In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare in the United Arab Emirates, midwifery is emerging as a vital profession to meet the growing demands of maternal and newborn care. A groundbreaking new study sheds light on why students are drawn to midwifery careers in the UAE, highlighting a profound passion for patient care and intrinsic motivations that go beyond financial incentives. Conducted at Fatima College of Health Sciences, this research provides crucial insights into student choices at a time when the country is expanding its midwifery education programs to address workforce shortages.
The UAE's healthcare sector has seen significant investments in nursing and midwifery, aligned with national visions like UAE Centennial 2071 and the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery Roadmap to 2026. With only 376 registered midwives in 2019 against a target of 762 by 2030, the introduction of direct-entry four-year Bachelor of Science in Midwifery programs marks a strategic shift to bolster local talent, particularly Emiratis, amid low Emiratisation rates of just 1.2% in nursing. This study, published in the British Journal of Midwifery in February 2026, captures the voices of the first cohort of students, revealing a blend of altruism, curiosity, and cultural resonance driving their decisions.
🌟 The New Era of Midwifery Education in UAE Universities
Until recently, midwifery training in the UAE was limited, often integrated into nursing diplomas or reliant on expatriate professionals. Pioneering institutions like Fatima College of Health Sciences in Abu Dhabi launched the nation's first direct-entry BSc Midwifery in 2022, transitioning to full direct entry by 2024. This four-year program equips students with competencies for autonomous practice, emphasizing woman-centered care, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based skills essential for UAE's diverse population.
Other key players include Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) with its Hind Bint Maktoum College of Nursing and Midwifery, offering specialized tracks; Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU) with a comprehensive BSc Midwifery curriculum updated for 2025-26; and the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), which prepares UAE nationals for registration as midwives. University of Sharjah's College of Health Sciences also contributes through robust nursing programs that pave pathways into midwifery. Enrollment is growing, though exact figures remain modest—Fatima College's inaugural program had around 42 students in 2024, reflecting cautious expansion amid efforts to combat social stigma and boost Emirati participation.
These programs align with Ministry of Education standards, incorporating clinical placements, simulation labs, and interprofessional education to prepare graduates for roles in public hospitals, private clinics, and community health. The focus on Emiratisation—targeting 4% by 2026—includes scholarships, mentorship, and awareness campaigns to elevate the profession's appeal.
Study Methodology: Capturing Student Voices
The cross-sectional mixed-methods study targeted all 42 students in Fatima College's BSc Midwifery program in November 2024, achieving an 81% response rate with 34 participants—predominantly young Emirati females (mean age 20, 97% single). An adapted questionnaire from validated tools assessed professional/vocational and personal motivations on a 5-point Likert scale, supplemented by an open-ended question for qualitative depth. Data analysis combined descriptive statistics and content analysis, yielding robust themes on intrinsic and extrinsic drivers.
Ethical rigor was ensured via Institutional Review Board approval, informed consent, and anonymity, making findings reliable for UAE higher education contexts. This approach mirrors global research while contextualizing local cultural nuances, such as family involvement in decision-making.
Intrinsic Motivations: A Calling to Care
At the heart of students' choices lies an unyielding passion for patient care. Quantitative data showed high agreement (mean >4) for helping patients (4.5), direct interaction (4.4), and the nature of midwifery work (4.4). Qualitatively, intrinsic motivations dominated, with students describing profound fulfillment in supporting women through childbirth.
- "I decided to pursue midwifery to support women through one of the most transformative experiences of their lives." – Reem, 2nd year.
- "In midwifery, I have found my magic—the magic of love, of care, and of being there when it matters most." – Fatema, 2nd year.
- Exploratory drive: "It's great to be one of the first midwives in the UAE and start to make changes in the pregnancy experience." – Laylah, 2nd year.
These sentiments underscore a desire for woman-centered, culturally attuned care—respecting privacy, language, and family roles—aligning with UAE's emphasis on holistic maternity services.
Extrinsic Influences: Family, Respect, and Opportunity
While intrinsic factors led, extrinsic ones played a supporting role. Family encouragement (mean 4.1) and prior medical exposure (mean 4.5) were pivotal, with passion for midwifery science (4.5) bridging both. Societal respect and career advancement amid shortages appealed, positioning midwifery as stable and pioneering.
Only 35.3% named midwifery as first choice, but 100% would recommend it, signaling strong commitment despite 8.8% considering switches—highlighting recruitment needs to nurture early passion.
UAE's National Strategy: Building a Sustainable Midwifery Workforce
The Ministry of Health and Prevention's National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery (Roadmap to 2026) addresses shortages through five pillars: regulation, workforce management, practice quality, education innovation, and research. Key targets include 4% Emiratisation, reduced dropout (<2% for Emiratis), and advanced roles. Education strategies encompass competency frameworks, postgraduate specializations, and CPD aligned with Universal Health Coverage.Explore the full strategy PDF.
Midwifery-specific goals promote full scope practice, evidence-based curricula, and nurse/midwife-led services, countering the 47% healthcare workforce share by nurses/midwives (55,158 total nurses in 2019, mostly expats).
Challenges in Midwifery Enrollment and Retention
Despite progress, challenges persist: social stigma views midwifery as "lowly," low male participation (19% nurses), and high expat reliance (e.g., 43% Indian, 29% Filipino). Dropout risks and turnover (target <5%) demand interventions like mentorship and positive media portrayal. The study notes misconceptions—e.g., midwifery as "natural birth only"—necessitating early exposure via school curricula and clinical shadowing.
| Motivation Category | Mean Score | % High Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Helping Patients | 4.5 | 91.2% |
| Passion for Midwifery Science | 4.5 | 91.2% |
| Direct Patient Interaction | 4.4 | 88.2% |
Spotlight on Leading UAE Midwifery Programs
Fatima College's program exemplifies innovation, with students praising its pioneer status. MBRU's college integrates midwifery into health sciences, fostering research. RAKMHSU's curriculum emphasizes practice-based learning, preparing for licensure. HCT targets nationals, aligning with Emiratisation. These programs feature state-of-the-art simulations, cultural competency modules, and partnerships for clinical placements in facilities like Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
Enrollment is rising with scholarships—e.g., MOHAP covers BSc Nursing/Midwifery for Emiratis—yet targets lag, urging targeted campaigns.
Implications for UAE Higher Education and Policymakers
The study urges recruitment emphasizing intrinsic rewards: short films showcasing fulfillment, reproductive health education in schools, and role models. Retention via mentorship and progression paths (e.g., MSc Midwifery) is key. Universities should integrate cultural care training, addressing privacy and family dynamics, to enhance outcomes like reduced C-sections.
Recent higher ed reforms—new law prioritizing graduate employability—support this, with flexible calendars and outcome-focused accreditation boosting midwifery viability.
Future Outlook: A Bright Path for Midwifery Careers in UAE
With UAE's fertility rate (1.4) and maternal health focus, midwifery demand surges. Graduates earn competitive salaries (AED 10,000-20,000 starting), with pathways to advanced practice, leadership, and research. The study's optimism—100% recommendation rate—signals success, provided education evolves with strategy goals.
Prospective students: Explore programs at Fatima College or MBRU. Educators: Leverage findings for curricula. As UAE builds world-class maternity care, passionate students will shape its future.
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