IVF TREATMENT IN THE UAE

The top nationalities that seek IVF treatment in the UAE are Emiratis, GCC nationals and expatriates living in the UAE from the sub-continent and Africa. Lately, some patients are also coming from China.

IVF treatment is one of the leading treatments sought by medical tourists in the UAE, especially in Dubai. Medical tourism accounts for 10 per cent to 15 per cent of the IVF patient volumes. Success rates in the country are quite high compared to other parts of the world. In addition, a few patients also come for gender selection, as the UAE is one of the few countries where gender selection is still permitted.

Approximately 15 per cent to 30 per cent of parents opt for IVF treatment to have their second child, while 10-15 per cent return to IVF centres to have another successful treatment cycle to conceive their second child. In over 50 per cent of cases, male infertility is the reason for seeking IVF treatment. The factors contributing to male infertility include lifestyle, diabetes, obesity, hypertension and genetics.

The average cost of an IVF treatment ranges between Dh20,000 to Dh30,000, but it may vary depending on the type of treatment recommended for each patient

The key challenge is restrictions on embryo freezing which results in repeat cycles of full treatment, increasing patients’ costs and morbidity.