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
- 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.
- Go to the Abu Dhabi government services platform, Tamm, at https://www.tamm.abudhabi/en/life-events/individual/DeceasedInheritance/Deceased/RequesttoManageDeathCertificate
- Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP): Access the MOHAP
- 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
How do I report a death in the UAE?
To report a death outside a hospital, call 999 to inform the police immediately. If the death occurs in a hospital, the authorities there will handle the initial report. The police will prepare an initial death report and move the deceased to the government morgue
What is the next step after reporting a death in the UAE
Once the initial death report is prepared, a death certificate declaration is issued. This declaration needs to be stamped by the police, who will also provide a no objection certificate (NOC). Separate NOCs might be needed for body release, embalming, or transporting the deceased.
How can I apply for a death certificate in the UAE?
After obtaining the necessary NOCs, you can apply for a death certificate through the relevant health authority. If the death occurs in a Dubai Health Authority (DHA) hospital, you’ll receive the certificate there. For deaths in private hospitals or at home, follow the application process provided by DHA.
What’s the procedure to cancel the visa of the deceased in the UAE?
Take the required documents to the Department of Naturalisation and Residency of the relevant emirate to cancel the deceased’s visa.
What steps are involved in arranging final rites for the deceased in the UAE?
Notify the embassy or consulate of the deceased’s country in the UAE. Based on preference, the deceased can be cremated, buried locally, or repatriated to their home country with proper documentation. To repatriate, you’ll need an NOC from the embassy or consulate, and the passport must be canceled, with the death registered in the home country.