a hospital, the authorities will handle the initial report and move the body to the morgue.

A death certificate declaration will be given, which requires police stamping. The police will also issue a no objection certificate (NOC) for body release, embalming, or transport.

Step 2: Apply for Death Certificate

After obtaining the NOC, you must apply for a death certificate through the relevant health authority:

• Dubai Health Authority (DHA): If the death occurs in a DHA hospital, you’ll receive the certificate from there. For private hospitals or home deaths, call DHA’s hotline at 800 342 to learn the issuance process.
• Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DOH): Apply through the Tamm platform by visiting their website. Provide the deceased’s details, attach required documents, and pay a fee of Dh50.
  • Go to the Abu Dhabi government services platform, Tamm, at https://www.tamm.abudhabi/en/life-events/individual/DeceasedInheritance/Deceased/RequesttoManageDeathCertificate
  • Click on ‘Start.’
  • Use your UAE Pass to log in.
  • Confirm your personal details are accurate (these are filled automatically when using UAE Pass).
  • On the dashboard, choose ‘Request for Issuing Death Certificate.’
  • Enter the deceased person’s registration number (Qaid number) and date of birth.
  • Click ‘Validate.’
  • Attach the necessary documents and review the application details.
  • Click ‘Request certificate.’
  • Choose the language (Arabic or English) for the certificate and provide address details for delivery.
• Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP): Access the MOHAP website, use your UAE Pass to log in, provide required details, attach documents, and pay Dh60.
  • Visit mohap.gov.ae and click on ‘Services.’
  • Select ‘Individual services’ or search for ‘Issue of a death certificate.’
  • Click ‘Start service.’
  • Log in using your UAE Pass.
  • Choose ‘Issue of a death certificate’ under ‘death certificates.’
  • Find the certificate details by entering the deceased’s registration number (Qaid number) and date of birth.
  • Click ‘Search.’
  • Attach the required documents and review the application details.
  • Click ‘Request certificate.’
  • Choose the language (Arabic or English) and provide address details for delivery.

According to MOHAP, your application will be processed within one working day. For assistance, you can call MOHAP at 800 111 11 or email info@mohap.gov.ae.

Step 3: Attestation by MOFA

For international transport or other reasons, get the death certificate attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). You can do this online on their website or through attestation service providers.

Step 4: Cancel Visa

Take the documents to the emirate’s Department of Naturalisation and Residency to cancel the deceased’s visa.

Step 5: Inform Embassy and Arrange Final Rites

Notify the embassy or consulate of the deceased’s country in the UAE. Based on preference, expatriates can be cremated, buried locally, or sent to their home country with the necessary documents.

For repatriation, you’ll need an NOC from the embassy or consulate, and the diplomatic mission must cancel the passport and register the death in the home country.

Following these steps can help you honor your loved one’s memory and fulfill their final wishes.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs on Report a Death in UAE