Fertility market in UAE

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an assisted reproductive technology in which an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body in vitro. The process involves monitoring and stimulating a woman's ovulatory process, removing an ovum or ova from the woman's ovaries, and letting sperm fertilize them in a liquid in a laboratory. The fertilized egg (zygote) is then transferred to the patient's uterus with the intention of establishing a successful pregnancy.

The IVF process includes various steps and treatment processes that can be classified into four categories: medication, surgical procedures, assisted reproductive technology (ART), and others.

An IVF treatment typically involves one cycle, but the number of cycles a patient undergoes can vary based on individual circumstances and involves multiple stages as illustrated below.

Financial considerations significantly influence the number of cycles, as IVF is expensive, and insurance coverage often limits the number of covered cycles. In some cases, all embryos from a cycle are frozen for later use, necessitating additional cycles for transfer.

Over the past decade, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has experienced a significant decline in fertility rates, mirroring global trends but at a more accelerated pace. This decline is particularly noticeable in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates.

The rising need for IVF treatments in the UAE can be attributed to several factors:

1. Advanced maternal age: Couples in the UAE are increasingly delaying childbearing for career and educational pursuits
2. Lifestyle factors: Obesity, smoking, and stress can negatively impact fertility for both genders
3. Environmental factors: Exposure to pollutants and chemicals may contribute to reduced fertility as well as complications during pregnancy
4. Medical conditions: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and male factor infertility are becoming increasingly common in the UAE
5. Genetic factors: Consanguineous marriages may increase the risk of genetic disorders affecting fertility

Key facilities and market size

The UAE has both standalone centers and departments within hospitals that provide fertility services. There is a growing trend towards standalone specialized fertility clinics. These clinics often provide more personalized care and a wider range of fertility services. However, hospital-based centers benefit from integrated care and may be preferred for high-risk cases.

The total market in the UAE is currently estimated to be between 18,000 to 20,000 cycles of treatment.

The market is dominated by a few key players. Some of the prominent facilities include:

1. Fakih IVF
2. ART IVF Center
3. HealthPlus Fertility Center
4. Bourn Hall Fertility Centre
5. Conceive Gynecology and Fertility Hospital
6. First IVF

Driven by increasing market demand and need, the fertility services sector is becoming increasingly organized. Some of the key players in the market are expanding regionally, with some establishing multiple branches across the UAE, as shown below:

Due to coverage for Thiqa patients in Abu Dhabi Emirate, many key fertility centers have their foothold in the Emirates. The increasing number of branches and the expansion of the organized sector within the IVF market signifies that the region’s population is seeing increased awareness and increased income to afford the services.