There are a number of things to think about when you are pregnant in Dubai and the UAE. It is of utmost importance for a woman to be married if pregnant in the UAE. At the hospital when you go for your first check-up, you will need to show an original marriage certificate along with copies of your passport and visa. If you are unmarried and pregnant, you should either get married or expatriate unmarried expectant mothers should return to their home countries for the delivery. Also note that abortions in Dubai are illegal unless there are medical complications and the abortion is sanctioned by the hospital.

Another thing you should do is to contact your insurance company and ask if they cover all your maternity costs. Find out if they cover the whole amount or if you have a limited budget. It’s quite common that you have to pay and claim the money from your insurance company.

Next step is to find a clinic where you will do all your check-ups. There are many different types of clinics in Dubai, and costs vary widely. Some of the private clinics are very exclusive and charge around 1,000AED or more for each check-up while other clinics are more basic (but still very good) and charge from around 400AED. However, if at the beginning you take out a package this will work out cheaper.

If you don’t have it already is very advisable that you get a Dubai Health Card. It’s important to have it; even you have a good insurance. With the Dubai Health Card you can utilize a government hospital if you for example experience premature birth or need other type of (emergency) help. Read more about Dubai Health Card here.

If you are not covered by insurance or you have a high-risk pregnancy you should consider choosing a governmental hospital. If you decide to give birth at Latifa Hospitall or Dubai Hospital you most likely have to do your check-ups at your local clinic. You can find your local clinic at www.dha.gov.ae or call Latifa Hospital 04 219 3000

Example of prices for prices for antenatal care and delivery, 2014

Below is a list of a few hospitals and their prices (2014). The best way of finding out the latest prices and info (including extras) is to contact the clinics or hospital yourself. You find a list over many of the gynaecologists and obstetricians in Dubai here.

Latifa Hospital (Cost in 2014)
Ante-Natal Package – 5,000 AED
Normal delivery- 7,000 AED (sharing room)
C-sec delivery – 14,000AED (sharing room)

Dubai Hospital
+971 4 2195771

Welcare Hospital
+971 4 282 7788

City Hospital
+971 4 435 9999

Medcare hospital
+971 4 407 9100 (Cost in 2014)
Antenatal package 5,500AED (commences only at 12 weeks to the end)
Normal delivery – 9,350AED
C-sec delivery – 18,700AED

American Hospital
+971 43 367 777 (Cost in 2014)
Antenatal package 5,950AED
Normal delivery- 11,950AED (2 days in a private room including newborn)
C-sec delivery – 22,950AED

Postnatal support in Dubai click here

Antenatal classes in Dubai click here