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Surrogacy in Dubai
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In 2023, Federal Decree-Law No. 17 of 2023 officially authorized gestational surrogacy across the UAE. Across the UAE, surrogacy is the topmost choice for couples seeking a medically guided and legally protected path. Dubai is covered by the federal law but is still awaiting local regulations before clinics can begin surrogacy treatments. However, Abu Dhabi has already implemented its local regulations and now allows licensed programs to operate, making it the best surrogacy destination in the Middle East, and home to some of the best fertility professionals, and best clinics. This milestone has placed the dream of holding a baby in a couple’s hands closer than ever before, and we are proud to note we are the first licensed agency to operate in the area.
This guide explains what surrogacy is, the eligibility, how the process works, costs, and the key legal requirements in the UAE. Whether you are searching for the best surrogacy center in Dubai or exploring licensed programs, we hope this guide will assist you.
Surrogacy can take several forms, each with their own implications, such as, the medical, emotional, and legal forms. This section is going to break down what the practice is, what surrogacy involves the surrogate to do and how they can apply in different contexts, including the UAE’s evolving landscape.
Surrogacy is when a woman decides she would like to help people grow or start a family when they are unable to conceive to provide them with a path to parenthood. This woman is called a surrogate mother or gestational carrier. She will carry and give birth to a child for another person or couple, named intended parents, or prospective parents who become the child’s legal parents.
The only accepted form is gestational surrogacy in the UAE, where an embryo created with doctors who fertilize an egg through in-vitro fertilization (IVF) using the intended fathers’ sperm (the male partner’s semen), or donated genetic material, is transferred to the surrogate’s uterus. In this case, the surrogate will not have a genetic connection to the child. However, please note that donor gametes are not permitted in this country.
Traditional surrogacy, when the surrogate uses her own egg, is not practiced in the UAE along with many other destinations due to complicated legal and emotional implications.
The changes that have been made to surrogacy in the country have been transformed. Previously, surrogacy was prohibited due to religious and legal restrictions, but the country has now changed their views and have taken a more regulated and inclusive approach.
The UAE’s new stance on surrogacy is opening new doors with their clear procedures, official agreements, and strict overseeing of any surrogacy journey. Many couples around the world and in the UAE find it a welcoming approach, and per the new legal developments, it is clear they are maintaining a focus on the safety, transparency, and ethical practices within their country. The next section will be outlining the framework in the UAE for surrogacy.
The recent law changes have repositioned the country, now allowing surrogacy in the form of gestational throughout. It is closely controlled as part of a larger effort to update personal status laws and make reproductive care more accessible, especially for non-Muslim residents and foreign citizens.
The new law is providing legal protection to intended parents through the official surrogacy agreements that are signed between them and the surrogate. It includes clear rules for who can be involved, and makes sure the clinics and surrogacy agencies are following the guidelines that have been enforced to protect everyone’s health which is a key focus in the legislation, it also allows for openness throughout the journey.
Only licensed surrogacy agencies or fertility center in the UAE are permitted to manage the process under the law. Each and every one involved must follow the procedures set out in the law to make sure the arrangement is legal.
These changes have allowed for couples in the country to look at surrogacy within the UAE, currently, only in Abu Dhabi, instead of considering other locations.
It involves several eligibility criteria to participate in surrogacy within the country, these rules and criteria have been set to make sure that surrogacy is carried out ethically, safely, and with clear legal guidelines for both the intended parents and the surrogate mother.
Intended parents must meet a number of legal aspects to qualify for surrogacy in this country. An intended mother must not be able to carry a pregnancy safely, in particular, women who were born without a uterus, have had it surgically removed, or have uterine scarring or abnormalities can participate. It is possible for women who have experienced multiple miscarriages or for whom pregnancy would cause a serious health risk but all medical reasons must be evaluated and approved by a dedicated medical committee.
There are medical and psychological evaluations for intended parents that must be passed confirming they are fit and well to be parents. They can be of any religion or marital status, but they must be aged between 18 and 45. Another point to qualify is all couples must not carry any serious inheritable genetic disorders. All intended parents must be a heterosexual couple and able to use the couple’s eggs and sperm. Prior to starting the process, the intended parents will require a certificate of eligibility that will be approved by a fertility clinic confirming that they qualify. Every couple faces different health and infertility reasons as to why they look at surrogacy, and each case will be looked at carefully.
In addition to all of the above requirements the intended parents, and all the parties involved will be required to sign a formal surrogacy agreement that is examined and approved by the official legal and medical groups in the UAE. The system ensures that everyone involved meets conditions that require the best medical and ethical compliance.
We know this is a significant decision that requires time. That’s why your first consultation with us is a pressure-free conversation, not a sales call.
In the UAE, surrogacy is the best process for intended parents who want structure, safety, and trust built into every stage of their journey to parenthood. Anyone choosing surrogacy, whether a surrogate or an intended parent, is a big step so it’s important to pick the best surrogacy clinic in the UAE for you. Each stage of a journey is managed by professionals with the highest care, and these teams are also devoted to providing the best care to everyone involved.
This section will walk you through what to expect during each stage of surrogacy, and in turn it should help you feel prepared and confident as you move forward to choose the best surrogacy agency for you.
The first step in the surrogacy process in the UAE is the initial consultation, and is estimated to take 1-2 weeks. This is where the intended parents will visit and consult with doctors, lawyers, and professionals in the field to help people understand the eligibility and process.
The next step is for the intended mother to have a health evaluation, usually taking 2-4 weeks. The tests included are the clinical confirmation of the absence of the uterus, tests to confirm a severe health risk to the intended mother if she were to carry a pregnancy, testing for an abnormal uterus, genetic testing and psychological testing.
Following the health evaluation, a medical report is written and reviewed by two different doctors at the clinic and sent to the medical committee along with the medical certificate. The committee will then approve the intended parents to participate in surrogacy ensuring that the case has followed the best procedure in line with health and ethical regulations. This step can take between 3-5 weeks.
Moving on to step 4 in the process, it includes the IVF method and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) step. Usually, this step takes 6-8 weeks, as the intended mother will go through IVF and a PGD. During this, the fertility specialists assess each case individually to ensure patients receive the best method as per issues like tailoring treatment based on health and hormone levels. Additionally, it involves collecting healthy eggs from the intended mothers’ uterus. The PGD screening exists to screen any embryos, created with sperm and eggs, before doctors transfer healthy eggs into the uterus of a surrogate. It also makes sure there are no genetic or chromosomal conditions prior to the implant taking place. Embryologists select the top fertilized eggs with the highest quality and developmental potential to increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. This stage is the scientific foundation of conception in surrogacy, where fertilization takes place in a laboratory with cutting-edge technology which helps the couple in having the best result. Once the approval is received, the embryo transfer will be carried out at a licensed organization.
The agency would then match the intended parents with a surrogate mother, typically taking 4-8 weeks. Once selecting a surrogate has been completed, the process for the surrogate will go through medical and psychological evaluations to make sure she is a suitable match for the intended parents (in terms of her compatibility, health, and expectations). They would also make sure she meets the medical criteria outlined by the Department of Health (DoH). She would have other examinations such as hormone levels, uterine health, past pregnancies, mental readiness, and infectious disease screening, during this step.
Now for the legal step where the intended parents, surrogate mother, and the agency will sign a legal third-party notary agreement. This particular agreement includes the legalities that everyone must follow, confirming the roles of each party, the parental rights to the baby, any liability, and the financial terms. Depending on everyone’s preferences and what their own personal requirements are, it is not expected to exceed more than one week to have this signed and notarized.
Following on from this, it would move to the transfer that is estimated at a time frame of 2 weeks. The surrogate will have hormone treatment that prepares the surrogate mother’s uterus for the transfer. This helps in the surrogate’s physical readiness, ensuring her body is fully ready for a safe, successful transfer. Afterwards, a date will be decided as to when it will be transferred, and on this arranged date, the frozen embryo will be thawed and transferred.
The intended parents would finally be informed of the surrogate mother’s pregnancy and the next 38-40 weeks will be the pregnancy care for the surrogate. She will have communication with the intended parents if that was agreed in the legal contract, attend ultrasounds, check-ups, and support provided tailored to the healthcare standards of the UAE. As we are a licensed agency in Abu Dhabi we are also providing surrogates with support for accommodation, meals and daily living support.
Finally, the day has arrived and the baby is here. The birth and legal registration will commence and is estimated to take 2-6 weeks after the birth. This is the most awaited moment, when the surrogate helps deliver your baby safely under the care of skilled medical professionals. The intended parents will be registered as the legal parents, the surrogate will give the baby to the intended parents and the legal documents, such as the birth certificate, passport, nationality, and DNA tests (if required) are issued.
The full journey, from beginning to end, is estimated at 12 to 18 months, depending on aspects like the approval speed from the health authority, IVF, surrogate match availability, and the legal and administrative timelines. Occasionally, there are things that can affect the entire process, making it longer such as if a transfer isn’t successful or if a new surrogate match is required.
Surrogacy agreements are extremely necessary in any journey as they are considered a legal document in the UAE and many other locations. The agreement explains the duties, rights and responsibilities of all the parties involved and it must be signed before any transfers take place and approved by the official legal authorities in this country.
There are particularly important parts of the contract that must be stated within the agreement. One of these is the surrogate and intended parents agreeing to the arrangement after they have been fully informed. Other aspects are the surrogate will relinquish her rights to the child, information on the IVF process will be stated, what will be the use of the egg and sperm from the couple, a clear description of the different surrogacy expenses like medical care, travel, and insurance is mentioned and who will be paying for those, and the plan for prenatal care, the birth, and care of the baby after they are born.
The agreement is very important to protect the rights of the intended parents and it makes sure the process is following the UAE laws. Without this contract, the legal parentage may not be recognized causing you legal and emotional concerns later on. Having a clear and approved contract ensures the best outcome for everyone involved.
There are post-birth arrangements to consider which will usually be included in the surrogacy agreement. Usually, these arrangements are handled by an organization and legal experts allowing them to do it quickly and efficiently whilst making sure the laws are being followed. They make sure the medical records are checked, the birth was a part of an approved surrogacy plan, intended parents will be recognized as the legal parents, and the authorities have issued a birth certificate listing the prospective parents as the legal guardians. Depending on a child’s nationality, they may also need a passport, residency permit, or a citizenship from the intended parents’ home country.
Without having the above thoroughly checked, people can experience issues with the legal identity of the baby and travel papers. Going through a surrogacy agency ensures that you will have a secure future in the family. In the end, surrogacy provides intended parents with not only a healthy baby but the security of knowing their legal rights as parents is fully recognized and protected.
100%
Success rate to match IPs to a Gestational Carrier who receives medical & psychological approval900+
Babies born & counting!>90%
Our surrogates who are repeat surrogates or sent our way from Certificate of Continuation surrogates21+
Years of helping people become parentsDubai doesn’t currently have any surrogacy costs as it is only possible to pursue surrogacy in Abu Dhabi. Several factors influence the cost, such as the medical complexity of the intended parents situation, the legal fees, and which program is chosen.
Currently, there are no fixed prices that have been set by the DoH for surrogacy costs in the UAE, but the estimated total cost of surrogacy is between AED 200,000 – 435,000 (52,000 USD – 120,000 USD) with a licensed agency. Costs may vary if additional procedures, such as sperm analysis or freezing, are required before IVF begins.
In agreement with the DoH, intended parents are required to also purchase an insurance policy to cover the necessary health services related to surrogacy and pay for costs that the insurance policy does not cover.
The government insurance plans like Thiqa, basic, and enhanced will not insure people for surrogacy costs in Abu Dhabi. However, an insurance company that is operating in the country called Daman Insurance is offering a few options, each covering up to AED 150,000 (4,000-5,000 USD) per year for the needs involved in surrogacy.
The different packages for the transfer can vary due to many key aspects, like the number of transfer attempts, coverage duration (8 or 16 months), participating network of healthcare providers, extent of risk coverage, and whether people want an option for restarting the coverage.
Working with a licensed agency is key and we can assure you that you will work with a high quality team throughout the surrogacy who will be transparent, providing you with legal clarity. If you would like to look at our surrogacy programs, please contact us and we will provide you with a program that is suitable for you.
Success rates in surrogacy are influenced by how well the fertility care is, how effective the fertility treatments are, and the health of the surrogate mother. The UAE uses modern reproductive technologies and has strict medical standards which in turn helps achieve good results, we expect Dubai to be able to provide this if or when they implement local legislation. Since the procedure was introduced, organizations in Abu Dhabi have reported promising outcomes and growing confidence among intended parents. At present, the clinics are reporting a 60–70% success rate for each transfer, this is around the same as some of the other clinics around the world. With these advancements, surrogacy provides a healthy baby for many intended parents who have struggled.
Unfortunately, it cannot be guaranteed that every transfer will be a success but working with licensed and experienced people will greatly improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy and a successful birth.
It’s important when people come to choose a surrogacy agency, we understand they want to ensure a smooth path to becoming a parent where everything is covered and clearly outlined. In Abu Dhabi, surrogacy is more regulated, therefore, it’s crucial to work with professionals who understand the legal and international laws plus the standards involved in surrogacy.
We highly recommend thinking about a number of key aspects when choosing an agency. One being if they are licensed and accredited, this means the agency is officially approved working with approved medical organizations and legal experts throughout each intended parents journey. This will ensure they are following the standards set by the law. These agencies provide top assistance as they must follow the rules.
A trustworthy agency will help in making the risks less for people and make the process easier and positive for all the parties involved.
Yes, gestational surrogacy is legal in Dubai, however, they need to implement their own legal guidelines on top of the Federal Decree-Law No. 17 of 2023. If you are looking for the best surrogacy programs in the Middle East, we advise you to look in Abu Dhabi, or contact us.
Same sex couples or single people are not permitted to pursue surrogacy in the UAE. Currently, only heterosexual couples are able to take part in surrogacy in Abu Dhabi alone. Until other Emirates action their own local regulation, Abu Dhabi is the only Emirate permitted to proceed. If you are a same sex couple or single person, we advise you to contact us to discuss further.
The UAE’s legal and medical framework was and has been created to prevent a surrogate from changing her mind and wanting to keep the baby. It will not be possible provided a surrogacy contract is signed.
Support groups for intended parents and surrogates is increasing in the UAE, even for those who are expatriates. Throughout the procedure, many fertility organizations and agencies offer counseling and peer support to assist parents with the emotional and practical parts that come with surrogacy.
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