Advanced Fetal Therapy in the UAE
Fetal Therapy and advanced in-utero interventions in the UAE are centered at Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital, Abu Dhabi. Under the leadership of MFM specialists, our unit performs intrauterine blood transfusions, shunt placements, and fetoscopic laser surgeries for complex complications.
Who This Page is For
Customized clinical pathways and insights to support our patients and referring medical partners.
Pregnant Patient
Mothers whose pregnancies are complicated by conditions that can be treated before birth.
Referring Doctor
Obstetricians requiring tertiary referral for fetal anemia, lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO), or severe twin disorders.
Abnormal Screening
Pregnancies diagnosed with conditions requiring immediate in-utrow intervention to prevent organ damage or fetal loss.
Second Opinion
Parents wishing to consult with fetal surgeons on options, risks, and success rates of intrauterine procedures.
When to see MFM
What we do
What happens during the visit
Comprehensive assessment including high-resolution ultrasound and Doppler studies.
Multidisciplinary counseling involving neonatologists and pediatric specialists.
Sterile procedure performed under local or regional anesthesia in a dedicated surgical suite.
Close post-procedure monitoring and serial scan evaluations.
When urgent referral is needed
- Severe fetal hydrops, heart failure, or severe fetal anemia.
- Premature rupture of membranes (water breaking) or regular contractions post-procedure.
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.
Fetal therapy comprises clinical interventions and surgical procedures performed on the fetus while still inside the uterus to treat life-threatening anomalies.
It is a life-saving procedure where donor blood is injected directly into the baby’s umbilical vein under ultrasound guidance to treat fetal anemia.
A tiny hollow tube (shunt) is placed through the mother’s abdomen into the baby’s bladder or chest cavity to drain excess fluid into the amniotic sac, relieving pressure.
They carry risks such as preterm delivery or early water breaking. However, they are only recommended when the risk of not treating the condition is significantly higher.
Most mothers rest in the hospital for a few hours or overnight, followed by 3 to 5 days of light activity at home.
All fetal surgeries and complex therapeutic procedures are performed at our surgical hub at Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital in Abu Dhabi.
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.