Rising living costs and health concerns are leading to fewer new babies in the UAE, prompting worries about potential labor shortages in the future, according to fertility experts.
Factors contributing to the decline in birth rates include better access to contraception, improved reproductive health services, and more women delaying motherhood to focus on their careers. This trend mirrors global patterns observed in other countries like Italy, Japan, and South Korea, which have experienced significant drops in fertility rates.
A 2021 study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington highlighted a global decline in fertility, with the average number of children born per woman dropping from 4.84 in 1950 to 2.23 in 2021. Projections indicate this figure will continue to fall to around 1.59 by 2100. In the UAE, fertility rates have decreased from 6.7 children per woman in 1960 to approximately 1.4 in 2022, according to World Bank data.
Dr. Charles Nagy, a consultant obstetrician and surgeon at Medcare Women and Children Hospital in Dubai, noted that economic pressures and the high cost of living influence family planning decisions, leading to smaller families. Additionally, cultural shifts prioritizing personal and professional achievements and the increased availability of fertility treatments are contributing to the rising demand for such services in the UAE.
In March, Emirates Health Services reported 10,414 newborns delivered in hospitals across Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah in 2023, with 6,714 being natural births. Abu Dhabi saw over 30,000 births in 2023, with a 94 percent rate of natural deliveries and a high success rate for in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures.
Fertility rates are expected to continue declining globally, resulting in an aging population and significant demographic shifts. Advanced reproductive technologies, such as improved IVF methods, genetic screening, egg and sperm freezing, and stem cell therapy, are helping address fertility challenges.
Dr. Rohit Kumar, medical director at International Modern Hospital, emphasized that a falling birth rate could impact the economic landscape by reducing the younger working-age population. He suggested a comprehensive approach, incorporating family support initiatives and innovative healthcare solutions, to manage the broader societal impacts.
The World Health Organization states that to maintain stable populations, nations require a total fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman. When fertility drops below this level, populations begin to shrink. As of 2021, almost half of the countries globally fell below this replacement level.
Japan, with a population of about 125 million, has faced a significant decline in birth rates, with a record drop of 861,000 registered citizens and births falling to an all-time low of 730,000 in 2023. The Japanese government has increased childbirth payments and monthly assistance grants to encourage population growth.
Dr. Diana Kayal, medical director at Bourn Hall Fertility Clinic in Dubai, noted that infertility affects approximately one in seven couples globally and is more common in the Arabian Gulf, affecting one in six couples. Social factors, rapid urbanization, increased age at marriage, obesity, high tobacco use, lack of physical activity, and chronic conditions like diabetes contribute to this trend.
The UAE has implemented progressive changes to address low fertility rates, including legalizing egg freezing for both married and unmarried women. Since the legalization in 2021, Dubai clinics have seen a 2,000 percent increase in egg freezing, reflecting the growing demand for fertility treatments and the effectiveness of progressive regulations and advancements in reproductive healthcare.
By offering women the option to freeze their eggs, the UAE is empowering them to make informed decisions about their reproductive futures, contributing to the overall growth and development of fertility treatments in the region.
