Surrogacy in the UAE: What the Law Actually Says
The legal framework surrounding surrogacy in the United Arab Emirates has been the subject of significant confusion.
While some sources reported that surrogacy is now allowed under Federal Decree Law No. 17 of 2023, this interpretation is incorrect.
The 2023 law removed the clause that previously prohibited surrogacy under Federal Decree Law No. 7 of 2019, but it did not establish any legal grounds or regulatory framework for allowing surrogacy at the federal level.
Is Surrogacy Currently Legal?
At the federal level, there are no laws explicitly allowing or regulating surrogacy in the UAE.
However, recent developments in Abu Dhabi suggest a shift.
In February 2025, the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi issued official guidelines titled “Standard for Gestational Surrogacy (Full Surrogacy).”
These standards permit surrogacy under specific conditions and within designated healthcare facilities in Abu Dhabi only.
This means that, while surrogacy remains unregulated across most of the UAE, it is permitted in Abu Dhabi under strict criteria.
Abu Dhabi’s 2025 Gestational Surrogacy Standards: What You Need to Know
Eligibility for Intended Parents
Intended parents must be between the ages of 18 and 47. They must be physically and mentally capable of raising a child.
The intended mother must present a valid medical reason for not being able to carry a pregnancy.
This includes conditions such as absence of a uterus, recurrent miscarriage, or health risks that could endanger her or the fetus.
The couple must not have any transmissible diseases. Both partners must undergo medical, psychological, and genetic evaluations.
Only the intended mother’s egg and the intended father’s sperm may be used. Donor eggs or sperm are not allowed.
Eligibility for Surrogate Mothers
The surrogate mother must be between 21 and 45 years old. Her body mass index must fall between 19 and 30.
She must have had at least one prior full-term pregnancy and no more than five.
She should not have had more than two caesarean deliveries, and there should be no complications such as isthmocele.
She must pass medical and psychological evaluations, and she should have no history of substance abuse, alcoholism, or chronic illnesses.
Her reproductive and general health must be proven to be in good condition.
Pre-Approval and Oversight
Before proceeding, all parties must be approved by the Medical Committee for Gestational Surrogacy.
This committee includes licensed medical professionals and a legal advisor.
The intended parents and surrogate must undergo a thorough assessment, and a complete medical and psychological report must be signed by two consultants.
The surrogacy agreement must be notarized and submitted along with all approvals to the committee.
Once validated, the process may continue. Only IVF is permitted, and single embryo transfer is mandatory.
Genetic screening (PGT-A) must be completed before implantation.
Delivery and Parental Rights
The intended parents must be physically present on the day of birth.
The surrogate mother relinquishes all rights and responsibilities towards the child at the moment of birth.
The birth certificate is issued in the names of the intended parents in accordance with the notarized agreement.
Healthcare and Insurance Requirements
Surrogacy procedures may only take place at Department of Health licensed hospitals and assisted reproductive technology clinics in Abu Dhabi.
These facilities must provide culturally sensitive, secure, and confidential environments.
The intended parents must purchase private insurance covering all surrogacy-related health services for the surrogate mother.
Government-funded insurance programs such as Thiqa, Basic, and Enhanced plans may not be used.
How AWS Legal Group Can Support You
AWS Legal Group offers comprehensive legal guidance for clients exploring surrogacy in Abu Dhabi.
Our services include:
- Clarifying the current legal status of surrogacy in the UAE
• Advising on eligibility and documentation for intended parents and surrogate mothers
• Drafting and reviewing legally binding surrogacy agreements
• Coordinating with the Department of Health and medical committees
• Supporting clients through the full legal process, from consent to birth certificate issuance
If you are considering surrogacy in Abu Dhabi, we are here to guide you through every legal and procedural step with clarity and care.