Dubai has introduced a unified system aimed at reducing the burden on families who have recently lost a loved one, achieved through intricate planning across multiple entities. According to an official, the innovative Jabr system is crafted to be uniquely compassionate, efficient, and human-centric, offering support to families at every phase.
Majid Al Mheiri, the official spokesperson for the Jabr System and Director of the Information Technology Department at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), shared insights with Khaleej Times on the rationale behind the initiative.
“Losing a family member is among the hardest experiences, and dealing with administrative tasks is often the last thing people want to handle,” he explained. “The Jabr Framework was established to alleviate this burden. It guarantees that once a death is registered, families receive proactive, personalized support through a dedicated Government Service Officer who manages all procedures on their behalf.”
Stay informed with the latest updates. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
On Monday, DHA announced the launch of the Jabr platform, which eliminates the need for bereaved families to visit multiple government offices to handle necessary paperwork for burial or repatriation. Instead, a dedicated Government Service Officer manages all these processes.
Complex Task
Majid noted that coordinating 22 government and private-sector entities was a significant challenge. “Numerous workshops, technical integrations, and redesigns of processes were conducted to ensure all participating entities function as a unified system,” he stated. “This collaborative effort enabled us to automate notifications, standardize service pathways, and ensure seamless communication among all stakeholders, crafting a model that serves families in the most efficient and compassionate manner possible.”
Consequently, the unified digital platform automatically sends notifications to all relevant entities once a death is registered, allowing them to take necessary actions promptly. A unified payment system also minimizes the number of transactions needed for all associated fees.
The system extends beyond mere procedural completion. Families receive ongoing guidance, psychological and social support, and comfort during a time of personal loss. This includes proactive communication, emotional support programs, and services designed to ease administrative and financial stress during the mourning period.
Unique System
Majid highlighted that the comprehensive nature of Jabr—encompassing administrative facilitation, psychological support, social assistance, digital integration, and coordinated service delivery—positions it as a unique global model.
“While some countries might offer certain components, the level of inter-entity integration, automation, and holistic support provided by Jabr is exclusive to Dubai, embodying the emirate’s vision of prioritizing human dignity in public services,” he said.
Here are the system’s features he outlined:
-
Streamlined burial, repatriation, and cremation procedures aligned with family desires.
-
An additional condolence tent for every Emirati mourning case, featuring full hospitality for three days.
-
Condolence arrangements for residents in collaboration with eight public-benefit organizations and places of worship.
-
Over 130 trained volunteers assisting with washing and shrouding procedures.
-
230 trained school counselors providing psychological support to children mourning a family member.
-
Enhanced cemetery service pathways and improved facilities for washing and burial to ensure dignity, privacy, and efficiency.
