Egg Freezing & IVF in the United Arab Emirates

Medical tourism is booming in the UAE, a federation that consists of seven emirates including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Aside from its advanced medical technology and sophisticated healthcare facilities, the government has prioritised its healthcare infrastructure. When it comes to medical tourism luxury, the UAE is at par with the similar high-end services of Switzerland and Singapore. The top three medical tourism specialisations of the UAE are assisted conception treatments, surgery using robots, and cancer treatments.

Medical procedures cost less in the UAE compared to Western countries but cost more compared to Asian countries like Thailand and India. Most healthcare facilities have received international accreditation from the JCI. They are also regularly inspected and audited by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP). The duration of stay using the medical treatment visa in the UAE is 90 days but this can be extended when the need arises. Since only a married man and woman can avail of medically assisted reproduction treatments, hospitals require passport photocopies of both husband and wife and the presence of both during the treatments. Expect to be served Halal food during your hospital stay but you are also given the option to customise your dietary needs.

Staying in Abu Dhabi and Dubai is convenient as accommodations typically offer to shuttle you back and forth from the hospital to your hotel. When recovering from your treatments, you are in luck for you are in a luxurious destination. Abu Dhabi has many islands, beaches, marinas, theme parks, and zoos. The Yas Marina Circuit's Formula 1™ race track is found in Yas Island. Do not miss going to the Emirates Palace Marina if you want to go onboard a superyacht. Culture is best experienced in Saadiyat Island where the Louvre Abu Dhabi is found. Visit Jebel Hafit to experience Abu Dhabi's tallest peak. Dubai has been named by Tripadvisor as the #1 Most Popular Destination in the World for the consecutive years of 2022 and 2023. Jumeirah Mosque is the lone mosque in Dubai that allows non-Muslims to enter. Watch the races at the Al Marmoom Camel Race Track. Fly up a hot air balloon at the Flying with Falcons by Balloon Adventures Dubai.

Most of the people are Muslims so visitors must respect religious practices and local customs. Dress modestly and make sure your skirts reach below your knees. Muslims fast during Ramadan so tourists are expected to refrain from eating in public as a sign of respect. Unmarried couples are not allowed to stay in a hotel room together. It is illegal to take pictures of people, government, and military buildings. This is not a great place to visit if you identify as LGBTQ+. Trans people could face up to a year in prison plus pay a hefty fine. Same-sex relations are illegal in UAE so you must avoid all public displays of affection (PDA). Heterosexual couples must also refrain from engaging in PDA as this could lead to being arrested. Avoid carrying products containing CBD. It is very hot and humid in the UAE because it is located in a desert so pack suitable clothes.

You can ride any of the government-controlled public transportation in the UAE, whether it's a bus, taxi, water taxi, or the metro. Eating, drinking, and chewing gum is prohibited when riding the metro. Men and women with children are divided into compartments and men are not allowed to enter the women's compartments even if they are related by blood. All buses are disability-friendly. When riding in taxis, avoid sitting at the front next to the driver and avoid small talk as this can be misinterpreted.

Social attitudes towards fertility treatment

Over the years, more Emirati women have been educated and have joined the workforce. Many of them are focused on their careers and for this reason, they choose to delay family plans. There used to be a stigma of having children later in life but this is decreasing. Attitudes towards social egg freezing for future use and fertility treatments have changed drastically in line with the availability of choices for contraception. The post-pandemic has sparked the rise in oocyte freezing, especially with remote work setups that have made it more convenient for women to book appointments and have their procedures.

The official language is Arabic but English is also commonly spoken. The next three top languages are Urdu, Malayalam, and Hindi.