'A struggle no one can see': UAE's multiple sclerosis fighters narrate stories

“The first thing that comes to mind is that we look ‘normal’,” says Dubai-based Malak Mahran, who lives with multiple sclerosis.  Yet, as she explains, a person living with MS has to navigate feeling physical things that people can’t see, which can be a blessing and a curse at the same time.

For those unfamiliar, MS is a lifelong neurological condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks myelin—the protective sheath that covers nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord. This disrupts communication between the brain and the body, affecting movement, sensation, and vision. There is no cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms and slow progression, according to a 2018 study published in Nature Reviews Disease Primers.

As the 2017 study published in Lancet showed: Syptoms vary widely. no two experiences are the same. Fatigue, clumsiness, muscle stiffness, spasms, and balance issues are common, but their intensity and duration can fluctuate, making daily life unpredictable.

And it feels anything less than invisible to those who live with it. It’s a perplexing duality that requires a different form of courage. “Living with MS means balancing looking completely fine and having things going on in your body that affect your day-to-day life, but no one can actually see it. In turn, you build resilience and inner strength, patience, and power,” adds Malak.

But she isn’t alone. Her faith and family are her core strength during her particularly trying times. “My relationship with God and my family are definitely what keep me going, especially when things are difficult. Both of those got stronger after I was diagnosed. My faith is extremely important to me; I don’t think I would have mentally survived what I’ve lived with MS if I didn’t have it.” And, she emphasises on the need for a solid support system: “Having that support system, and those relationships, are really meaningful in difficult times.”

Apart from these two aspects, there’s the blessing of social media, which is a crucial source of connection for Malak. “The MS community I’ve managed to build on social media has been great. Typically, I’m the one giving support just because of the content I share, but just knowing that there are people looking to me to get that support establishes great grounds for connection.” She adds, “Even when I share my own personal journey, knowing that there are people out there who may see my content and relate to it makes me feel less alone.”

Quite often, living with multiple sclerosis (MS) can feel isolating, especially when the condition is little understood. However in the UAE, hope blooms in the form of the community that has grown. The little familial bonds are a source of strength, and create the sense of belonging. Along with Malak, we spoke spoke to the inspiring voices from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) community: Mariam Al Qubaisi, MS Ambassador; Azza Mahmoud, MS volunteer, to hear their personal journeys and insights.

When Mariam Al Qubaisi was diagnosed 12 years ago, she felt the loneliness that comes with the condition. “Few people knew what multiple sclerosis was. It felt isolating and lonely,” she recalls.  The loneliness ebbed and waned, since the launch of the MS Society in the UAE, as Mariam found a deep sense of belonging, strength, and calm in knowing others truly understand. She now shares her story widely to inspire others: “Nothing can stop us. We have the power to move mountains, and MS only proves how strong we really are.”

Mariam’s message to those living with MS is clear: “Prioritise your mental health because when you’re mentally strong and happy, there’s nothing you can’t do. MS is a challenging disease, but it doesn’t have to define your life. Enjoy each moment, and remember: you only have one life, so live it fully with MS or not.” Her advice underlines the importance of learning what works for each person’s unique journey: “With the right information and a willingness to learn what works for you, it becomes a journey of adjustment. Once you find your rhythm, everything becomes more manageable.”

For Mariam, being part of the MS community has rewritten her understanding of strength. “Being part of the MS community has helped me rediscover strengths I didn’t know I had. Hearing others’ stories and sharing my own has shown me how resilient and adaptable I’ve become.” She emphasises that strength goes beyond physical endurance: “It’s in how we face challenges, lift each other up, and keep going.” The community has helped her see strength as rooted in connection, support, and the courage to keep living fully despite uncertainty.

Dr. Azza Mahmoud, a medical doctor volunteering with the MS Society, was inspired to join, owing to the organization’s dedication and the need to raise awareness in the UAE. “There isn’t much awareness about MS here, and there are a lot of people with this condition who deserve their voices to be heard and their condition known,” she explains.

Azza’s experience volunteering has been significant, especially witnessing the diversity within the MS community: “Different ages, cultures, careers, backgrounds and nationalities, yet all sharing one condition. It’s not something you often see so clearly in medicine, and it’s honestly beautiful.” What stands out most is seeing those living with MS become advocates themselves: “They truly understand what it’s like and what they struggle with. It’s inspiring to watch them push through to volunteer or attend events, all to raise awareness of MS and its impact.”

Her personal lessons on resilience come from witnessing those living with MS, including her best friend. “Watching my best friend navigate life with this condition has been deeply moving. She is the hardest-working and intelligent person I know. I’ve seen how much effort it takes her to manage daily tasks, yet she pushes forward with determination. Her resilience shines and spills into whoever is lucky enough to be around her.” Azza views resilience not only as enduring hardship but as “continuing to show up, support others, and raise your voice, even when it’s difficult.”

What motivates Azza to keep volunteering? “The people I’ve met through volunteering, both those living with MS and the incredible individuals working within the organisation. Their commitment and strength remind me why awareness, advocacy, and support matter so much. Knowing that I can contribute, even in a small way, to such a powerful and compassionate movement—that’s what keeps me going.”

For those, who have been newly diagnosed, Malak offers advice:

·         Be patient with yourself.

·         Don’t spend your time comparing your abilities now to before your first attack.

·         You will learn so many new things about your body. You will be your own expert; just give yourself some time.

“Don’t shut people out and don’t shy away from sharing,” she emphasises.

There is nothing to be ashamed of, or embarrassed about. Let people in, so they can support you. “The people closest to you will be feeling extremely lost; they want to help but have no idea how. Explain and express your needs, don’t be afraid of advocating for yourself. In turn, these people will be there to support you in your most desperate times. No one said we have to go through it alone! The people closest to you will be willing to share your burden and that in itself eases so much emotional stress and we really don’t need any more of that.”