A. SREENIVASA REDDY (ABU DHABI)
On a rain-soaked morning after Eid, a family’s desperate race against time on the Dubai–Sharjah road turned into a powerful reminder of why many call the UAE home — a place where humanity often takes centre stage when it matters most.
Sharjah Police pulled out all stops to rush a young cancer patient to hospital after the family was stranded in heavy traffic for hours on the first working day after Eid holiday.
According to details shared by Burjeel Hospital, Lamiaa Abdelaal, an Egyptian expat living in Dubai, was on her way to Burjeel Hospital in Sharjah, where her 22-year-old son — battling advanced cancer — was due to begin an intensive five-day chemotherapy cycle following a recurrence of the disease.
But heavy rains and post-Eid congestion brought traffic to a complete standstill. The family remained stuck on the Dubai–Sharjah road for more than three hours — as anxiety turned into fear.
“Under heavy rains and the traffic of the first day of work after Eid, we were stuck on the road between Dubai and Sharjah for more than three hours and my son’s blood sugar level began to drop, with time pressing in on us,” the mother said.
As the young man’s condition worsened, her husband reached out to Sharjah Police — a call that would change everything.
“My husband called on a police patrol and the response was humane beyond description,” Abdelaal wrote.
Within minutes, emergency services were mobilised. An ambulance was dispatched to transport the child, while police patrols escorted the family’s vehicle, clearing traffic and ensuring an uninterrupted journey to the hospital.
“They didn’t leave him alone for a moment. The journey turned into a lifeline: an ambulance carrying my son, and police patrols behind my husband’s car clearing the road all the way to the hospital door,” she said.
What began as a moment of helplessness became, for the family, a lasting memory of compassion.
“A scene that will never be forgotten. A country that embraces the human being above all else.”
In her heartfelt post, Abdelaal expressed deep gratitude for what she experienced — and what it revealed about life in the UAE.
“The Emirates isn’t just a country. The Emirates is safety… humanity… a big heart that embraces both the near and the stranger. May God preserve the Emirates, its leadership and people… for thanks are not enough.”
Her words quickly resonated across social media, striking a chord with thousands who saw in her story a reflection of shared values and lived experiences in the country.
Prof. Humaid Al Shamsi, CEO of Burjeel Cancer Institute, who is overseeing the child’s treatment, echoed the sentiment in a widely shared post.
“Praise be to God for the safety of your son, and we ask God to grant him complete recovery,” he wrote. “We thank the ambulance teams and Sharjah Police, who were, as always, a shining example in their swift response and humanity toward all citizens and residents. You are among your own people in your country.”
He added: “Situations like this and others are a reflection of our leadership and nation’s vision to care for all who live on this blessed land, the land of Zayed the Good.”
Speaking to Aletihad, Prof. Al Shamsi said: “When the boy was brought to the hospital, we were ready to provide him with full support and the required treatment. His condition is stable now, and his chemotherapy sessions will continue as scheduled.”
As the story spread, reactions poured in — not just as expressions of sympathy, but as affirmations of what many believe defines the UAE.
“Truly inspiring to see such compassion in action. Heartfelt appreciation to Sharjah Police, the emergency teams, and the leadership of the UAE for putting humanity first,” wrote Shabeer Aboobacker.
Another user, Emad Fahim, said: “The UAE will always be a winner because it has people like you, firstly, and because of its humanity, secondly, and its respect for all races, religions, and human rights… May the UAE’s glory endure.”
Majid Saleem noted: “Humanity is embedded in every soul of Emirati nation. No one can match their efforts to raise the flag of care, humbleness, and ensuring happiness for others.”
Rocco Di Tolla added: “Stories like this show that what truly defines a country is not just its infrastructure, but how its systems respond when people need them most. In critical moments, coordination, speed, and humanity become one. That’s where trust is built.”
For Abdelaal and her family, it was a frightening ordeal that ended in relief. For thousands who followed the story, it became something more — a reminder that beyond infrastructure and development, it is the human response in moments of crisis that defines a nation.