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UAE: Meet women with multiple sclerosis who defy stigmas, raise awareness as they lead 'regular lives'
Approximately 19 in every 100,000 people in the Emirates are affected by the neurological disease, which often begins in young adults around the age of 26
- PUBLISHED: Mon 10 Mar 2025, 5:30 AM
When Rayan Daboul received her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) at just 22, her life was turned upside down. “I had no idea what MS was, and I went into denial, thinking I could just continue with my regular life," she recalled.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information between the brain and the spinal cord. Symptoms vary from one person to another but they include movement and coordination issues, visual disturbances and fatigue.
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As the reality of her condition began to sink in, Rayan realised that adjusting her lifestyle was just one of many challenges she would face. Determined to change the stigma surrounding her condition, especially as a woman, she embarked on a journey of awareness.
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The heat made her symptoms worse, so Rayan had to adapt her daily routine. “Learning to stay cool and dressing smart is still something I navigate every day,” she explained.
Her diagnosis also highlighted the societal expectations placed on her as a woman. “I feel MS is often seen as an obstacle, particularly when it comes to marriage,” she shared. The stigma surrounding her condition often left her feeling misunderstood, as others struggled to grasp how even simple tasks could drain her energy. “Constantly explaining myself is even more exhausting,” she admitted.
Rayan, now 24, has embraced her journey with creativity and became a content creator, despite all the challenges. She uses her platform to share her story, raise awareness, and inspire others facing similar battles. “Living with MS has given me a unique perspective,” she said. “I aim to create content that feels real, relatable, and inspiring.”
Through therapy and picking up new hobbies like playing the piano, Rayan is finding her way through the condition. “As a content creator, long hours and heat often trigger numbness, testing my resilience, but I’ve learned to listen to my body and pace myself,” she explained.
One of her most impactful moments came when she posted a video on TikTok about the day she was diagnosed. The video went viral and over 20 people with MS from across the Arab world reached out to her, and that sparked meaningful discussions.
Deborah Dunne, a Dubai resident, faced a similar life-altering moment when she was diagnosed with MS shortly after graduating with a degree in primary school education in 2011 in London. In an instant, her life changed.
She found herself balancing the demands of teaching with hospital appointments, relapses, and redefining her sense of self. "Fatigue and occasional dizziness forced me to be more strategic with my energy, learning to pace myself and be open with my colleagues about my limits," Deborah shared.
Despite the early struggles, Deborah's journey evolved when she moved to Dubai in 2016. Leaving behind her established support system, she built a strong network of friends who understood her condition. "While it was daunting to leave my family’s support, I now have a solid group of friends who support me as both a person and someone living with MS," Deborah said. She also worked closely with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS), creating awareness and fostering a solid community.
In the UAE, approximately 19 in every 100,000 people are affected by MS, with the condition often beginning in young adults around the age of 26, according to NMSS. Women are twice as likely as men to develop MS, making up 67 per cent of those diagnosed in the Emirates.
Founded in 2022, the NMSS aims to improve the lives of those with MS in the UAE through education, advocacy, and support. One of their key initiatives is the MS Helpline 800677, which provides confidential, immediate support for those living with MS. The helpline, available daily from 10am to 10pm, offers information about healthcare practitioners, mental health assessments, and emotional support.
Deborah, now 39, has lived with MS for 13 years, spending 8 of those years in Dubai. In 2023, she took the opportunity to open up about her condition. "This was a turning point that profoundly shaped my approach to teaching and helped others living silently with this chronic condition," she says.
Deborah has taken her advocacy a step further by writing a children’s book titled "My Mum Has MS", to help educate young readers about the condition. “I want to normalise discussions about MS,” she explained.
Muna Al Harbi, a mother of three and transformation coach, also faced a life-changing MS diagnosis a decade ago. "When I first heard those words, 'You have multiple sclerosis’, I remember feeling overwhelmed, thinking about my ambitions, my responsibilities as a wife, a mother, and an employee," Muna recalled.
Initially unfamiliar with the condition, she described it as "uninvited and unstoppable." However, after three relapses, Muna learned that MS isn’t just a diagnosis — it’s a constant companion that reshapes how you see the world.
"In the beginning, I tried to carry on as if nothing had changed — pushing through the stress, ignoring the warning signs, convincing myself I could handle it all. But MS doesn’t work that way. It forces you to stop. It demands you to listen," she explained.
As Muna began to understand her condition, one symptom after the other, she embraced her diagnosis and became a vocal advocate for awareness and support. She decided to turn her struggles into strength. "I realised that if I couldn’t find what I needed, I would create it," she said. Through social media, podcasts, and community events, Muna has reached hundreds of people, sharing her story and offering support to those facing similar challenges.
Her mantra, "Keep Moving Forward," has shaped her approach to life with MS. "Living with MS isn’t about waiting for a cure; it’s about finding new ways to live fully in the present," she highlighted.
Waad Barakat is a Special Correspondent covering security topics, from law enforcement to local courts. With a keen eye for human interest stories, she hopes to blend it all with unique Gen Z-inspired content.