Gulf Capital Successfully Exits ART Fertility Clinics' Middle East Operations Selling Its Stake to IVI-RMA Global, World Leader in Fertility and Assisted Reproduction.
Since its acquisition in 2020, ART Fertility Clinics has undergone a period of significant growth and transformation. Under Gulf Capital's ownership, ART expanded from a UAE-focused business into a regional fertility platform with 15 clinics, including 3 in the UAE, 1 in Saudi, and 11 in India. The scope of the transaction includes the clinics located in UAE and Saudi Arabia, while the India operation will remain under the ownership of Gulf Capital. In the Middle East alone, ART Fertility Clinics has delivered substantial revenue and EBITDA growth since 2020, with profitability quadrupling over the last five years. This strong financial performance has been underpinned by ART's reputation for clinical excellence, rapid regional expansion and some of the highest success rates in IVF treatments across the region.
Dr. Karim El Solh, Co-Founder and CEO of Gulf Capital, commented: 'We are proud of the transformation we achieved at ART Fertility, scaling the platform from a single-country operator to the regional leader in reproductive medicine. Under Gulf Capital's ownership, ART Fertility invested heavily in science and research with 220 medical publications to date and launched a pioneering genetic testing lab in Abu Dhabi, leading to some of the highest IVF fertility success rates globally. ART Fertility's expansion and financial performance underline Gulf Capital's deep focus on operational improvements and growth. Following a competitive auction, the successful sale of the company to a global strategic buyer highlights Gulf Capital's ability to source, grow and exit healthcare platforms at very attractive multiples.'
Suresh Soni, CEO of ART Fertility Clinics, said: 'ART Fertility has built a strong reputation for clinical excellence and world-class patient outcomes. Our success has been driven by our scientific rigor, a world-renowned medical team led by Prof. Dr Human Fatemi, and a deep commitment to providing the best-in-class care. With the support of Gulf Capital, we were able to expand successfully across the region and enhance our service offerings including adding in house genetic capabilities. We are excited to join IVI-RMA's global platform and to continue delivering on our mission and commitment towards the GCC community.'
Hazem Abu Khalaf, Managing Director and Head of Healthcare investments at Gulf Capital, added: 'Our investment in ART Fertility is a clear example of Gulf Capital's ability to drive operational improvement and strategic growth in high-impact sectors. As one of the most vital and fast-evolving industries in the GCC, healthcare continues to offer both meaningful impact and long-term growth opportunities. ART Fertility stands as a testament to that potential. Over the past few years, we have helped build a business that combines scale, profitability, and clinical leadership – three elements that are often difficult to align. We are confident that ART Fertility is well-positioned for continued success in its next phase of growth under IVI-RMA's ownership and proud to have laid the foundation for its continued success in advancing specialized healthcare in the region'
Gulf Capital and ART Fertility Clinics were advised by Moelis & Company as M&A advisor, and A&O Shearman as legal advisor on the transaction.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
27 minutes ago
- The National
What is 'sleep divorce' and how can you make it work?
For the past decade, Courtney Brandt and her husband of 20 years have been sleeping in separate rooms at their Dubai villa. They've been practising what's sometimes referred to as 'sleep divorce' or couples sleeping apart in order to improve their rest – and their relationship. 'I am generally a terrible sleeper, so rather than keep my husband awake, I chose to permanently remove myself. And it worked out well because I go to bed quite early and I like to keep a very cool room,' the content creator and author tells The National. 'We spend a third of our lives sleeping, so I can't stress how important it is. And sleeping apart has zero to do with the status of your relationship and everything to do with your ability to sleep.' Brandt and her husband are not alone. With our relentless schedules and constant glowing screens, good quality sleep has quietly become a luxury. This has led to a growing number of couples embracing sleep divorce, experts say. 'I estimate that slightly more than one of the three patients who have requested a consultation for a sleep disorder in the past year have already resorted to a sleep divorce,' says Dr Valentina Faia, specialist psychiatrist and psychotherapist at BPS Clinic Dubai. According to a 2023 survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, which polled 2,005 adults in the US, 58 per cent of respondents said they adjusted their sleep routines to accommodate a partner. In the same survey, 20 per cent said they occasionally slept in another room while 15 per cent said they consistently slept in a separate room. 'Studies of sleep patterns or polysomnography have shown that co-sleeping couples often experience more short-lasting awakenings throughout the night than those sleeping separately, and a generally lower quality of sleep,' says Dr Faia. 'When couples share a bed, disturbances from a partner can lead to fragmented sleep cycles and reduced sleep efficiency.' Dr Sudhanthira Devi Ramdoss, a specialist psychiatrist at Aster Hospital in Dubai, says she's also seen a rising number of cases where her clients practice sleep divorce. Despite its negative connotation – and when practised correctly – sleep divorce can lead to improved relationships, better mood regulation, increased patience and more positive interactions during the day, she says. 'It's a lifestyle choice that prioritises good quality sleep, reduced sleep interruptions and reduced irritability,' says Dr Ramdoss. 'At the end of a long day, if you are not able to sleep adequately or tossing and turning in the bed throughout the night, it will leave you drained in the morning. This can be a sticking point in an otherwise healthy relationship between couples. 'By practicing sleep divorce with mutual consent, couples will have improved quality of sleep, improved relationships and increased intimacy.' Others are curious to experiment with the rising trend, with space being the only hold back. Kellie Whitehead, 47, a mother-of-three, who has been married for 25 years, says she would do it if she had the space 'for better rest and nothing else'. 'I'm older now and each hour counts more – against work, stresses and health concerns. I simply can't function well daily without a certain amount of good sleep,' says the PR consultant. 'I've never been able to sleep well 'entangled' or nose-to-nose with anyone else – husband or children.' Yet, despite the rising number of cases she's seeing, Dr Faia says she only recommends sleep divorce to couples when there's a documented medical condition and the other partner has shown significant distress. 'It's often not easy to open up about this habit for someone who has embraced it, as it challenges traditional conceptions of cohabitation and at times even questions moral or religious beliefs,' she says. 'Some individuals equate sleeping together with intimacy, security and love. Sometimes, the physical separation triggers unresolved attachment issues. 'Typical conditions that lead to sleep divorce are obstructive sleep apnoea, snoring, periodic limb movement disorder and severely mismatched circadian rhythms. These issues can significantly reduce sleep quality, even when individuals are unaware of the disturbances,' Dr Faia adds. Making sleep divorce work To successfully practice a sleep divorce, communication is key, says Dr Ramdoss. 'Sleep divorce is not about ending a relationship, it's just a practical choice to deal with sleep issues. So have an open communication about your sleep needs and concerns with your partner and obtain mutual consent,' she says. 'Go for a trial period like practising two to three times per week or practice sleep divorce on weekdays. Create a comfortable space for sleep, and preserve bedtime rituals like cuddling and sharing parts of your day to maintain closeness and intimacy.' Dr Faia often recommends hybrid solutions to her clients. 'These include the Scandinavian method of using separate blankets or sleeping in the same bed but with custom mattresses or earplugs, or scheduling alone-sleep nights interspersed with co-sleep nights,' she says. 'These alternatives provide flexibility while maintaining a sense of closeness and intimacy and protecting the time couples can spend together.' Dubai resident Rima, who prefers to go by her first name, swears by the Scandinavian method – something she and her husband have been practicing since they got married 18 years ago. 'I like to cocoon myself in my blanket when I sleep, which means I like to tuck my blanket in around me,' says the marketing consultant and mother-of-two. 'Also because our room is like the North Pole at night I get cold quickly and so my blanket is thicker than my husband's. 'The freedom of moving around without bothering the other person, and also feeling like I have my own space on our bed is the best feeling.' Brandt also suggests starting out with something less permanent. 'The key is to really define the two spaces, if you are fortunate enough to have a second room. If you don't have that, you can always do two duvets, which can help in creating that space,' she says. Brandt, whose rescue dog Poppy splits her time between her and husband at night, says their sleep set-up is a permanent arrangement and something she has no problem sharing with friends. 'Sleep is paramount to living, especially in today's world,' she says. 'People might give me weird looks for sleeping apart, but I know how good I'm sleeping.'
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Cruises cheaper than flights? Why UAE residents are opting for sea travel
Cruise holidays are becoming popular with UAE travellers over this summer and beyond. While some chose unique experiences, others opt for ultra-luxurious, all-inclusive packages, which allow them to have a more intimate holiday. 'During the summer, we are seeing many families from the UAE and GCC region opting for cruise holidays, mostly in Europe, Far East and Caribbean,' said Mohamed Kasim from Akbar Travels. 'Most of the people from the region opt for cruises lasting between seven and ten days and it is almost always booked by families, not people who are single.' He said that vessels that offer distinct entertainment options are more popular than others. 'Cruises like Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas of Royal Caribbean have been extremely popular this season,' he said. The former cruise boasts of one of the largest waterparks at sea while the latter tends to be a more budget-friendly option. A spokesperson for Celestyal cruises, which homeported out of Abu Dhabi and Doha for the first time from December 2024 to March this year said that the demand had far exceeded their expectation from the region. 'We had set an occupancy target of 60 per cent,' said Janet Parton, regional Vice President of Business Development at the company. 'However, we were completely full on the majority of our cruises. So the response has been phenomenal and we are already getting bookings for our next season.' She added that however, the GCC region were a 'late booking' market, with many choosing to book at the last minute Luxury cruises Among cruise holidays, the luxury cruises vertical is one that is seeing an increase in demand. According to Lakshmi Durai, CEO of CruiseXplore, there are several reasons why people prefer luxury cruises. 'People travel a lot, and they are always looking for something unique and different,' she said. 'Luxury cruises have smaller ships which allow them to visit destinations that larger cruise ships may not be able to navigate. They are very boutique and the travellers are pampered. There are some cruises that offer very unique experience.' In this year's State of the Cruise Industry report by Cruise Lines International Association, the luxury cruise travel market has tripled globally since 2010. Saleh Mohamed from Elevate Cruises explained why people prefer luxury cruises. 'They come in smaller sizes with lesser number of people and all amenities inclusive,' he said. 'Last year, we handled the Tauck cruise which was like a small yacht of 160 passengers but with a crew of almost 200 people to give personalised care for passengers. There were about 15 travel experts to accompany people during their excursions. So luxury cruise liners do out-of-the-box, unique experiences with an incredible level of service.' Earlier this year, Saud Hareb Almheiri, Cruise Tourism & Yachting Lead, Dubai Department of Economy, and Tourism (DET) told Khaleej Times during the Arabian Travel Mart that luxury cruises were 'a growing trend' both globally and locally. 'People are realising that if they go on a luxury cruise, it gives them a way to experience unique onshore excursions or different ports,' he said. 'On a normal cruise ship, there are sometimes more than 6,000 guests which means that people have to queue up to use the amenities. On luxury cruises, people wouldn't have to wait in queues.' Value for money According to Saud, value for money has been the 'foundation' of cruising. 'People are able to visit so many destinations within a short period of time without having to get on a plane and without having to unpack and pack multiple times,' he said. 'People will pay a premium for just that experience.' Lakshmi added that cruises are more affordable as compared to land holidays. 'The cruise package has a lot of inclusions,' she said. 'WiFi, all meals, entertainment on board, unique destinations and more. If you break it down to a per night rate, a similar land vacation will cost much more than a cruise. That is one of the reasons why it is becoming more popular.' Experiential cruises One cruise that has seen a lot of interest from the region is the Hurtigruten experiential cruise in Norway — a 130-year-old delivery service that used to get produce and post to the north of the country. Hurtigruten was converted into a cruise experience and has become popular for the experience it offers. 'We have small ships accommodating up to 500 people that run along the coast of Norway throughout the year,' said Carla Hines. 'We work with local suppliers, pick up fresh fish and vegetables from certain ports and engage with the local community. The food on the cruise is completely Norwegian and freshly cooked and the waste on the ship is composted. We are very sustainable. Depending on the season, we have different activities like hustle sledging, kayaking and hiking.' Lakshmi added that other popular experience cruises included cruises to the Arctic circle and Antartica. 'Some of these are ice breaker cruises that sail into poles,' she said. 'Roughly about 100 people are on these cruises, and they have expedition experts on the ship who take the guests out into the poles to explore.' Saleh added that the newly launched Aroya Cruise from Saudi Arabia was also gaining popularity. With halal food, prayer rooms and shisha decks, he explained that the cruise targeted a wide Muslim audience.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
'No sales, no salary': How UAE residents without fixed base pay rely on commission
From real estate agents to retail staff and recruitment consultants, some UAE residents are employed under commission-only contracts. This practice, while legal in the country, often leaves these employees navigating financial uncertainty, unclear legal protections, and mental strain. Aisha M, a 29-year-old real estate broker in Dubai, said her income varies so widely that budgeting feels almost impossible. 'Some months, I make three times what a salaried person earns. Other months, I have to ask my landlord to wait for rent,' she said. 'There's no base pay, so if I don't close a deal, I earn nothing.' Aisha explained that commissions are usually paid out in the first week of the following month, but even that depends on the employer's internal processes. 'If I sell a unit in the last 10 days of July, I might not see the money until September. You have to be careful, always follow up.' Despite the instability, Aisha says she's not ready to give it up. 'When it's good, it's very good. But you live in a kind of emotional and financial rollercoaster. Every month, it's like starting from zero.' According to the UAE's Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, commission-based pay is legal if it's clearly stated in the employee's registered contract with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The law allows for various pay structures, including commission-only, provided they're mutually agreed upon and formally documented. However, there is no officially defined minimum wage in the UAE. The law broadly states that pay must 'meet the basic needs' of the worker, but does not set a numerical threshold. 'No sales, no salary' Tariq Mahmoud, 35, works in electronics retail. He has a commission-only contract with a company that sells high-end appliances. 'I spend 8 to 10 hours a day on the floor. If I don't make a sale, I go home with nothing. My wife has a fixed job, or else we wouldn't have survived.' He points out that during low seasons, sales drop sharply. 'Some months, I make just Dh500. There's no hourly wage, no overtime, and no safety net.' The hardest part, he says, is how commission payments are delayed. 'The commission is based on closed sales, but the company often takes time to process payments. If there's a return or customer complaint, they can even cut your pay retroactively.' Still, he acknowledges the upside. 'It keeps you hungry, sharp. If you're aggressive, you can outperform salaried colleagues. But there's a mental toll. You're always anxious about clients, numbers, the system.' Noura, a 27-year-old resident of Dubai, works in banking sales now, pushing financial products and credit cards. Before that, she spent three years in real estate under a commission-only setup. She said her experience taught her that everything depends on the employer. 'In real estate, some months I worked hard but didn't get paid on time, or at all. Now, in banking, even though I'm still on commission, the structure is more formal. There's a payment schedule, clear reporting, and a fallback if something goes wrong.' Noura said people often underestimate how risky commission-only roles can be. 'You have to really trust the company before you accept this kind of job. Ask people who work there. If payments get delayed or if you're left chasing your commission every month, it affects your whole life.'
