Video: Dubai Ruler's heart-touching moment with 9-year-old girl goes viral

Dubai - Mahina Ghaniva is one of the 70m people who have been helped by initiatives under the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives.

A touching scene unfolded at the annual report launch of the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives when Sheikh Mohammed hugged a Tajikistani child, who underwent successful heart surgeries under his foundation.
The nine-year-old girl, Mahina Ghaniva, is one of the 70 million people who have been helped by initiatives under the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives (MBRGI). She suffered from atrial septal defect, which means she had four holes in her heart.
After Mahina bravely spoke on stage, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, called her down and hugged her. She held on to him tightly, creating a touching and heartfelt scene at the event, which was being held at Dubai Opera.
"I want to thank Sheikh Mohammed and his foundation for helping me. I am feeling better now and I am very happy," Mahina had said on stage.
After Sheikh Mohammed opened his iftar at the event, he approached Mahina again, hugged her, kissed her forehead and handed his pin to her.
"When I came to the UAE, I saw photos of all of the sheikhs and I wanted to know who they are. This country really helped me and I am very grateful," she told Khaleej Times.
The young girl was helped by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Humanitarian and Charitable Establishment, which is under MBRGI.
sarwat@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE