ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

As the celebratory fireworks lit up the skies of the UAE heralding the new year, Mohammed Khamis Al Suwaidi and his wife Sherine Mohammed welcomed their child, Zayed Al Suwaidi, at exactly midnight on January 1. 
Weighing 3.3 kilogrammes, baby Zayed was born at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi, doubling the family’s joy on New Year’s Day.

The overjoyed father said: “We cannot believe that our son is one of the first children born in the United Arab Emirates this year. It’s a great way to start the new year. We thank God Almighty, the doctors, and staff at Burjeel Hospital for this special gift.”

Dr. Hala El Sayed, a gynaecology and obstetrics specialist at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, said: “The child and mother are in good health. It’s a wonderful moment for us to have a child on New Year’s Day, and we are pleased to be a part of the family’s and the world’s special celebration.”

In Burjeel Medical City, baby Faatiha Aayat Mishkat was also born at 12 midnight, weighing 2.7kg. Her parents,

Ayesha Akhtar and Shahabuddin Abdul Khaliq, expressed their gratitude to the doctors at the hospital. The baby was delivered by Dr. Ritu Nambiar, a gynaecology and obstetrics consultant in Burjeel Medical City, who said: “It’s a priceless moment for us to deliver the child at midnight. Children are a great blessing. I congratulate the family and wish everyone a happy new year.”

Burjeel Medical City’s Dr. Safia Al Hashimi, a gynaecology and obstetrics specialist, also welcomed another child at exactly 12:23am to an Emirati couple, and Dr. Riham Mohamed Abu Shadi, a gynaecology and obstetrics specialist, welcomed baby Ahmad Walid Ahmad at 12:31am to a Sudanese couple.

At exactly 12 midnight, Egyptian couple Asmaa Essam Mostafa and Ibrahim Matawa welcomed their second child, Soufyan, at Medeor Hospital in Abu Dhabi, weighing 3.23kg, delivered by Professor Dr. Walid El Sherbiny, a consultant in gynaecology and obstetrics.

Asmaa, holding the child in her arms, said: “God has blessed us with a perfect gift today. This will always be an unforgettable day for us.”

El Sherbiny said: “It’s a celebratory moment for the entire hospital. We share the joy with Sofian’s parents on New Year’s Day. Every new child is a reminder of the hope and promises that the new year brings.”