The UAE government is taking action to tackle the drop in birth rates among Emirati citizens by planning a federal fertility centre. This move is part of a broader strategy to maintain demographic balance and support the country’s future.

Recent figures show that between 2015 and 2022, Emirati births fell by 11%, while births among expatriates increased by 5%. In 2022, Emirati births numbered just over 30,000 compared to more than 65,000 births among non-citizens. Experts warn that if this trend continues, Emiratis could make up less than 10% of the population within 25 years, raising concerns about national identity and social cohesion.

To address this, the government is identifying locations and planning services for the new federal fertility centre. The aim is to offer early reproductive health counselling and fertility services as part of primary healthcare across the UAE, making support accessible to families.

Additionally, the Federal National Council has approved 15 recommendations to encourage higher birth rates. These include improved maternity leave and breastfeeding support, childcare leave, remote working options for mothers, expanded healthcare coverage for fertility treatments, financial incentives like housing grants and childcare subsidies, and cultural initiatives to promote family values.

This comprehensive national strategy, developed with input from multiple government bodies, is expected to be finalized and announced by the end of 2025.

The establishment of the fertility centre and the supportive policies reflect the UAE’s commitment to proactively facing demographic challenges. The government hopes that these efforts will create a supportive environment for Emirati families, helping to preserve national identity and social stability for generations to come.