Giving birth in Dubai as an expat can be a daunting experience. There are many questions that come up when having a baby abroad, from finding the right doctor to understanding the legal requirements. This article will provide an overview of what to expect when giving birth in Dubai as an expatriate.
Finding a Doctor and Hospital
One of the first steps is choosing an obstetrician and hospital to deliver your baby. There are many qualified doctors and excellent hospitals to choose from. Some popular options include:
- Mediclinic Hospitals – They have three locations across Dubai
- Al Zahra Hospital Dubai – Known for women’s health and maternity care
- American Hospital Dubai – International doctors and NICU facilities
- Emirates Hospital Jumeirah – Popular with expats, dedicated maternity floor
When touring hospitals, make sure to ask about the facilities and services for delivery and postnatal care. Most hospitals have private birthing rooms and some even have bathtubs or pools available for water births.
It’s also important to choose a doctor you feel comfortable with and can easily communicate with. Schedule a consultation to interview potential obstetricians and ask about their experience, c-section rates, and approach to childbirth.
Costs of Giving Birth in Dubai
The cost of giving birth in Dubai can vary greatly depending on the hospital and type of delivery. Here are some average costs according to facilities:
| Hospital | Normal Vaginal Delivery | C-Section |
|---|---|---|
| Government Hospital | AED 0 | AED 0 |
| Private Hospital | AED 7,000-20,000 | AED 15,000-40,000 |
Additional costs may include prenatal appointments, tests, hospital stays, neonatal care, pediatrician visits, and prescriptions. It’s essential for expectant mothers to have valid health insurance that covers maternity benefits in Dubai. This usually includes delivery coverage but check on deductibles and co-pays.
Without insurance, the out-of-pocket expenses can be very high. For example, a 3-4 day stay in a private room can cost AED 2,000-4,000 per night.
Requirements for Delivery
When preparing to give birth in Dubai, there are some legal requirements to complete for both mother and baby:
- Marriage certificate – Unmarried mothers may face legal issues and need special permissions
- Passport copies – Needed for mother and baby
- Emirates ID – Required to register the baby’s birth
- Visa documents – Depending on your visa status in Dubai
Hospitals will also screen for blood type, rhesus status, HIV, hepatitis and other tests during your pregnancy. These results will be needed at the time of admission for delivery.
It’s also recommended to take childbirth classes offered at most hospitals. These help you prepare for the stages of labor, breathing techniques, hospital procedures, and caring for a newborn.
Birth Registration and Citizenship
Once your baby is born, there is paperwork required to officially register the birth in Dubai:
- Birth notification form from hospital
- Attested marriage certificate
- Passport copies of parents
- Emirates IDs of parents
- Baby’s immunization records
These documents are submitted to the hospital birth registrar who will then register the birth with the Dubai Health Authority. You will receive a paper birth notification and official birth certificate.
The birth certificate does not grant citizenship. Expat babies born in the UAE do not get automatic citizenship. They take the citizenship or residency status of the parents.
Visa Requirements for Baby
Newborn babies require their own UAE residence visa and passport. The process includes:
- Obtain baby passport from home country
- Apply for newborn medical visa through an approved doctor
- Medical visa is valid for 60 days
- Add baby to parent’s visa within 60 days
If the father holds a residency visa in Dubai, the baby can be sponsored by him once added. For single mothers or parents on other visas, the rules may vary.
It’s recommended to start this process as soon as possible after birth to avoid fines or complications. Many hospitals have staff to assist with newborn visa applications.
Breastfeeding and Newborn Care
Hospitals in Dubai are very supportive of breastfeeding with lactation consultants available. It is common practice for newborns to stay in the room with the mother during the hospital stay.
Well baby checkups are recommended in the first few weeks after discharge to track weight, nutrition and other health factors. Most pediatricians in Dubai are multilingual and some make house calls if needed.
Postnatal care for mothers is also encouraged with routine obstetrician visits and access to support groups in Dubai. Options like stroller walking groups, breastfeeding support, and mom meet-ups are popular for finding community.
Conclusion
Giving birth in Dubai is accessible with world-class hospitals, doctors, and newborn care. Following the proper procedures for delivery registration, birth certificate, and newborn visa is important. Although not an automatic right, expats can deliver safely in Dubai when they plan ahead, have valid insurance coverage, and utilize the quality maternity resources available. Discussing plans early with your obstetrician and hospital is key for understanding the processes and requirements unique to giving birth in Dubai as an expatriate.