How is the future of women's fertility care changing in the UAE?

A couple of years ago, Torkia Mahloul found herself at a crossroads. Deeply immersed in her career and approaching her mid-30s, she wasn't ready to start a family but knew she wanted one someday. After consulting with a professional, she decided it was best to freeze her eggs. This decision, however, led her to discover just how strenuous and complicated the process could be.

“I realized that the process of egg freezing is quite strenuous and complicated. From finding the right doctor to the lab, and conducting multiple rounds of tests, all the while, other aspects of your life also need your attention—work, family, and other commitments,” Torkia recalls.

In the midst of this journey, Torkia met Majd Abu Zant, a seasoned healthcare expert. Majd helped her navigate the labyrinth of clinics and doctors, but they both saw a significant gap in women's healthcare. The fertility journey was neither easy nor accessible. Combining Torkia's expertise in technology and Majd's in healthcare, they decided to create a solution to simplify and enhance the fertility journey for women in the UAE.

“I had just moved to Dubai and recently joined Careem. Balancing my demanding job with the egg-freezing process was incredibly challenging. I often thought, 'If only this process could be digitized, it would make things so much easier for working women.' This idea was the seed that eventually grew into Ovasave,” Torkia explains.

A look into the history of fertility laws in the UAE

The UAE's approach to fertility treatments has evolved significantly over the years. Historically, fertility preservation methods such as egg freezing were not widely accessible due to cultural and legal constraints. The initial legal framework was restrictive, focusing mainly on married couples and requiring stringent approvals for fertility treatments. However, with the UAE's commitment to becoming a global leader in healthcare, policies have gradually liberalized, allowing more women to explore fertility preservation options.

In recent years, the UAE has witnessed a surge in fertility clinics offering advanced reproductive technologies. This shift is part of a broader effort to enhance women's healthcare and address the rising demand for fertility services. The establishment of specialized clinics and the adoption of more progressive laws reflect the UAE's commitment to supporting women's reproductive choices.

Challenges and the awareness gap among women 

Despite the advancements, awareness about fertility preservation remains relatively low among women in the UAE. Many women are unaware of the options available to them or the optimal time to consider egg freezing. Cultural taboos and social stigmas also play a significant role in discouraging open discussions about fertility issues.

Women often face several challenges when trying to access fertility services. These include:

1. Lack of Information: Many women are not well-informed about the process, costs, and benefits of egg freezing.

2. High Costs: The traditional egg freezing process is expensive, making it inaccessible for many.

3. Time Constraints: The procedure requires multiple clinic visits, which can be difficult for working women to manage.

4. Emotional and Physical Strain: The process can be physically demanding and emotionally taxing, adding to the overall burden.

Bridging the gap with Ovasave

The traditional process of egg freezing involves researching clinics, making appointments, requesting lab tests, and discussing results with doctors—each step costly and time-consuming. Ovasave digitized this process. Women can now order a test kit for as low as 350 dirhams, significantly reduced from the initial 1000 dirhams. Samples are collected at home or work, and results are accessible via a user-friendly dashboard. Women can then book consultations directly through the platform.

“Throughout my career in various successful companies, I always wanted to make a meaningful impact, particularly in the lives of women. When the idea for Ovasave clicked, it was a no-brainer. I knew I had to quit my job and dedicate my time to creating a platform that would make the fertility journey more accessible and affordable for women in the UAE,” Torkia shares.

Launched in September 2023, Ovasave has already made a significant impact. Over the past year, they have conducted numerous tests and helped many women, raising awareness about fertility preservation. They’ve also raised $850,000 and expanded their team to five dedicated members. Their mission is to continuously improve by listening to their users, ensuring the services are tailored to their needs.

“We engage with women daily to understand their challenges and experiences, ensuring our services are tailored to their needs. Consumer experience is critical, especially in healthcare,” says Majd.

What’s more in the store? 

Ovasave's vision extends beyond egg freezing. They plan to introduce more hormonal tests to help detect conditions like PCOD, PCOS, pre-menopause, menopause, and thyroid issues. They also aim to expand into Saudi Arabia, broadening their reach and impact.

“We are continually expanding our features and initiatives to provide comprehensive healthcare information, resources, tools, and expertise for women. Our ultimate goal is for Ovasave to become a trusted platform where women can gain knowledge about their bodies and take control of their health,” Torkia states.

Overcoming challenges and how? 

Launching a healthcare product came with its challenges, particularly in navigating regulations. Majd, with over 25 years in the industry, and Torkia had to wear many hats to ensure compliance. Fundraising and sourcing tech talent were also challenging, but enrolling in the HUB71 tech ecosystem provided invaluable support and guidance.

Finding the right talent is crucial for Ovasave. They look for agility of mind, creativity, and strong social skills. Their team needs to be flexible, learn quickly, and solve problems effectively. The three-month accelerator program with HUB71 was instrumental in helping them understand scalability, marketing, and performance tracking.

At Ovasave, they are committed to educating, connecting, and supporting women who want to understand their bodies and own their fertility. They believe that egg freezing should be empowering, accessible, and as easy as booking a spa day. By leveraging technology and partnering with the best fertility clinics, they aim to transform the egg-freezing process across the region.

“We’re done with women’s fertility issues being taboo—it’s time to cut through the stigma and celebrate our bodies for the miracles they are.” Torkia emphasizes.

With Ovasave, they are not just simplifying the process; they are creating a community where women can support each other on their fertility journeys. They are here for women, every step of the way.