Leaders

Women's health and fertility service delivery requires the perfect amalgamation of scientific knowledge and relentless commitment. The last couple of years have witnessed the UAE’s reproductive and fertility healthcare industry transforming into a highly advanced sector, owing to the incorporation of innovation merged with international medical excellence.

With consumers’ preference shifting towards tailored treatment that is at par with international standards, the nation has become a hub for forward-thinking fertility care and patient-focused treatments. Practitioners within these intricate fields must integrate clinical accuracy with patient-focused care, a balance well represented by Dr Elham Ali Akbari.

Having witnessed the revolutionary impact of empathetic healthcare, she chose to pursue medicine. Graduating from the Gulf Medical University in Ajman, and completing an internship at Al Qasimi Hospital, shaped Dr Elham’s understanding of obstetrics and gynecology that led her to focus solely on improving women's well-being.

Having served her residency at Latifa Hospital, she obtained a board certification and gradually established herself within the reproductive medicine and fertility healthcare sector in the UAE.

At IVF International Fertility Center, Dr Elham treats complicated fertility issues, such as PCOS, endometriosis, and hormonal imbalances, walking patients through each step of their journey.

Her career is characterized by impressive milestones that includes Ideal Resident Award, Dubai Hospital Distinguished Staff Award and the design of the Latifa Hospital Resident Guide, a groundbreaking NFC-based guide for medical professionals.

In conversation with Women Entrepreneurs Review, Dr Elham shares her life experience and thoughts on women's health and fertility treatment in the near future. She also shares valuable insights on how innovation and empathy in tandem are revolutionizing reproductive healthcare quality in the UAE.

What inspired you to pursue medicine and choose your specialty?

Growing up in a family rooted in the UAE, I witnessed the transformative power of compassionate care, especially in women’s health. This early exposure, combined with my academic foundation, inspired me to

pursue medicine. I graduated high school in 2012 and pursued medicine at the Gulf Medical University in Ajman, completing my bachelor’s degree in 2017.

After that, I joined Al Qasimi Hospital for a one-year internship, where I was inspired by the obstetrics and gynecology department to focus on women’s wellness and care. This experience led me to choose obstetrics and gynecology as my specialty.

How did your experiences shape your approach to women’s healthcare and wellness?

I worked at Latifa Hospital as an obstetrics and gynecology resident from 2018 to 2024, earning my board certification in the specialty. My passion for women’s wellness motivated me to further specialize in reproductive medicine and infertility, and I am currently working at an IVF center.

During my clinical rotations, I discovered my passion for women’s wellness and knew I wanted to specialize in this field and focus on women’s health. One moment that stands out was during my residency, when I supported a young woman through a high-risk pregnancy which was after having recurrent miscarriages.

The multidisciplinary care we provided—and the trust she placed in us—culminated in a successful delivery. That experience deepened my commitment to holistic, patient-centered care and reinforced the importance of empathy alongside clinical expertise.

It felt like the perfect intersection of surgical precision, emotional intelligence, and lifelong impact. Every milestone, from my bachelor’s degree to the Arab Board certification and advanced diplomas in ultrasound and urogynecology, has shaped me into a professional who values both evidence-based practice and genuine human connection. Looking back, I believe that my journey has been both, personal and purpose-driven.

Walk us through your professional journey and current areas of focus in the medical field.

Over the past eight years, I have accumulated exten­sive experience working across multiple domains within the medical field, with my primary focus in recent years being on reproductive medicine and fer­tility care.

Currently, I am pursuing a specialized fellowship in collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority, which allows me to engage deeply with advanced clinical practices, research, and patient care in this field. Alongside this fellowship, I am actively practicing at the IVF International Fertility Center, where I contribute to managing complex fertility cases and supporting patients throughout their treatment journeys.

In addition to my clinical responsibilities, I also hold professional diplomas in obstetric and gynecological ultrasound and urogynecology. I have pursued a master’s degree in medical education to further strengthen my academic and professional expertise.

Introduce us to IVF International Fertility Center. What key responsibilities do you shoulder within the healthcare center?

IVF International Fertility Center is a state-of-the-art reproductive health facility that focuses on personalized fertility care.

As a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at the center, I manage infertility diagnostics and treatments, including ovarian stimulation and ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination, IVF protocols, and conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, and hormonal imbalances.

Once my patients successfully conceive, I take an active role in closely monitoring their early stag­es of pregnancy, ensuring their health and well-be­ing are carefully managed before I refer them to specialized high obstetric care for continued sup­port and delivery. Throughout this process, I ensure empathy and clarity guide patients in making in­formed decisions on their fertility journey.

Which industry best practices do you follow to ensure positive patient outcomes?

The best practices I follow combine clinical rigor with humanistic care. I adhere to evidence-based protocols, both internationally and nationally, and emphasize shared decision-making with patients. Some complex cases require a multidisciplinary approach involving embryologists, psychologists, and nursing staff. This collaborative process helps us achieve the best possible outcomes for patients.

How do you foresee fertility care evolving in the UAE, going forward?

As for the future of fertility care in the UAE, I believe the country is poised to become a regional leader in fertility innovation with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies.

The UAE is steadily broadening access to fertility and reproductive health centers through a range of innovative public–private partnerships, ensuring that advanced treatments and technologies reach a wider segment of the population.

At the same time, AI is being increasingly incorporated into genomic research and analysis, paving the way for highly personalized and data-driven approaches to reproductive planning and fertility care. Fertility preservation, especially for cancer patients, is also gaining prominence as part of the UAE’s broader vision for reproductive health.

Looking back, which milestones and guiding principles have defined your journey?

Throughout my journey, I’ve received several recognitions, including the Ideal Resident Award and the Distinguished Staff Award at Dubai Hospital. I also led the creation of the Latifa Hospital Resident Guide—an innovative educational tool for residents designed as an NFC-enabled digital resource, allowing instant access to a comprehensive 300- page reference on medical conditions. In addition, I’ve published multiple PubMed-indexed articles and contributed to international conferences.

Dr Elham Ali Akbari, Obstetrician & Gynecologist Specialist, IVF International Fertility

Dr Elham Ali Akbari is an empathetic healthcare leader who specialises in reproductive medicine and fertility care. She is currently working as a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology while simultaneously specializing in infertility and reproductive medicine. Previously, she served as the Chief Resident at Latifa Hospital in the UAE from 2021 to 2023. A strong supporter of women’s holistic well-being, she treats complex fertility issues, such as PCOS, endometriosis, and hormonal imbalances. Dr Elham has received several recognitions, including the Ideal Resident Award and the Distinguished Staff Award at Dubai Hospital.