From desperation to hope: How the UAE’s generosity gave a Filipino family a second chance

Dubai: In a world where struggles often go unseen, the story of Haroun Sulayman Ratag and his son Mohammad shines a light on the profound impact of compassion and generosity. This is the story of a father’s undying gratitude to the UAE, a country that opened its arms to a Filipino family in need, offering not just medical care, but a deep sense of humanity and hope.

A dream, suddenly interrupted

Haroun never imagined he would find himself in the situation he’s in now. His 21-year-old son, Mohammad, arrived in Abu Dhabi with dreams of a better future—a short visit during his semester break from college to work temporarily and save money. Mohammad had always dreamed of becoming a doctor, and this trip was supposed to bring him one step closer to that goal.

But dreams, as they often do, took a back seat to something far more urgent. What started as a few weeks of fatigue and strange bruising quickly spiraled into something no parent is ever prepared for: his son’s health was deteriorating rapidly. After several tests and referrals, the need for immediate hospitalization became undeniable.

“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced in my life,” Haroun reflects, his voice trembling with emotion. “Watching my son suffer and not knowing what was wrong with him—it’s something no parent should ever have to experience.”

Mohammad’s parents were far from wealthy. Haroun, an entrepreneur who once ran a startup in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi, had come to Abu Dhabi on an extended visit visa to care for his son. His wife, a nurse in Saudi Arabia, couldn’t leave her job. “Our debts, the struggle to survive, kept her away,” Haroun says. “I was alone, facing this battle with my son. But thanks to my sisters here in the UAE, who supported us emotionally and financially, we kept going.”

The Ratags sold their house and lot in the Philippines to fund their son’s education and dreams of a better future in the UAE. "We have no wealth, just faith and love for our children,” Haroun says.

With their family scattered across different countries and no financial cushion to lean on, the stress of the situation felt overwhelming, almost impossible.

But then, just when it seemed like there was no way forward, something unexpected happened.

A ray of hope: The Abu Dhabi Red Crescent steps in

It was the Abu Dhabi Red Crescent, a humanitarian organization, that first extended a lifeline to the Ratag family. They worked quickly to ensure that Mohammad was admitted to Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, one of the UAE’s most renowned healthcare facilities. And there, Mohammad received not just medical care, but something that went beyond medicine—humanity in its purest form.

“We were treated like family. It wasn’t just the doctors and nurses who were kind. It was everyone—from the cleaners to the food servers. They all treated us with such respect and care. It felt like we mattered, like we were part of something bigger,” Haroun recalls.

But the kindness didn’t stop there.

The unseen generosity of a nation

In what can only be described as a miraculous turn of events, Haroun learned that UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had personally covered the entire cost of Mohammad’s treatment.

For Haroun, this act of generosity moved him to his core. “I couldn’t believe it at first. Here we were, a poor family from the Philippines, struggling just to survive. And then, someone from the highest level of leadership in this country—someone we didn’t even know—did this for us. It’s something I can never repay.”

His voice falters as he recalls the moment. “I couldn’t hold back my tears. I still can’t. Every time I try to speak about it, I choke up. As a father with so little to give, seeing such compassion from the highest level of leadership... it moved me to my core.”

A father’s prayer: More than just medicine

Despite the ongoing challenges, including the need for a bone marrow transplant, Mohammad’s spirit remains unbroken. After more than two months at the hospital, he was discharged on April 25, 2025, and continues his follow-up care while awaiting a potential transplant referral. Even after everything, he continues to hold on to his dream of becoming a doctor. His father, in turn, prays for his health—not riches, not fame, but simply for his son to live and have the chance to fulfill his dreams.

“Every day I sit by his side, I look at his face, and I pray for his healing. I no longer dream of wealth. I dream of his recovery,” Haroun says.

A debt of gratitude to a nation

It’s been a long road for the Ratags, one filled with challenges and heartache. But through it all, one thing has remained clear: their profound gratitude for the UAE and its people. The UAE has not only saved Mohammad’s life, but has shown the Ratag family that there is still goodness in the world.

Haroun says with emotion, “To His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, you saved my son. You gave us a gift no money can repay. You are a father to many. May Allah protect you.”

He adds, “Thank you, UAE, for embracing us. We will never forget your kindness.”