Fetal Anomaly Diagnosis & Consultation in the UAE
Fetal anomaly diagnosis in the UAE is a primary subspecialist service provided at Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital (Abu Dhabi) and Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital (Al Ain). We offer high-definition diagnostic imaging, counseling, and genetic testing for suspected congenital anomalies.
Who This Page is For
Customized clinical pathways and insights to support our patients and referring medical partners.
Pregnant Patient
Mothers whose babies have a suspected structural variation or birth defect found on a routine scan.
Referring Doctor
Obstetricians referring patients for tertiary-level evaluation of a suspected fetal anomaly.
Abnormal Screening
Patients with abnormal findings like ventriculomegaly, congenital heart defects, cleft lip, or renal issues.
Second Opinion
Parents wanting a definitive second opinion and clinical prognosis from fellowship-trained MFM experts.
When to see MFM
What we do
What happens during the visit
A comprehensive, high-definition ultrasound scan focusing on the suspected anomaly.
A consultation detailing the clinical findings, likely cause, and long-term prognosis.
Discussion of diagnostic options (such as amniocentesis) to rule out genetic causes.
Formulation of a care pathway including joint consults with pediatric specialists.
When urgent referral is needed
- Suspected fetal heart failure or fetal hydrops.
- Rapidly increasing amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios) causing maternal breathing difficulty.
Where the service is available
Available across Mediclinic MFM hubs in Abu Dhabi (Airport Road Hospital) and Al Ain (Al Jowhara Hospital), with referral pathways coordinating care for patients nationwide.
Why Fetus.ae / Mediclinic MFM
Specialists Available
Explore each doctor’s qualifications, clinical interests and verified practice location.
Dr. Ali Al-Ibrahim
Head of Unit · Consultant Maternal–Fetal MedicineToronto fellowship training and more than 25 years of experience, bringing together fetal diagnosis, maternal medicine and coordinated care.
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Dr. Leanne Bricker
Consultant Maternal–Fetal MedicineExtensive experience in fetal therapy and complex multiple pregnancy, alongside international contributions to research and clinical guidance.
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Dr. Werner Diehl
Consultant Maternal–Fetal MedicineOur team’s most experienced fetal therapist, bringing broad expertise across fetal therapies, advanced fetal surgery and complex twin pregnancy.
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Dr. Soha Tohamy Said
Consultant Maternal–Fetal Medicine & Obstetrics and GynecologyMore than 28 years of clinical and leadership experience, with particular interests in maternal health and prevention of preterm birth.
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Dr. Gareth James Waring
Consultant Maternal–Fetal MedicineExtensive fetal therapy and surgery experience, alongside expertise in fetal heart conditions and prevention of preterm birth.
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Dr. Bernard Nasr
Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology · Fetal MedicineTraining in France and Spain, with clinical interests in fetal therapy, growth problems and complex twin pregnancy.
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Dr. Marija Hadji Lega
Specialist Maternal–Fetal Medicine · Associate ProfessorMore than 25 years of clinical experience, combining advanced fetal imaging with academic teaching and clinical leadership.
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Dr. Najwa Ibrahim
Consultant Maternal–Fetal MedicineCare for complex pregnancies, with interests in advanced ultrasound, prenatal screening, fetal growth and placental health.
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Dr. Howaida Khair
Consultant Obstetrics and GynecologyA seasoned obstetrician and gynecologist with a special interest in fetal medicine, prenatal ultrasound and counselling.
View Full ProfileFrequently Asked Questions
Clinical answers directly from our specialists to help prepare you for your appointment.
A fetal anomaly is a structural or functional variation in the development of the fetus, which can range from minor issues to severe congenital conditions.
It is diagnosed using high-resolution ultrasound, fetal echocardiography, and occasionally pelvic MRI, often combined with genetic testing like amniocentesis.
Some specific anomalies (such as fetal pleural effusion, LUTO, or CDH) can be treated in-utero with shunt insertion or tracheal balloon occlusion. Other structural issues are managed through planned delivery and immediate pediatric surgery.
Request a second-opinion assessment and briefly describe the finding. The request form does not accept uploads; ask the team how to share your existing report and images.
Soft markers are minor anatomical variations that are not birth defects themselves but can be associated with an increased risk of underlying genetic conditions.
We provide detailed genetic counseling to explain the condition, life expectancy, management options, and risks of recurrence in future pregnancies.
Getting Here & Access
Our two hubs cover the country: Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi and Mediclinic Al Jowhara Hospital in Al Ain. Patients from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and the Northern Emirates typically attend the Abu Dhabi hub, while Al Ain and Eastern Region families are seen locally. Referrals are coordinated so travel is minimised and, wherever possible, imaging, counselling and any procedure are grouped into as few visits as possible.
Insurance & Coverage
Across both hubs we work with major UAE insurers including Daman (Thiqa and Enhanced), ADNIC, Nextcare, NAS and other networks. Coverage and pre-authorisation vary by plan and emirate, so our team confirms eligibility and arranges approvals before you travel. Self-pay packages are available nationwide.
Areas We Serve
Book a Clinical Consultation
Our Maternal Fetal Medicine specialists provide evidence-based assessment, clear counselling, and coordinated care.