Zahed et al., 2002 conducted RFLP and sequence haplotype analysis to study the chromosomal background of 31 unrelated Lebanese subjects with IVS-I-110 (G>A) or codon 39 (C>T) beta-thalassemia mutations. Upon comparing the results with other studies from the Mediterranean, sequence haplotypes and RFLP haplotypes associated with IVS-I-110 allele were noted to be more diverse in Turkish samples compared to that of Lebanese. Zahed et al., 2002 indicated unicentric origin of IVS-I-110 (G>A) and hypothesised the probability of its introduction to Lebanon by migration or settlements from Turkey where it initially emerged. As codon 39 (C>T) was found to be rare in Lebanon, further insights regarding its origin and gene flow were not obtainable.

White et al. (1986) analyzed 5000 subjects from three major Peninsular Arab States and determined the frequency of beta thalassemia in the United Arab Emirates to be 1.7%. [Note: data from other studies indicate that the actual frequency of beta-thalassemia in the UAE is higher than 8%; see below > Baysal, 2001].

Miller et al. (2003) carried out a cross-sectional community clinic-based capillary blood survey to produce a hematological profile of preschool national children of the United Arab Emirates. The sample included 1-5-year-old Emirati children attending a Primary Health Care Center in Al-Ain from April 2000 to October 2000.In total, 496 children were surveyed, and prevalence of beta thalassemia was found to be 9%.

In an update on the status of beta-thalassemia in the UAE population, Dr. Erol Baysal (personal communication, April 2006) indicated that 51 beta-thalassemia mutations are found in 372 beta-thalassemia patients, nationals of the UAE. About two-thirds of the patients were homozygotes, and half of these were homozygous for the Arabian Indian IVS-I-5 (G-C) mutation.

Salama and Saleh (2016) undertook a retrospective survey of all couples who were screened under the pre-marital screening programme in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. More than 2/3rds of the screened individuals were Emiratis. Of the 17,286 screened individuals, 513 (2.88%) were found to be positibe for beta thalassemia trait and 18 (0.1%) were positive for the disease.