Imagine accessing your complete medical history with just a few taps on your phone—no more carrying physical files, chasing reports, or repeating your medical story at every clinic. Welcome to the future where patient portals in UAE empower your health journey. In a country leading the digital health revolution, the UAE’s integration of patient portals with Malaffi (Abu Dhabi), NABIDH (Dubai), and Riayati (federal) isn’t just about convenience. It’s about control, confidence, and continuity. You now have the power to view your lab results, track medications, schedule appointments, and manage your health data—instantly and securely.
This article explores how Sahatna and Malaffi’s digital tools, alongside NABIDH’s infrastructure, are transforming healthcare engagement in the UAE. Whether you’re managing a chronic illness, monitoring your child’s vaccinations, or staying informed, this guide shows how digital portals empower your choices in real time.
Understanding Patient Portals in UAE Healthcare
Patient portals are secure, web-based or mobile platforms that allow you to access your health data, interact with providers, and manage appointments without needing to call or visit a clinic. In the UAE, these portals are linked to national and emirate-specific health information exchanges (HIEs):
- Malaffi in Abu Dhabi, operated by Abu Dhabi Health Data Services (ADHDS), connects over 2,700 healthcare facilities.
- NABIDH in Dubai, managed by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), unifies health data across public and private providers.
- Riayati, the National Unified Medical Record (NUMR), facilitates federal-level data exchange across the UAE.
These systems consolidate patient data into a single, accessible digital health record, enabling you to actively participate in your care.
What Is Sahatna and What Can You Do with It?
Sahatna, meaning “Our Health” in Arabic, is Abu Dhabi’s all-in-one healthcare mobile app, launched by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) in partnership with ADHDS at GITEX Global 2024. Integrated with Malaffi, Sahatna empowers Abu Dhabi residents to manage their health and their family’s wellness through a user-friendly interface.
Key Features of Sahatna
- Access Personal Health Records (PHR): View allergies, conditions, lab reports, prescriptions, and past visits stored in Malaffi.
- Manage Appointments: Book or cancel in-person or teleconsultation appointments with connected providers.
- View Vaccination History: Track children’s immunizations or travel-related vaccine records.
- Download Reports: Retrieve PDFs of lab tests, imaging reports, and prescriptions for easy sharing.
- AI Symptom Checker: Input symptoms to receive potential condition assessments and care guidance.
- Genomic Insights: Access personalized wellness and lifestyle reports for Emirati Genome Program (EGP) participants.
- Wearable Integration: Connect devices to track sleep, activity, and other wellness metrics.
Sahatna puts control in your hands, making it easier to monitor chronic conditions or stay proactive about wellness. Over 60% of Abu Dhabi’s healthcare facilities are connected, ensuring broad access.
How Malaffi’s Patient Access Transforms Care in Abu Dhabi
Malaffi, Abu Dhabi’s Health Information Exchange, securely connects over 2,700 healthcare providers to create a unified medical record for each patient. Through Sahatna’s “My Health” feature, patients gain real-time access to their Malaffi records, replacing the older Health Portal with enhanced functionality.
What You Can Do with Malaffi via Sahatna:
- Track Medical History: Review details from emergency visits, routine check-ups, and specialist consultations.
- Monitor Chronic Conditions: Manage diabetes, hypertension, or other illnesses with clear, accessible data.
- Download and Share Records: Retrieve lab results, radiology images, and clinical summaries instantly.
- Check Medications: View prescriptions to avoid duplications or interactions.
- Plan Appointments: Schedule visits with connected providers, with seamless integration across Abu Dhabi’s ecosystem.
Malaffi’s integration with Sahatna creates a holistic digital healthcare experience, ensuring you stay connected—anytime, anywhere.
NABIDH and Its Role in Enabling Patient-Centric Access in Dubai
NABIDH (Network & Analysis Backbone for Integrated Dubai Health) is Dubai’s unified health data exchange platform, launched by DHA. It connects all healthcare providers in Dubai, enabling secure, real-time data sharing. While NABIDH supports patient access to health records, it primarily operates through provider systems or DHA’s existing patient interfaces, such as the DHA mobile app, rather than a dedicated portal like Sahatna.
NABIDH’s Impact on Patient Access:
- Ensures real-time updates to your health record across Dubai’s providers.
- Maintains data integrity, reducing errors from fragmented records.
- Enables continuity of care, even if you switch clinics or hospitals.
- Supports backend analytics for population health and preventive care.
For patients, NABIDH means your health history is centralized, improving medical accuracy and convenience in Dubai.
Key Features Patients Can Use Across Patient Portals in UAE
Sahatna (for Malaffi) and DHA’s patient access tools (for NABIDH) simplify your healthcare journey. Here’s a consolidated look at core features:
| Feature | Sahatna (Abu Dhabi) | NABIDH (Dubai via DHA Tools) |
|---|---|---|
| View Health Records | ✅ | ✅ |
| Book Appointments | ✅ | ✅ |
| Lab Results Access | ✅ | ✅ |
| Vaccination History | ✅ | ✅ |
| Secure Messaging | ❌ | ✅ (via DHA app) |
| Multilingual Support | ✅ | ✅ |
| Download Reports | ✅ | ✅ |
| AI Symptom Checker | ✅ | ❌ |
| Genomic Insights | ✅ | ❌ |
Both platforms are accessible via web browsers and mobile apps, ensuring flexibility.
Benefits of Using Digital Patient Portals in the UAE
a. Empowered Decision-Making
You can view lab values, prescriptions, and imaging, enabling informed health choices.
b. Enhanced Transparency
Access your full medical file for clarity and accountability.
c. Reduced Administrative Hassles
Eliminate paperwork and manual record transfers—your data is instantly available.
d. Better Chronic Disease Management
Track blood sugar, medications, or care plans for effective condition management.
e. Family Health Management
Manage children’s vaccinations or elderly relatives’ prescriptions from one platform.
Addressing Data Security and Privacy in Patient Portals in UAE
Security is paramount in digital health. Sahatna, Malaffi, and NABIDH adhere to strict protocols under ADHICS (Abu Dhabi) and DHA Data Privacy regulations (Dubai), ensuring compliance with UAE federal health privacy laws.
Security Features Include:
- Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enhances login security.
- Encrypted Data: Protects records during storage and transfer.
- Role-Based Access Control: Limits data access to authorized users.
- Audit Trails: Tracks every login and action for accountability.
Your data is both accessible and safeguarded at every level.
What’s Coming Next?
The UAE’s digital health platforms are evolving to offer more personalized and intelligent features:
a. Enhanced AI Integration
Future updates may include preventive health alerts or wellness recommendations based on your data.
b. Wearable Syncing
Broader integration with smartwatches and fitness trackers to provide lifestyle insights.
c. Cross-Emirate Integration
Ongoing enhancements to Riayati’s integration with Malaffi and NABIDH will improve data access across the UAE.
d. Advanced Consent Tools
Patients may gain more granular control over data sharing through digital consent systems.
Sahatna and Malaffi, alongside NABIDH’s infrastructure, are your gateways to smarter, safer, and more connected healthcare. With secure access to your health data, you’re empowered to make timely decisions, manage family wellness, and take charge of your health like never before.
As the UAE leads the region in healthcare digitalization, these platforms will continue to grow. Sign up, log in with your UAE Pass, and experience personalized digital care—right at your fingertips.
FAQs
1. What is Sahatna and how does it work?
Sahatna is Abu Dhabi’s official patient portal, developed by DoH and ADHDS. It lets you access Malaffi-linked health records, book appointments, view lab results, and manage your medical history securely via a mobile app or web platform.
2. Can I access Malaffi if I’m treated in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, if you receive care in Abu Dhabi, you can access your Malaffi health records through Sahatna’s “My Health” feature, covering data from over 2,700 providers.
3. Is it safe to access medical records online in the UAE?
Yes, Sahatna, Malaffi, and NABIDH use robust cybersecurity measures, including 2FA, encryption, and ADHICS/DHA-compliant protocols to protect your data.
4. Can I access my child’s medical records through the patient portals in UAE?
Yes, Sahatna allows proxy access for parents or guardians to manage children’s vaccination history, lab results, and appointments. Similar functionality is available in Dubai via DHA tools.
5. Do I need to pay patient portals in UAE to access health records?
No, access to Sahatna and patient-facing tools for Malaffi and NABIDH is free for UAE residents and patients.