Many couples in the UAE face fertility challenges. Globally, about 1 in 6 adults struggles with infertility. Enjab Medical Centre explains Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and offers practical solutions.
In the UAE, IVF and related treatments are strictly regulated. Only married heterosexual couples are allowed to undergo IVF, and using donor eggs, sperm, or embryos, as well as surrogacy, is prohibited. However, recent legal reforms have expanded fertility options.
Since 2020, UAE law permits the freezing of embryos, eggs, and sperm for up to 5 years. This practice is now available at Enjab.
What is IVF and ART?
In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a process where eggs are fertilized by sperm in a laboratory. This creates embryos that are later transferred to the uterus.
Enjab’s IVF program includes:
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) for male infertility cases
- Ovarian stimulation to retrieve multiple eggs each cycle
- Fertility diagnostics, such as ovarian reserve tests and semen analysis, to identify root causes and guide treatment
Advanced technologies, like preimplantation genetic screening, may be available in complex cases, ensuring healthy embryos.
All ART procedures at Enjab follow strict ethical guidelines in line with UAE regulations. The UAE IVF Law, effective since 2020, prohibits the use of donor gametes or surrogacy, so treatment is based on the couple’s own cells. Enjab physicians fully comply with these regulations.
A major benefit of the recent law changes is embryo freezing. Couples at Enjab can freeze surplus embryos for future use, for up to 5 years. This increases flexibility and the chances of pregnancy.
Expert Guidance Through the IVF Process
Enjab’s doctors guide couples through every step with clear communication and empathy.
The initial steps include a fertility workup, which consists of:
- Blood tests for hormone levels
- Ultrasound scans of the ovaries and uterus
- Semen analysis for the male partner
Based on these results, OBGYN specialists design an IVF treatment plan.
Ovarian Stimulation and Egg Retrieval
- Patients receive daily injections to mature multiple eggs (typically 8–12 days)
- Eggs are then retrieved in a minor procedure under sedation
Fertilization and Embryo Transfer
- Eggs are either combined with sperm (standard IVF) or injected with a single sperm (ICSI) in cases of male infertility
- Embryos are monitored over 3–5 days
- One or two embryos are transferred to the uterus to maximize pregnancy chances while minimizing multiples
- High-quality surplus embryos can be frozen for later cycles, following UAE regulations
- Pregnancy is confirmed about two weeks after transfer with a blood test
Throughout treatment, Enjab’s specialists—Prof. Dr. Ashraf Moawad, Dr. Shereen Mamdouh, Dr. Amina Alassali—prioritize patient wellbeing, explaining procedures in simple terms and addressing cultural considerations. Patient coordinators assist international visitors with scheduling and support services.
Success Factors and Expectations
The success of IVF varies based on age and health:
- Women under 35: 50–60% per cycle in leading UAE clinics
- Women 35–39: 30–40% per cycle
- Women over 40: 10–20% per cycle
Enjab sets realistic expectations by discussing these factors upfront. The clinic’s success benefits from the UAE’s high standards in reproductive medicine; for example, Abu Dhabi clinics recorded 695 IVF births in 2024.
Enjab’s state-of-the-art lab and experienced team further improve outcomes. Additional services include:
- Fertility preservation for women pursuing career or medical treatments (egg or embryo freezing)
- Genetic counseling when needed
By combining modern science with compassionate care, Enjab helps couples in the UAE turn their hopes of parenthood into reality.
