FAQ - Embryo Freezing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Embryo Freezing

How much does embryo freezing cost in Dubai?

Embryo freezing and the first year of storage are typically quoted as an add-on to your IVF cycle, since embryos come from a stimulation you’ve already done. Storage renewal usually runs a few thousand dirhams annually — we confirm exact figures at your consultation.

Do we need to be married to freeze embryos in the UAE?

Following 2023 reforms to the UAE fertility law, unmarried non-Muslim couples can now legally freeze embryos together, a right previously limited to married couples. Muslim couples are still required to be legally married.

How long can embryos legally stay in storage in the UAE?

UAE law permits embryo storage for an initial period with renewal options through ongoing consent from both partners. We explain the exact terms and what renewal requires at the outset.

How much does a frozen embryo transfer (FET) cost compared to a fresh IVF cycle?

A frozen embryo transfer is significantly less expensive than a fresh cycle, since it skips ovarian stimulation and egg retrieval entirely. You’re only paying for lining preparation, monitoring, and the transfer itself.

What happens to frozen embryos if a couple separates or divorces?

Frozen embryos legally belong to both partners, so decisions about their use, storage, or disposal typically require mutual consent. We recommend discussing this scenario with your clinic and, where relevant, a legal advisor before freezing.

What's the success rate of a frozen embryo transfer?

Success rates vary by age, embryo quality, and whether genetic testing was done, but vitrified embryos now perform comparably to fresh transfers in most cases — sometimes better, given the fully prepared uterine lining.

Is embryo freezing better than egg freezing?

Neither is universally “better” — it depends on your situation. Embryo freezing suits couples who already know their partner or sperm source, while egg freezing keeps options open if that isn’t decided yet.

How many embryos are usually frozen from one IVF cycle?

This depends entirely on your stimulation response and embryo development — some cycles yield several viable embryos to freeze, others just one or two. Your embryologist gives you a realistic picture as your cycle progresses.