Abu Dhabi/Sharjah: Parents and hospitals celebrated the 44th National Day with the birth of new residents to the UAE.
Babies born after midnight on December 2 brought added joy to parents and hospitals celebrating the foundation of the UAE, which took place in 1971.
The first baby to be born — at 2.38am — was Mohammad at the Sharjah’s Al Qasimi Hospital. His father, Syrian expat Jalal Laham, said he felt blessed.
Mohammad was followed by the birth of another boy at 4.28am. Born to an Indian couple, the baby was unnamed at the time.
In Abu Dhabi, nine babies were born until midday on Wednesday at Corniche Hospital, said to be UAE’s largest maternity hospital. Staff presented gifts and sweets to all mothers and newborns at the hospital.
Dana Ali Al Yammahi was the first baby girl to be born on Wednesday. Her mum said: “We were preparing for National Day celebrations and our baby’s birth has added so much delight to the celebrations.”
Her birth was followed by Haya Mohammad Al Amro, whose mother said: “I had never imagined that my baby’s birth would coincide with the National Day. We are blessed to receive such a wonderful surprise on this day. The prompt services and care provided to us at Corniche Hospital is incomparable.”
Third to be born was Maha Zayed Al Zaabi. Her father Al Zaabi said: “National Day means a lot to us and we hope our child imbibes the qualities of our great forefathers who led our nation to greater heights. It is an incredible feeling to have a baby on this day and I feel so fortunate.”
Speaking on the occasion, hospital CEO Linda Clark added: “We are pleased to be part of this joyous occasion and strive to make this beautiful journey an unforgettable one for the mother and the baby’s family.”
