The Sultanate of Oman has announced that premarital medical examinations will become mandatory from January 1, 2026. The directive was issued through Royal Decree No. 111/2025 under the authority of Sultan Haitham bin Tarik. Under this regulation, couples will be required to complete specified medical tests before their marriage can be legally registered. Without a valid premarital medical certificate, marriage officiation will not be permitted.
The mandate applies to all couples intending to marry under Omani law, including Omani nationals and their partners. The requirement also extends to marriages conducted outside Oman if they are to be registered within the country. Religious officials, judges, and marriage registrars are legally bound to verify compliance before finalizing any marriage contract.
The premarital examination includes screening for genetic blood disorders and infectious diseases that carry long-term health implications. The genetic component focuses on sickle cell disease and thalassemia, both inherited conditions known to have a higher prevalence in the region. These disorders affect hemoglobin function and can lead to chronic anemia, organ damage, and reduced quality of life.
Infectious disease testing includes HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. These infections may remain asymptomatic for long periods but can be transmitted between partners or from mother to child during pregnancy or childbirth if left undetected.
The primary objective of the mandate is disease prevention through early detection. Identifying carrier status for inherited disorders before marriage allows couples to receive genetic counselling, helping them understand reproductive risks and available medical options. Similarly, early identification of infectious diseases enables timely treatment and reduces the risk of transmission.
Oman previously offered premarital screening as a voluntary program since 1999, but health authorities reported limited participation. Making the process mandatory aims to increase coverage and strengthen preventive healthcare outcomes at the population level.
Designated healthcare facilities under the Ministry of Health will conduct the examinations. After completing the tests and any required counselling, couples will receive a premarital medical certificate. This certificate will be digitally integrated with the Supreme Judicial Council’s marriage registration system, ensuring verification before legal approval of marriage.
Medical confidentiality remains protected. Test results are disclosed only to the individuals tested, and counselling focuses on informed decision-making rather than marriage approval or denial.
The law outlines penalties for failure to comply with the screening requirement. Individuals who attempt to register a marriage without completing the medical examination may face financial fines and potential short-term imprisonment, as specified under Omani law. Marriage officials who bypass verification procedures may also face legal accountability.
Mandatory premarital screening is not unique to Oman. Several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have adopted similar measures as part of long-term strategies to reduce the burden of inherited blood disorders and chronic viral infections. Evidence from these programs suggests improved awareness, early diagnosis, and better utilisation of preventive health services.
By linking marriage registration to preventive screening, Oman integrates healthcare into a critical life event. The policy reflects a shift toward anticipatory medicine, where health risks are addressed before disease develops. Ongoing monitoring will determine its impact on genetic disorder prevalence, maternal health outcomes, and infectious disease transmission over time.
What is premarital medical screening?
Premarital medical screening is a preventive health assessment conducted before marriage to identify certain genetic, blood-related, and infectious conditions. The screening typically involves blood tests and medical counselling. Its purpose is to detect health risks that could affect one or both partners or their future children, allowing informed medical and reproductive decisions.
Which conditions are commonly tested?
Most premarital screening programs test for inherited blood disorders such as thalassemia and sickle cell disease, as well as infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. These conditions are often asymptomatic in early stages but can have serious long-term health consequences if undiagnosed or untreated.
How does premarital screening benefit public health?
Premarital screening supports public health by reducing the incidence of inherited disorders, preventing transmission of infectious diseases, and promoting early diagnosis and treatment. Early identification lowers long-term healthcare costs and improves maternal, neonatal, and population-level health outcomes.
Are premarital screening results kept confidential?
Yes. Medical confidentiality is a core component of premarital screening programs. Test results are disclosed only to the individuals tested and shared with authorities solely to confirm completion of screening, not to reveal medical details. Counselling is conducted in a private and confidential setting.
