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
Fellowship-trained, internationally recognized consultants offering evidence-based precision care.
Dr. Ali Al-Ibrahim
Head of Unit, Consultant Maternal Fetal MedicineConsultant in Maternal-Fetal Medicine in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi with more than 25 years of experience, University of Toronto fellowship training, and Arab and Saudi Board certification in OBGYN.
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Dr. Leanne Bricker MB.BCh FRCOG
Consultant in Fetal & Maternal MedicineOver three decades of clinical excellence, serving as Chair of Fetal Medicine at Corniche Hospital from 2014-2025.
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Dr. Soha Tohamy Said MB BCH MRCPI, FRCOG
Consultant Obstetrics and Gynecology, Consultant Maternal Fetal MedicineFormer Department Chair of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Corniche Hospital with immense experience leading tertiary maternity services.
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Dr. Najwa Mohamed El Fky
Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Maternal Fetal Medicine SpecialistConsultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist with extensive experience in high-risk obstetrics, prenatal diagnosis, and obstetric ultrasound.
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Dr. Bernard Nasr
Consultant Obstetrics/Gynecology, Maternal Fetal MedicineFrench-trained MFM expert proficient in invasive therapeutic procedures and multiple pregnancy complications.
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Dr. Marija Hadji Lega
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist, Associate ProfessorInternationally trained specialist with 25+ years of clinical experience, renowned for advanced fetal neurology and cardiology.
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 (about 60–75 minutes on the E11), 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.