In a remarkable medical breakthrough, a 25-week-old foetus weighing just 800 grams underwent a successful fetoscopic surgery to repair spina bifida while still in the mother’s womb. The procedure, performed at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) in Abu Dhabi, lasted 90 minutes and utilised a minimally invasive technique involving a tiny camera and miniature instruments inserted through three small incisions in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. Spina bifida, a congenital condition where the spine and spinal cord fail to develop properly, can lead to severe neurological complications and long-term disabilities if left untreated. The surgery, part of Abu Dhabi’s Visiting Physicians Programme, aimed to correct the defect prenatally, significantly improving the baby’s chances of walking independently and leading a healthier life. The procedure’s precision and minimal invasiveness ensured a faster recovery for the mother and preserved the uterine environment, allowing the pregnancy to continue safely until the planned delivery date. This milestone underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a global healthcare hub, driven by innovation and collaboration with international medical experts. Dr Adel Ali Al Junaibi, Consultant Paediatric Surgeon at SKMC, emphasised the long-term benefits of prenatal repair, stating that early intervention reduces the risk of paralysis and the need for multiple surgeries post-birth. Dr Werner Gerhard Diehl, Consultant in Fetal Medicine at Seha Corniche Hospital, highlighted the complexity of the procedure, which requires meticulous planning, advanced training, and a multidisciplinary approach. The Foetal Medicine Centre at Seha Corniche Hospital has performed over 500 therapeutic interventions, achieving outcomes that meet global standards and positioning the UAE as a leader in foetal care.