Expat Birth in Dubai: What You Need to Know

If you’re moving to Dubai with a family or planning to start one, the birth process can feel like a maze. The good news? It’s simpler than you think once you know the key steps. Here’s a straight‑to‑the‑point guide that covers hospitals, paperwork, costs, and the rules around citizenship.

Choosing the Right Hospital and Managing Costs

Dubai offers both public and private hospitals. Public facilities like Rashid Hospital provide quality care at lower fees, but you’ll need a valid health insurance plan that covers maternity. Private hospitals such as American Hospital, Mediclinic, and Saudi German are popular for shorter wait times and English‑speaking staff. Expect a private delivery to cost between AED 15,000 and AED 30,000, while public options usually stay under AED 10,000.

Check your employer’s health insurance policy early. Some plans cover 100% of the delivery, others only a percentage. If coverage is limited, ask the hospital about payment plans – many will let you split the bill across a few months.

Paperwork: Registering Your Newborn and Understanding Citizenship

Within 30 days of birth you must register your baby at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) to get a birth certificate. Bring the mother’s passport, visa, Emirates ID, and the hospital’s discharge summary. The process is quick – usually done in under an hour if documents are in order.

Citizenship in the UAE follows a strict rule: a child born to non‑UAE parents does not automatically get Emirati nationality. Your child will inherit your home country’s citizenship, so keep the consulate’s registration requirements handy. If you plan to stay long‑term, you can apply for a residency visa for your newborn once the birth certificate is issued.

Don’t forget the baby’s health card. After the birth certificate, you’ll receive a health insurance card that allows the child to access the public health system.

Parental Leave and Post‑Delivery Support

UAE labour law guarantees 45 days of paid maternity leave for women with a minimum of one year of service. Some companies offer up to 90 days, so check your contract. Fathers can take up to 5 days of paid paternity leave – a small but helpful perk.

After you leave the hospital, most expats opt for a post‑natal check‑up within two weeks. Private clinics offer packages that include baby weight checks, vaccinations, and mother’s health review. Public health centres also provide these services free of charge for residents.

Finally, remember to update your visa status. Once your baby has a residency visa, you’ll need to add them to your sponsor’s visa and may have to adjust your own visa if you’re on a family‑dependent sponsorship.

Having a baby in Dubai doesn’t have to be stressful. By picking the right hospital, staying on top of paperwork, and understanding the leave policies, you’ll be set for a smooth start to parenthood in this vibrant city.