Announcements

Renowned Indian IVF Specialist Dr Varsha Patil unveils plans to launch business in Dubai

Published

2 years ago

April 1, 2024

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Dr. Varsha Patil, a distinguished IVF specialist and a Clinical Embryologist with extensive experience in infertility treatment, is set to expand her footprint to Dubai this year. The veteran doctor is keen to bring her IVF chain Jananee to the region this year buoyed by Dubai’s ease of doing business and recent legal reforms pertaining to IVF treatment. But it is the region’s high infertility rate that needs to be addressed first, she says.

“Studies have shown that infertility rates in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and the wider GCC have been on the rise and more than double the global average and there’s no doubt that much of it is down to the lifestyle choices, stress and dietary habits of today’s generation. And add to that medical conditions that often remain undiagnosed,” said Dr Patil, who runs India’s Siddhagiri Jananee IVF and Test Tube Baby Center as the director and head of department. “Just a couple of years ago, the global estimates of infertility were approximately 15 percent while across the GCC those figures were as high as 35 to 40 percent. That tells you the need of the hour in this region for a holistic clinic that will get to the root of the problem and eliminate it.”

With an illustrious career spanning over two decades and a wealth of expertise garnered from prestigious institutions worldwide, Dr. Patil brings a holistic approach to reproductive healthcare that prioritises affordability, accessibility, and patient well-being, having touched the lives of thousands of people wanting to be parents. Now she wants to bring her line of treatment and efficacy to Dubai. “I have found over the years a continuous rise in both primary and secondary infertility in this region particularly due partly to lifestyle-related issues. It is now time to give such patients greater access to high quality, cost-effective treatment in their own backyard now. And so plans are fully on to launch a holisitic clinic by the third quarter this year as we currently speak to potential investors,” said Dr Patil whose academic journey includes studying at Leeds University, UK, and completing a specialised training at Sydney IVF in Australia. As an academic, she has showcased her research prowess by presenting papers at esteemed platforms such as SymResearch Pune at Symbiosis University and the World Congress on Human Reproduction in Venice, Italy.

Throughout her career, Dr Patil has been at the forefront of infertility treatment, practicing in Bangalore, Belgaum Karnataka, and Kolhapur Maharashtra. She has also held the position of Head of the IVF Lab at Genesis in Bangalore and currently serves as the Director and Head of the IVF Department at India’s National Accreditation Board for Hospitals (NABH) accredited Sidhagiri Hospital & Research Center in Kolhapur. “It is now time for us to expand internationally and there can’t be a better place to start with than Dubai for the ease of doing business this place offers and the legal reforms two years ago,” said Dr Patil during her visit to the emirate as part of a business potential study tour earlier this month.

Last year, just two years on from the UAE’s legal reforms, Dubai clinics saw 2000 more women opting to freeze their eggs as fertility clinics in Dubai registered a whopping 20-fold increase in women requesting egg freezing procedures compared to 2021.

Legal reforms introduced in 2021 allow freezing of human embryos and eggs in the UAE. The law also stipulates that human embryos can be frozen for up to five years – extendable with the consent of relevant parties – and that single women can freeze their eggs provided they are used for their own pregnancy after marriage with their husband’s sperm in an IVF procedure.

“India is known globally for its medical infracstructue and facilities. Over 2 million patients visit India each year from close to 80 countries for medical, wellness and IVF treatments, generating $6 billion for the industry that is expected to reach $13 billion by 2026 backed by the government’s Heal in India initiative. If it’s worked in India, there’s no reason why it can’t work in Dubai now in the current backdrop and rest of the region where the infrastructure is even better,” explained Dr Patil who’s driven by a passion for making fertility care accessible to all, addressing genuine challenges faced by patients, including the high costs associated with treatment cycles and hormonal toxicity. “I firmly believe that parenthood is a fundamental right and therefore I travel the world advocating for accessible information and treatment options for individuals worldwide – irrespective of where they come, what strata, background or religion they belong to.”

With a holistic approach to artificial reproductive technologies (ART), Dr Patil emphasises the importance of nutrition, hygiene, detoxification, and managing pathological conditions to optimise fertility outcomes. “So what makes us stand out is the comprehensive approach we take to fertility care, one that integrates humanitarian principles with cutting-edge medical techniques. Recognising the global significance of declining birth rates and rising economic expenditures on fertility issues, we feel the need today is for affordable and stress-free fertility journeys for patients worldwide,” she said explaining how her tentative feasibility report underscores the practicality and potential impact of her proposed projects on subfertile patients on humanitarian grounds.

“With a vision to extend her transformative initiatives to a global scale, I seek the guidance and support of UAE’s leadership,” she said, expressing a “sincere intention to present a proposal that recognises the country’s commitment to innovation and healthcare excellence”.

About Dr Varsha Patil

Driven by her pursuit of excellence, Dr. Varsha Patil ventured to Australia for specialized training in IVF, following her Bachelors in Medicine & Surgery and Masters in Clinical Embryology from University of Leeds UK. Dr. Patil also received extensive training at Sydney, Australia at SYDNEY IVF. She received this advanced training at Sydney IVF, under the mentorship of leading IVF specialists. This invaluable hands-on experience equipped her with cutting-edge techniques and a deeper understanding of infertility treatments.

With an impressive 23 years of clinical practice in infertility treatment, Dr. Patil’s profound impact on couples struggling to conceive is immeasurable. Her clinics, strategically located across Maharashtra and Karnataka in India, stand as pillars of hope for those seeking expert fertility guidance and effective solutions. Now she is also poised to expand her footprint in Dubai.

Announcements

DIFC to become world’s first AI-native financial centre in Dubai

Published

1 day ago

April 22, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has announced plans to transform into the world’s first AI-native financial centre, embedding artificial intelligence across every layer of its operations as part of Dubai’s broader push to lead in advanced technologies.

The initiative will integrate AI into legal and regulatory systems, business operations, talent development, and even physical infrastructure, marking a shift from limited pilot projects to a fully AI-driven ecosystem.

AI at the core of DIFC’s strategy

While many global financial hubs are experimenting with AI, DIFC said its approach is different, placing AI at the core of how the centre functions, rather than using it selectively.

The groundwork for this transformation was laid in 2023 with the launch of a five-year AI strategy, alongside new data governance policies and regulations that formally incorporate AI into its legal framework.

Economic growth and job creation

Officials estimate the initiative could generate up to $3.5 billion (Dh12.9 billion) in economic benefits and create around 25,000 jobs, further strengthening Dubai’s position as a global financial and technology hub.

Building an AI-powered ecosystem

DIFC plans to provide companies with access to advanced AI tools, while also exporting governance models and trained talent to emerging markets.

By 2030, the centre aims to develop a fully integrated AI ecosystem, including robotics, autonomous mobility, and digital infrastructure, effectively creating a smart, AI-powered city within a city.

Supporting Dubai’s AI vision

The move aligns with Dubai’s wider economic agenda to lead in artificial intelligence and innovation.

The vision will also be highlighted during the Dubai AI Festival, taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre on October 26–27, where more than 20,000 participants from over 100 countries are expected to attend.

Announcements

DIFC unveils relief package to ease financial pressure for more than 8,000 companies

Published

2 weeks ago

April 10, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has today announced a comprehensive suite of temporary economic support measures designed to fortify its business and retail community. Effective immediately, the package addresses short-term operational pressures, ensuring the DIFC ecosystem remains the most resilient financial hub in the MEASA region.

As the global economy navigates a shifting landscape, the DIFC Authority is taking a proactive stance to provide financial reassurance and administrative flexibility to its 8,800+ active firms.

Targeted financial & operational support

The relief measures are specifically designed to stabilise cash flows for both commercial tenants and retail operators. Key initiatives include:

Flexible Payment Solutions: Customised payment plans for retail and commercial sectors.
Licensing Ease: New instalment plans for license renewal fees to reduce upfront capital requirements.
Administrative Grace Periods: Extensions on payments related to the Registrar of Companies, Data Protection Department, and lease contract filings.
Workforce Support: Deferred timelines for registering employees into the DIFC Employee Workplace Savings (DEWS) scheme.

Regulatory flexibility

In tandem with the DIFC Authority, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) is introducing regulatory relief to maintain market momentum. These measures will support existing regulated firms and streamline the authorisation process for new entities seeking to enter the Dubai market.

“At DIFC, we stand alongside our clients, partners, and employees with a clear commitment to provide support and reassurance when it is needed most,” said Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority.

The announcement comes as DIFC continues its Zabeel District expansion, which is set to house over 42,000 companies. By prioritising the human and financial health of its current partners, DIFC is reinforcing Dubai’s position as a top-four global financial centre that prioritises stability alongside innovation.

Announcements

Dubai ad agency turns billboard into a self-funded tribute of gratitude and love for the UAE

Published

2 weeks ago

April 10, 2026

Michael Gomes

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As global markets navigate a landscape of uncertainty, the UAE continues to stand as a beacon of stability and resilience. While business leaders across the region have applauded the nation’s defence mechanisms and leadership, one Dubai-based advertising firm is moving beyond words and into action.

NextWhat Advertising has unveiled a massive, self-funded tribute billboard at the Dubai World Trade Centre Roundabout. In a move that breaks industry norms, the agency has bypassed commercial revenue to dedicate one of the city’s most premium outdoor spots to a message of solidarity and love for the UAE leadership.

The billboard, strategically located in the parking area facing the flow of traffic from Emirates Towers toward Zabeel Road and facing the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road, carries a heartfelt message honouring the strength, wisdom, and commitment to unity that defines the UAE’s path forward.

Gratitude for leadership

While Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaigns are common, they are almost exclusively funded by clients. NextWhat is pioneering a different path: the billboard owner acting as the benefactor.

“Typically, we see clients using CSR funds for these types of messages. Among outdoor media players, we are amongst the first few to have done this entirely on our own,” says Tanvir Shah, Founder and Managing Director of NextWhat Advertising.

“We’ve spent our own money and used our own premium space, no sponsorship, no clients, to show our genuine gratitude for the safety and leadership the UAE provides.”

From Mumbai to the world stage

The man behind the move, Tanvir Shah, is a first-generation entrepreneur with a legacy of Thinking Big. A graduate of Mumbai’s prestigious Sydenham College and a veteran of The Times of India, Shah launched his first venture in 1992. Today, his footprint spans India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE.

Under Shah’s leadership, NextWhat has become synonymous with unmissable brand experiences. By dedicating their state-of-the-art digital and large-format sites to a national cause, the company is demonstrating that in the UAE, the bond between the private sector and the state is built on more than just commerce; it is built on shared resilience.

United we stand as a family

Today, as business leaders and residents alike confront uncertainty, they do so not as guests in a foreign land, but as a united family standing in defence of the home that has embraced them. This bond has been forged through years of shared milestones and a collective belief that, regardless of origin, hearts can beat as one for the Emirates.

“The UAE has given us extraordinary opportunities and unwavering support. Just as it welcomed us during times of prosperity, we stand with it now in moments of challenge. We are not merely expatriates or guests; we are family. Irrespective of nationality, we have consciously chosen this country as our home, and we hold it close to our hearts. Our loyalty has only grown stronger through the trust and confidence shown by the nation’s leadership. This land has embraced us with dignity, and the least we can do is stand by it. At the end of the day, we are one,” concluded Shah.

Click on the link to see a video of the ad: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DWqPp7EjKCU