'Double joy': Expat families welcome babies on UAE's 54th National Day

As the clock struck 12am on December 2, marking the start of the UAE’s 54th Eid Al Etihad, two expat families welcomed their newborns at Burjeel Hospital.

Algerian mother Lamia Mermat delivered a baby girl, Makkah, weighing 3.110kg. Mermat and her husband, Zuhair Attar, said the timing made the arrival of their fourth child even more meaningful. “She is our gift from the Almighty. We named her Makkah, a name close to our hearts. We feel blessed to receive her on this auspicious day,” the parents said. They thanked the medical team for their support, adding, “The entire medical team, including Dr Hala, has been really helpful.”

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Dr. Hala Elsayed, specialist obstetrics and and gynecologist at Burjeel Hospital, said the mother and baby were in good health. “Although it’s our routine work, delivering a baby at this exact moment is something you don’t forget,” she said.

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At the same time, Pakistani parents Hamood Ur Rehman and Andleeb Saleem welcomed their fourth child, a baby boy named Umar, weighing 3.560kg. “We will treasure this moment forever. For us, this day now carries double joy, being part of the UAE’s story and welcoming our son,” the couple said. 

Dr. Sailaja Vuppu, HOD and consultant obstetrics and gynecologist, said the birth carried symbolic significance. “Every child is a new hope that tomorrow will be brighter, stronger, and more compassionate,” she said.

The moment was celebrated by hospital staff offering sweets and greetings, as families welcomed a memorable beginning to the national occasion.

Blessed with spirit of unity, prosperity

More bundles of joy were delivered on the propitious day of the 54th Eid Al Etihad, with parents welcoming their babies being blessed with the country’s spirit of unity, diversity and prosperity.

Bangladeshi parents Rakhi Rani and Sumon Chandra Sharma welcomed their first baby—a girl—19 minutes past midnight on Tuesday. For them, having their baby born in the UAE—their ‘second home’—was a testament to the country’s multicultural character.

Doctors and staff at NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi were also overjoyed. Dr Savita Malik told Khaleej Times, "What an incredibly special arrival! May this beautiful baby, born on the UAE's National Day, be blessed with the spirit of unity, prosperity, and joy that marks this great nation.

“We are delighted to welcome baby of Rakhi Rani on the auspicious occasion of 54th Eid Al Etihad, my best wishes and blessings to family,” added Dr. Shubha Dadhich.

More proud parents

Emirati parents Mubarak Al Makrani and Sara Saeed Murshed welcomed their second child—a bouncing baby girl— nine minutes past midnight on December 2. It was a joyful blessing, they said, to have their baby born on the same day as the UAE’s formation. Born at NMC Royal Hospital Abu Dhabi via SVD or natural birth, the baby weighed 2.49kgs at birth.

Indian parents Hima Thomas Mathew and Tintu Cheriyan welcomed a bouncing baby boy—their second child—at 2.07am on Tuesday, at NMC Specialty Hospital in Al Nahda, Dubai. “With grateful heart to the Lord, we rejoice the birth of our baby boy, who is blessed to arrive on the 54th Eid Al Etihad,” the proud parents said.

Omani parents Eiman Hassan Ali Alrawas and Sultan Ahmad Alrashidi were joyfully proud to welcome Nada—their second baby born at 2.33 am on December 2 at NMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi.

The mother had a normal delivery and baby Nada weighed 3,285 grams at birth. The proud and grateful parents thanked the doctors and nursing staff at the hospital who said: "The most rewarding aspect of being in the medical profession is having the privilege of being present at life’s most vulnerable and triumphant transitions, especially when the joy of giving birth is amplified by a sense of shared national celebration.”

Dr. Tanya Avsianskaia, specialist obstetrics and gynaecology at NMC Royal Hospital--DIP, Dubai, was also proud to being instrumental in the birth of Riaam Soni, the second child of Indian parents Sheetal Verma and Kanhaiya Soni. It was a normal delivery of the baby boy who was born at 12.39am on Tuesday.

Also joyful and thankful were Bangladeshi parents Azrin Ismi and Wakkar Mohammed, who welcomed baby boy Omar at 2.48am on December 2 at Aster Hospital, Al Mankhool.

It was a normal delivery and the mother said: "The entire experience from the beginning to the end was very smooth. The nurses and doctors were very kind, explaining every step with kindness, patience, and professionalism. Had it not been for their motivation, I would have had to undergo a C-section."

“We are thankful to Allah for granting us a healthy baby boy without much complications. May he be the light of our eyes and bring us immense joy. We wish him a healthy, long, and prosperous life. Ameen,” the thankful parents said.

SM Ayaz Zakir

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ayaz@khaleejtimes.com

SM Ayaz Zakir is a Senior Correspondent with a flair for extraordinary stories. His playground? Every corner of the UAE. He often ventures into remote corners of the country to capture compelling news and human interest stories.

Angel Tesorero

angel@khaleejtimes.com

Angel Tesorero is Assistant Editor and designated funny guy in the newsroom, but dead serious about writing on transport, labour migration, and environmental issues. He is a food lover too.