Sexual and reproductive health in the UAE

Yes, sexual and reproductive healthcare is accessible in the UAE through employer-provided health insurance, though conservative laws and cultural attitudes affect service availability - unmarried individuals may face restrictions on contraception, and abortion is illegal except when the mother's life is at risk. The UAE has a high-quality healthcare system that offers relatively easy access to sexual healthcare, and sympathetic doctors will offer patients confidential advice and treatment.

The level of sexual healthcare that expats can access depends mainly on their private health insurance, which employers must provide by law. Coverage varies depending on policies, and some are more generous than others For sexual healthcare services.

Attitudes towards sex and sexuality in the UAE

The Islamic Sharia principles, the legal practice derived from the teachings of the Quran, support the UAE's conservative attitudes towards sex. Therefore, discussions about sex, sexuality, and sexual health in the UAE remain largely taboo. As a result, references to sex in the media and public life are generally minimal and only occur within the context of married, heterosexual couples.

While homosexuality and cross-dressing are illegal in the UAE, there is a more relaxed attitude towards private sexual activity. In fact, in November 2020, new laws were passed allowing unmarried couples to live together, effectively decriminalizing premarital sex. Prior to this, prosecutions were rare, and the authorities often turned a blind eye if couples were discreet. But the new law formalized the cultural norm in the UAE.

Because there are no laws banning two people of the same gender from renting a property together, same-sex couples can usually live together discreetly, too. Expats can also expect the same level of discretion and confidentiality For accessing sexual health services in the UAE.

Accessing sexual health services in the UAE

Expats can access sexual health services via the health insurance-based system in the UAE. By law, employers must offer private coverage for foreign staff who have residency visas. That said, coverage for sexual healthcare can vary depending on the employer's policy. Still, expats can always pay extra for services that it doesn't cover.

Accessing sexual health services through workplace insurance is fairly straightforward. Once you share your insurance details with the medical provider, there are usually two options. You will either pay for treatment and make a reimbursement claim with receipts via your employer, or the service provider will bill your insurer directly.

Just bear in mind that you may need to show proof of your marital status, such as your Emirates ID card or marriage certificate, to access some services. For example, some clinics will only provide birth control, such as IUDs, to married women. Notably, if you work for yourself, you will need to arrange and pay for your own health insurance. Foreign tourists should also take out travel insurance if they need to see a doctor while visiting the UAE.

General practitioners (GPs) and specialists

Expats can make appointments with general practitioners (GPs), who may refer them to a specialist, such as a gynecologist or a urologist, if necessary. Generally, bigger medical centers that have many specialties usually include specialized clinics for sexual health services, too. And you can make appointments at these clinics without needing a referral from a GP.

While pharmacies don't provide extensive sexual healthcare services, they do dispense prescription medications. Also, some, but not all, will sell birth control pills without you needing a prescription. Pharmacies also sell erectile dysfunction medication, such as Viagra and Cialis, over the counter. Other sexual health products that are readily available in pharmacies include condoms, spermicide, pregnancy tests, feminine hygiene products, and personal lubricants.

Insurance for sexual healthcare in the UAE

UAE nationals receive government-funded healthcare. Conversely, employers must provide health insurance for all foreign employees, but there is no guarantee that it will cover all their sexual health needs. Again, it all depends on the insurance company and policy your employer chooses to use. Therefore, you may need to arrange additional health insurance or pay for treatment if your policy does not cover what you require.

Notably, insurance might not cover sexual health services, such as abortion and gender reassignment surgery, at all. Some of the main private health insurance providers in the UAE include APRIL International and Orient Insurance.

Contraception in the UAE

According to a 2020 report by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 59.5% of women in the UAE have their birth control needs met by modern methods. Family planning services are available from GPs and health centers, rather than stand-alone family planning clinics that are common in many other countries. Pharmacies also sell prescription and over-the-counter contraceptive products.

Oral contraceptive, the pill

Historically, women in the UAE could buy birth control pills over the counter at any pharmacy, as no prescription or proof of marriage was required. However, birth control prescriptions have become more strictly enforced in recent years, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi; although some pharmacies continue to sell them. Still, pharmacies will still ask to see your Emirates ID card, which all expats must have by law, to check your marital status. Notably, it is easier for unmarried women to access the pill if a doctor prescribes it for non-contraceptive reasons; for instance, following the diagnosis of heavy or irregular periods. Birth control pills cost around AED 30 per month.

The morning-after pill

The morning-after pill is illegal in the UAE. However, this is largely due to the misconception that it is an abortifacient, i.e. a medication that can cause a miscarriage or medical abortion. And abortion at any stage is prohibited in the country. However, there are several forms of contraception that you can access in the UAE.

Condoms

Condoms have multiple sexual health benefits, including preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. They are readily available in pharmacies, supermarkets, petrol stations, and small grocery stores. Prices vary depending on the type and brand and usually cost between AED 40 and AED 70 for a box of 12.

The IUD

IUDs are generally only available to married women in the UAE. However, like the pill, a gynecologist can fit an unmarried woman with an IUD to treat other sexual health problems, such as menstrual pain or endometriosis. Depending on the clinic, this can cost more than AED 1,000. Some insurance policies will cover IUDs, but if not, you will have to pay for it yourself. Married women can usually be fitted with one without paying out of pocket. However, some policies will only cover this service for unmarried women if the IUD is for reasons other than contraception.

Vasectomies and female sterilization

Permanent birth control is legal in the UAE, and these procedures usually cost around AED 5,000. However, access varies depending on the doctor and your level of health insurance coverage. Generally speaking, married men can easily access a vasectomy without consulting their wives. Married women, on the other hand, have reported issues with tubal ligation; i.e., female sterilization, which is better known as getting your tubes tied. As such, hospitals often ask for No Objection Certificates (NOC) from their husbands. This is a legal document stating that her husband is fully aware of the procedure and does not object.

Pregnancy and childbirth in the UAE

The reproductive aspect of sexual healthcare is generally quite comprehensive for insured expats in the UAE. Most health insurance policies offer pregnancy and childbirth coverage which includes check-ups during pregnancy and hospital stays for vaginal and Cesarean section deliveries. Notably, the rate of Cesarean deliveries is on the rise in the UAE. While estimates vary, a 2019 study by Abu Dhabi's Zayed University indicates that 30.2% of live births in the country occur this way. Fertility treatment, such as IVF, is available at private clinics in the UAE. However, because not all health insurance policies cover this, many women self-fund these services. Fertility treatment can cost anywhere between AED 3,000 for intrauterine insemination and AED 15,000 or more for IVF.

Abortion in the UAE

Abortion is illegal in the UAE. However, there are limited exceptions if the pregnancy puts the mother's life at risk or if there is evidence of unsurvivable fetal abnormalities. In the latter case, the abortion must be performed before the fetus is 120 days old; that is around 17 weeks or three months gestation. Under the country's penal code, punishments for having or performing an abortion outside these limitations include fines and imprisonment. Women seeking an abortion for other reasons have only two choices. They can either carry the pregnancy to term or travel to another country where abortion is legal.

STIs and STDs in the UAE

Sourcing statistics on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and diseases (STDs) in the UAE is challenging, which is partly due to the lack of openness regarding sexual health. That said, available data indicates that figures are low and academic studies tend to attribute most infections in the country to expats. Most GP surgeries and healthcare clinics in the UAE offer confidential STI and STD testing services. Some health insurance policies cover these, but if not, you will need to pay for them yourself. Despite the UAE's conservative values, doctors are generally respectful, sympathetic, and discreet For treating patients with STIs and STDs. Modern STI and STD treatments are available in the UAE. This includes prescription medications, such as antibiotics, anti-viral treatments, and topical creams. Antiretroviral drugs are also available for people who are HIV positive. However, being HIV positive can result in deportation for expats, as a negative HIV test is required for residency. Testing usually costs between AED 200 and AED 400.

HIV/AIDS in the UAE

According to a 2020 UNAIDS report, recent HIV/AIDS figures for the UAE are incredibly low. Less than 1,000 adults and children live with the virus in a country of around 10 million people. Every international applicant must test for HIV as part of the medical assessment for their residency visa. And if the test is positive, the state will decline the visa application. Also, if an international resident becomes HIV positive during their time in the UAE, the state will also deport them. In fact, doctors are legally obliged to report patients with deportable conditions, including HIV, hepatitis B, tuberculosis, and leprosy.

Cancer screenings in the UAE

Fear, shame, and embarrassment surrounding cancer screening have led to high rates of the disease in the UAE. This stigma is generally attributed to a lack of openness about health issues, especially sexual health. Sadly, many cancers are only diagnosed in the terminal stage. Breast, lung, and colon cancer are the top three death-related cancers in the UAE. In 2020, there were 4,807 new cancer cases and 1,896 deaths; with men having an 8.4% risk of developing cancer before the age of 75 and women having an 18.2% risk. Government health agencies have launched campaigns to encourage UAE nationals to be aware of cancer symptoms and to have regular screenings. Notably, health insurance covers these free cancer screening programs across the UAE.

Services dealing with sexual problems

While discussing sexual problems openly is restricted in the UAE, help is available for people who need counseling or therapy to improve their sex lives. Expats should check their health insurance policies carefully to see if it covers the cost of such services. Some psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychiatrists specialize in sex therapy, and some health insurance may cover these treatments under their mental health provisions. Notably, multidisciplinary clinics often include medical practitioners who are trained in psychosexual therapy. However, the cost of these services varies considerably, and sessions tend to range from AED 100 to AED 600.

Services dealing with sexual abuse and assault

Official sexual assault statistics in the UAE are low, accounting for 1.5 rapes per 100,000 women. However, this figure could be artificially low because of under-reporting. Unfortunately, police officers may not have the training to work with survivors or be fluent in English. Therefore, reporting sexual abuse or assault can be a harrowing ordeal for the survivor and often retraumatize them. If you cannot speak Arabic fluently, it is advisable to be accompanied by an Arabic speaker. For internationals, embassies or consulates should also assist with obtaining lawyers, translators, and medical assistance.

Reporting sexual abuse or assault

The reporting procedure in the UAE: File a report by calling 999 or visit a police station. Keep evidence for forensics and communications. Open a police case and keep the case number. Physical examinations cost up to AED 600 at government hospitals. Police may take victims to the crime scene. Arrested suspects go to Public Prosecutors' office within 24 hours where victims make statements.

Support services

There isn't a dedicated helpline or organization to assist with sexual assault or abuse, but if you have experienced any abuse or (sexual) violence, you can call the Dubai Foundation for Women & Children on 0800111 or text 511. This helpline is free of charge and operates 24/7 across the UAE. The Ministry of Interior (MOI) Child Protection Centre can be reached at 116111, and the Ministry of Education (MOE) Child Protection Unit at 80085.

Domestic violence support services

On the Ministry of Community Development (MOCD) website, you will find the contact details of 13 centers across the UAE where you can report domestic violence and ask for advice and support. You can also call the MOCD's hotline at 800623. Other services include Dubai Foundation for Women and Children: 800 111, and Ewa'a Shelter for Women and Children: 800 7283.

LGBT+ sexual health in the UAE

Same-sex relationships in the UAE

Homosexuality is still a criminal offense in the UAE. However, same-sex couples can generally cohabitate discreetly without attracting the attention of the law as two people of the same sex can legally live together. That said, people frown upon showing affection in public, be it among homosexual or heterosexual couples. Importantly, if the authorities find expats guilty of engaging in homosexual acts, they will usually face jail and deportation.

Sexual health for LGBT+ in the UAE

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual people who are discreet about their personal lives can access sexual services via their health insurance. In the UAE, there are sympathetic doctors who treat all patients and will not report homosexual or bisexual activities to the authorities. However, they cannot easily promote themselves as being LGBT-friendly. Essentially, recommendations from trusted friends are the best way to find discreet, sympathetic doctors. Notably, gay conversion therapy is legal in the UAE and the government supports it as a legitimate medical treatment. Gender reassignment procedures are illegal in the UAE, except in the treatment of intersex people. Cross-dressing is also unlawful.

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