A unified system introduced by Dubai, designed to alleviate the burden on families who have just lost a loved one, required complex planning across multiple entities. According to an official, the unique Jabr system was crafted to be a compassionate, efficient, and human-centered system that supports families at every stage.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Majid Al Mheiri, the official spokesperson of the Jabr System and Director of the Information Technology Department at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), explained the rationale behind the initiative.
“The loss of a family member is one of the most challenging moments anyone can face, and administrative procedures are often the last thing people are prepared to handle,” he said. “The Jabr Framework was created to alleviate this burden. It ensures that from the moment a death is registered, families receive proactive, human-centered support through a single dedicated Government Service Officer who manages all procedures on their behalf.”
On Monday, DHA announced the Jabr platform, where families who have lost their loved ones no longer need to visit various government departments to complete the necessary paperwork for burial or repatriation. Instead, a single dedicated Government Service Officer manages all procedures on their behalf.
According to Majid, coordinating 22 government and private-sector entities was a formidable task. “Multiple workshops, technical integrations, and process redesigns were carried out to enable all participating entities to operate as one cohesive system,” he said. “This joint effort allowed us to automate notifications, unify service pathways, and ensure seamless communication across all stakeholders, ultimately creating a model that serves families in the most efficient and compassionate way possible.”
As a result, the unified digital platform will issue automatic notifications to all relevant entities as soon as a death is registered, enabling them to take necessary actions immediately. There is also a unified payment point that reduces the number of transactions required for all related fees.
The system goes far beyond completing procedures. Families receive continuous guidance, psychological and social assistance, and reassurance during a time when they are least prepared and are processing a painful personal loss. This includes proactive communication, emotional support programs, and services designed to reduce administrative and financial pressure during the condolence period.
Majid noted that the comprehensive nature of Jabr — combining administrative facilitation, psychological support, social assistance, digital integration, and coordinated service delivery — makes it a distinctive model globally.
“While individual countries may offer certain elements, the level of inter-entity integration, automation, and holistic support offered through Jabr is unique to Dubai and reflects the emirate’s vision of placing human dignity at the center of public services,” he said.
Here are the features of the system that he outlined:
• Streamlined burial, repatriation, and cremation procedures based on the family’s wishes.
• An additional condolence tent for every Emirati mourning case, complete with full hospitality for three days.
• Condolence arrangements for residents in collaboration with eight public-benefit organizations and places of worship.
• More than 130 trained volunteers supporting washing and shrouding procedures.
• 230 trained school counselors providing psychological support to children who experience the loss of a family member.
• Upgraded cemetery service pathways and improved washing and burial facilities to ensure dignity, privacy, and efficiency.
