Birth in Dubai: What Unmarried Couples Need to Know

If you’re planning to have a baby in Dubai and you’re not married, you probably have a lot of questions. The good news is that it’s possible, but you’ll need to follow a few clear steps. In this guide we’ll break down the legal basics, the paperwork you’ll need, and some handy tips to make the process smoother.

Who Can Have a Baby in Dubai?

Dubai’s family law does not forbid unmarried couples from giving birth. The main restriction is on how the birth is recorded. As long as both parents are legal residents with valid visas, the authorities will allow the registration. You’ll need a valid passport, a residence permit, and proof of employment or sponsorship. If either of you is on a tourist visa, the process can become tricky and you might need to leave the country to complete the paperwork.

Both UAE citizens and expatriates are covered by the same rules, but citizens often have an easier route because they can use their Emirati ID. For expats, the key is to have all documents translated into Arabic and notarised. Having a sponsor who supports your case can also speed things up.

Steps to Register Your Newborn

1. Get a Birth Notification – The hospital will give you a birth notification form within 24 hours. Keep it safe; you’ll need it for every next step.

2. Translate and Notarise – Take the notification, your passports, and residence permits to a licensed translation office. The translation must be stamped and signed.

3. Visit the Department of Health – Bring the original documents, the translated copies, and the birth notification to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or the local health center. Fill out the registration form they provide.

4. Pay the Fees – The registration fee is modest, usually under AED 200. Keep the receipt; you’ll need it for the next step.

5. Apply for a Birth Certificate – After the DHA processes the registration, you’ll receive a birth certificate. This document is essential for getting a passport for your baby.

6. Get a Passport – With the birth certificate, you can apply for a UAE passport for your child if you’re a citizen, or a travel document if you’re an expatriate. The embassy of your home country will handle the passport for non‑UAE nationals.

Make sure to keep copies of every document in a safe place. Losing the birth notification can cause delays, and you’ll have to get a new one from the hospital.

Practical tip: Bring a friend or a translator if you’re not fluent in Arabic. The forms are short but the officials will ask you to read back information. Having help reduces mistakes.

Another common hiccup is the timing. The UAE requires the birth to be registered within 30 days. Register early to avoid fines or extra paperwork. If you’re close to the deadline, call the DHA to ask for an extension – they sometimes grant a short grace period.

Finally, think about health insurance. Most employer‑provided plans cover newborns for the first few months, but you’ll need to add the baby to the policy quickly. If you’re on a private plan, contact the insurer as soon as you have the birth certificate.

Having a baby in Dubai as an unmarried couple is doable, but it does need some organization. Follow the steps, keep your documents in order, and you’ll be able to celebrate your new arrival without legal worries.