The rise in genetic disorders in newly born babies of UAE have led most couples to adopt in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment to produce healthy and normal babies. Genetic disorders are prevalent in Arab population majorly due to parental consanguinity, where people get married to their cousins, which ultimately leads to challenges with conceiving naturally because of presence of same genes. Consanguinity is interconnected with loss of pregnancy, deteriorated mental health, congenital anomalies, morbidity and mortality because of which most Emirati couples choose to undergo an IVF treatment.

In United Arab Emirates, female infertility is reported to be about 90%. The foremost reason for this is the lack of exposure to sun. Females in Emirati cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Al Ain wear a burqa or abaya whenever they step out of their houses. Reduced sun exposure results in decreased vitamin D levels in the female body. Vitamin D levels help to promote the production of anti-M?llerian hormone (AMH) which is essential in maintaining the egg number and egg quality in females. As a result of which, most women in UAE face fertility issues because of deteriorated egg number and egg quality. Diminished levels of vitamin D can cause high levels of cholesterol in women which can again hinder the pregnancy.

Another common cause for infertility in Emirati women is obesity. Obesity is a prevalent condition in females of UAE which causes a decrease in uterus receptivity and subsided quality of egg. In addition, cases with secondary infertility in which there are problems in getting pregnant after having conceived the first time, are also high. The key factors responsible for secondary infertility are increasing age, body weight issues (under or over-weight), hormonal problems, parental consanguinity and challenges arisen from previous pregnancies especially with C-section.

In the recent times, UAE has established its position as the world’s leading country for medical tourists offering a variety of state-of-the-art technology, best physicians, and medical procedures at an affordable range. UAE offers world class fertility treatment amalgamated with several other amenities such as gynaecology consultation, diagnostic tests, etc. Moreover, there are many services such as the ease of gender selection or family balancing, where the family can select the gender of their baby, available in UAE which are otherwise prohibited or unavailable in other countries. Moreover, UAE offers the facility to test the overall chromosomal normalcy in embryos. This test allows for the detection of any genetic disorder that could be running in the family since the ancestral times.

Besides, UAE is also known for high success rates for IVF treatments due to the presence of skilled ART technicians, embryologists and fertility centers which is making UAE the most preferred destination for reproductive tourism. Furthermore, UAE has relaxed the tourist/medical visa eligibility and provides visa on arrival for numerous countries, driving the attention of tourists from various parts of the world.

The UAE In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market stood at US$ 231.57 Million in 2021 and is expected to reach a CAGR of 9.64% during the forecast period. Additionally, high success rates as well as favourable prices of IVF treatment in UAE are responsible for attracting clients from all parts of the world. UAE offers the finest quality of IVF treatment and is likely to become the hub of IVF soon.

Through IVF and Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS), also known as pre-implantation genetic diagnosis, it may be feasible to determine the gender of the embryos prior to pregnancy thanks to recent advancements in reproductive technology. In order to achieve a more balanced representation of both genders in a home, expectant parents in the UAE frequently disclose the gender of their child. Additionally, next generation sequencing (NGS) and IVF work together to produce results that are approximately 100% correct at the chromosomal level, making family balancing safe & efficient for expectant parents. The growing awareness of the importance of early detection of chromosomal disorders such as Down syndrome and Edward's syndrome is also fuelling the expansion of the IVF industry. Due to this underlying reason, UAE is a fast-growing country in adopting In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to produce healthy babies with a choice of family balancing, thus positively impacting the IVF market in UAE.

The IVF market is anticipated to grow even more as a result of the recent legal reforms. The freezing of human embryos as well as unfertilized eggs and sperm is one of the most essential modifications made by the new IVF regulation for patients who are experiencing infertility. According to this law, fertility centers now have the permission to freeze the human embryos for a period of 5 years which is extendable upon request. Also, the samples of frozen fertilized or unfertilized eggs or sperms may be brought to UAE, if prepared abroad or may be taken abroad, if prepared in UAE.

Additionally, the new IVF law establishes a framework for internal government discussion and decision-making and permits a certain amount of scientific study in the area of fertility treatments. These adjustments are in accordance with the UAE's National Agenda 2021 and the UAE Centennial 2071 project, both of which seek to strengthen the UAE's standing in the international community. They are crucial as the UAE establishes itself as the region's premier medical hub.

Fakih IVF Fertility Center, First IVF Fertility Center, HelpPlus Fertility Centre, The Dubai Center for Gynecology and Fertility, New Hope IVF, Select IVF, Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic, HealthPlus Fertility Center, Burjeel Hospital, ART Fertility Clinics are the leading players operating in the UAE In-vitro fertilization market.