Dubai Launches Digitised Grief-Care Platform 'Jabr' To Aid Bereaved Families

Dubai has unveiled a major overhaul of bereavement services, aiming to simplify and digitise all procedures linked to the death of a family member, the Dubai Health Authority said. The move is part of the government's wider City Makers initiative and is designed to offer faster, more humane support during what officials described as one of the most difficult periods for families.

Under the new system, named Jabr, each bereavement case will be managed by a dedicated Government Service Officer who coordinates with all relevant authorities on behalf of the family. This replaces the previous requirement for families to visit multiple government offices for tasks such as obtaining a death certificate, arranging transport or repatriation of the deceased, and organising burial or condolence services.

The Jabr system relies on a unified digital platform: once a death is registered in any public or private hospital, instant notifications are dispatched to all concerned government bodies. Death certificates are issued proactively and automatically circulated, eliminating the need for families to repeatedly submit documentation. Transport, burial and repatriation procedures are expedited, offering families more time for emotional and social support rather than bureaucratic burdens.

Officials emphasised that the initiative extends beyond paperwork. Dr Alawi AlSheikh-Ali, Director-General of DHA, said the scheme“reflects Dubai Government's profound commitment to placing people at the forefront of its priorities.” He underscored that Jabr is intended to address not just legal and administrative needs but also the psychological and social dimensions of loss.

Majid Al Muhairi, the system's spokesperson and Director of IT at DHA, described the platform as a“human-centred” service designed to deliver compassionate care. He said families will receive psychological and social support before, during and after the condolence period, with GSOs guiding them every step of the way.

The broader support network includes services from various public-benefit organisations and places of worship offering condolence arrangements for residents, while Emirati families are provided hospitality and condolence tents at over 70 designated locations for a three-day mourning period. For students coping with loss, 230 school counsellors have been trained under the auspices of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, in collaboration with the Dubai Academic Health Corporation. Optional religious support is available through the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.

On the legal and estate-management front, the system enables the judicial authorities - notably Dubai Courts - to have estate files opened automatically once a death certificate is issued. This streamlines asset inventorying and inheritance documentation, removing the need for heirs to appear in person.

Funeral and mortuary services have also been upgraded under the revamped framework. More than 130 volunteers have already been trained to wash and shroud the deceased, using standardised shroud kits. Cemetery facilities have been improved in coordination with the Dubai Municipality, and cemetery-management guides have been issued as part of efforts to ensure dignified and respectful handling of the deceased.

Officials at DHA maintain that Jabr will reduce both the emotional and financial burden on bereaved families, while improving overall quality of life and aligning with the ethos of a compassionate, integrated government service ecosystem.

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