Prenatal Genetic Testing & Counseling in the UAE
Prenatal Genetic Testing in the UAE is integrated directly within our Fetal Medicine Unit. Based in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, we offer preconception genetic carrier screening, non-invasive screening (NIPT), and diagnostic genomic testing (Chromosomal Microarray, Exome Sequencing) via CVS or amniocentesis.
Who This Page is For
Customized clinical pathways and insights to support our patients and referring medical partners.
Pregnant Patient
Couples planning pregnancy or currently pregnant seeking comprehensive genetic risk screening.
Referring Doctor
Obstetricians referring for family history of genetic disorders, advanced age, or consanguinity.
Abnormal Screening
Patients with abnormal prenatal screening results or structural anomalies suggesting genetic syndromic causes.
Second Opinion
Families seeking clear, expert interpretation of complex genetic and genomic test results.
When to see MFM
What we do
What happens during the visit
A comprehensive genetic counseling session reviewing family pedigree.
Discussion of the most appropriate test (screening vs. diagnostic).
Blood collection or ultrasound-guided invasive procedure.
Detailed review of genetic results, explaining implications for the current and future pregnancies.
When urgent referral is needed
- Abnormal genetic result indicating a severe or life-limiting condition.
- Patients needing time-sensitive CVS or amniocentesis for genetic testing.
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.
It includes screening tests (like NIPT) that estimate the risk of a condition, and diagnostic tests (like CVS or amniocentesis) that confirm genetic conditions.
CMA is a high-resolution genetic test performed on amniotic fluid or chorionic villus samples that screens for microdeletions or microduplications in the fetal DNA, providing much more detail than a standard karyotype.
It is recommended for couples planning a pregnancy (preconception) or early in pregnancy, especially consanguineous couples or those with family histories of inherited conditions.
Screening estimates the chance of a condition. Diagnostic procedures obtain a sample for laboratory testing; the certainty and scope of the result depend on the test selected and its limitations.
NIPT takes 5-7 days; amniotic/CVS PCR takes 48 hours; microarray and exome sequencing take 10 to 14 days.
A VUS is a genetic change whose clinical effect is not yet fully understood by medical science. We help interpret these findings based on clinical scans.
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.