Pregnancy and Childbirth in Dubai: Laws, Rights, and Healthcare for Unmarried Couples and “Happy Accidents”.
Dubai is a modern city with a cosmopolitan population and a thriving economy, attracting people from all over the world. However, it’s important to know the laws and regulations surrounding pregnancy and childbirth in the Middle East, especially if you plan to have a baby in Dubai.
Laws and Regulations
Pregnancy outside of marriage is illegal in Dubai and can result in imprisonment or deportation. Furthermore, sex outside of marriage is also illegal and can result in severe punishment. It’s crucial to follow the laws and regulations surrounding pregnancy in Dubai to avoid any legal repercussions.
Extra Marital Affairs
Having an extramarital affair can be considered a criminal offense in Dubai. If caught, both parties involved can face legal consequences, including imprisonment, fines, and deportation. It’s important to remember that such acts can have severe consequences, and individuals should exercise caution and discretion.
Babies Out of Wedlock
If a baby is born out of wedlock in Dubai, the parents may face legal consequences. In some cases, the father may be required to acknowledge paternity and pay child support, while the mother may have limited rights over the child.
Unplanned Pregnancy
If you have an unplanned pregnancy in Dubai, it’s important to seek medical advice and support. You can visit a gynaecologist or a fertility specialist for counselling and guidance on how to proceed. It’s also essential to know your legal rights and the available options.
Abortion in the Middle East
Abortion is generally illegal in the Middle East, except in cases where the mother’s life is at risk. It’s essential to consider the legal and moral implications of such a decision and to seek medical advice and counselling before making any decisions.
Rights of the Mother and Father
If you decide to keep the baby, both parents have legal rights and responsibilities. The father can acknowledge paternity and support the child, while the mother can request financial assistance and custody rights.
Marriage
Getting married is not a requirement in Dubai, but it’s advisable to do so to avoid legal complications and secure the child’s future. If you decide to get married, you can register the baby’s birth and obtain a birth certificate.
Healthcare in the Middle East
Medical care in the Middle East is generally of high quality and comparable to that of developed countries. Dubai has several world-class hospitals and medical facilities that provide quality healthcare services to its residents.
In conclusion, getting pregnant in Dubai requires careful consideration of the laws and regulations surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. It’s essential to seek medical advice, know your legal rights, and make informed decisions. Dubai is a modern and cosmopolitan city, but it’s important to exercise discretion and respect the local laws and customs.
Accidents happen, right?
Recently, the UAE government has introduced changes to the laws regarding unmarried couples living together. Previously, cohabitation was illegal and could result in imprisonment, fines, or deportation. However, under the new law, unmarried couples can now live together without fear of legal repercussions.
This change in the law is a significant step towards modernizing the country’s legal system and recognizing the changing social norms in the UAE. However, it’s important to note that the law still prohibits sex outside of marriage, and unmarried couples should exercise caution and discretion.
Accidents can happen, even to the most careful and responsible individuals. If you have an unplanned pregnancy or are involved in an accident while pregnant, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Dubai has excellent medical facilities and highly trained healthcare professionals who can provide the necessary medical care.
Getting pregnant in Dubai can be a challenging and complicated process, especially for unmarried couples. It’s crucial to know the laws and regulations surrounding pregnancy and childbirth, seek medical advice and support, and make informed decisions. Dubai is a modern and cosmopolitan city with excellent healthcare facilities, but it’s important to exercise caution and respect the local laws and customs.
- Kings College Dubai
- Al Zahra Hospital Dubai
- Dubai Hospital
- Latifa Women and Children’s Hospital
- American Hospital Dubai
- NMC Royal Women’s Hospital
- Canadian Specialist Hospital
- Zulekha Hospital
- Emirates Hospital
- Saudi German Hospital Dubai
It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and there are many other excellent labor and delivery wards in Dubai. It’s recommended to conduct thorough research and seek recommendations from healthcare professionals and other parents before deciding.
The cost of having a baby in the UAE can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of delivery, the hospital, the doctor, and any complications that may arise. However, to provide an estimate of the cost, we can consider the following data and figures:
- Normal Delivery: The average cost of a normal delivery in the UAE ranges from AED 7,000 to AED 20,000 ($1,900 to $5,450), depending on the hospital and doctor’s fees.
- Cesarean Section: The average cost of cesarean delivery in the UAE ranges from AED 16,000 to AED 35,000 ($4,350 to $9,525), depending on the hospital and doctor’s fees.
- Pre-natal Care: The cost of prenatal care in the UAE ranges from AED 2,500 to AED 5,000 ($680 to $1,360), depending on the doctor’s fees and frequency of visits.
- Post-natal Care: The cost of post-natal care in the UAE ranges from AED 2,500 to AED 5,000 ($680 to $1,360), depending on the doctor’s fees and frequency of visits.
- Complications: If any complications arise during pregnancy or childbirth, the cost can increase significantly, and it may require additional medical procedures or treatments. The cost of complications can range from AED 20,000 to AED 50,000 ($5,450 to $13,625).
It’s important to note that these figures are approximate and can vary depending on several factors. Additionally, these costs do not include any insurance coverage or government subsidies that may apply. It’s advisable to seek advice from healthcare professionals and insurance providers to determine the actual cost of having a baby in the UAE.
Reach out to our support network if you need any sort of baby advice and support.
Julie Haydn-Higgins, a UK-trained midwife with 24 years of experience and a mother of five, is one of our truly amazing support friends in the area. Follow her on IG @igmidwife.
Julie is a professional midwife who provides essential care and support to women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Her knowledge and expertise are particularly valuable in the UAE, where access to quality midwifery care is crucial for maternal and neonatal health.
Professional midwifery services like those provided by @igmidwife are an essential component of the healthcare system in the UAE. Midwives are trained to provide a range of services, including prenatal care, childbirth support, and postpartum care, as well as breastfeeding support, contraceptive advice, and reproductive health services.
In the UAE, midwives work in various settings, including hospitals, birthing centres, and homebirth settings. They are an important part of the healthcare team, working alongside obstetricians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure that women receive comprehensive, evidence-based care.
@igmidwife’s midwifery services are particularly valuable for women who are seeking a more personalized, holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth. As a midwife, @igmidwife provides individualized care, taking the time to get to know her clients and support them throughout their pregnancy and beyond. Her approach is centered around empowering women to make informed decisions about their own care and ensuring that they feel confident and supported throughout their pregnancy and childbirth journey.
Overall, professional midwifery services like those provided by @igmidwife are an essential component of the healthcare system in the UAE. They play a critical role in ensuring that women receive high-quality, personalized care throughout their pregnancy and childbirth journey, improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes, and supporting the overall health and well-being of families in the UAE.
You can follow Julie on IG @igmidwife
