UAE's First Non-Surgical Weight-Loss Procedure Arrives at Medcare Royal Hospital

A new weight-loss treatment has arrived in the UAE. Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital has introduced Moviva, an endoscopic procedure designed to help patients manage obesity without surgery. The hospital claims this is the first and only facility in the country offering the innovative method as of early 2026.

Moviva works by targeting ghrelin, the hormone responsible for hunger signals. By adjusting its levels, the procedure helps patients feel full sooner and consume less food. Unlike traditional bariatric surgery, it requires no incisions and is performed entirely through the mouth.

The treatment is minimally invasive, allowing for same-day discharge and a quicker recovery. Early results show promise: three patients at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital lost around 10% of their body weight after undergoing the procedure.

Prof. Dr Mohamed Abdelhafez, a Consultant Gastroenterologist at the hospital, has carried out over 30,000 endoscopic procedures. He believes Moviva could offer a breakthrough for those who struggle with conventional weight-loss methods. The hospital supports patients with a full programme, including nutrition advice, lifestyle coaching, and long-term follow-ups.

Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital specialises in advanced endoscopy and minimally invasive treatments. While it states it is currently the sole provider of Moviva in the UAE, independent verification of this claim is not available.

Moviva provides a scar-free, lower-risk alternative to surgery for weight management. Patients treated so far have shown significant weight reduction, with the hospital offering ongoing support. The procedure's long-term impact on obesity rates in the UAE remains to be seen.