‘Double joy’: 2 expat families welcome babies at 12am on UAE’s 54th National Day

In a remarkable coincidence marking the UAE’s 54th National Day celebrations, two expatriate families experienced profound joy with the arrival of their newborns precisely at midnight on December 2nd. The special moments unfolded at Burjeel Hospital, where medical staff commemorated the occasions with traditional sweets and heartfelt congratulations.

An Algerian family, Lamia Mermat and Zuhair Attar, welcomed their fourth child—a daughter named Makkah, weighing 3.110 kilograms. The parents described their newborn as ‘a divine blessing’ and chose the meaningful name Makkah for its spiritual significance. ‘We feel profoundly blessed to receive her on this auspicious day,’ the emotional parents expressed, acknowledging the exceptional care provided by Dr. Hala and the entire medical team.

Simultaneously, Pakistani nationals Hamood Ur Rehman and Andleeb Saleem celebrated the birth of their fourth child, a son named Umar weighing 3.560 kilograms. The overwhelmed parents declared this dual celebration would remain eternally cherished. ‘This day now carries double joy for us—being part of the UAE’s historic narrative while welcoming our precious son,’ the couple shared.

Medical professionals emphasized the symbolic importance of these births. Dr. Hala Elsayed, Specialist Obstetrician and Gynecologist, noted that while delivering babies constitutes routine medical practice, the timing of these particular births created unforgettable moments. Dr. Sailaja Vuppu, Head of Department and Consultant Obstetrician, reflected on the deeper significance: ‘Each newborn represents renewed hope for a brighter, stronger, and more compassionate future.’

The hospital atmosphere transformed into a miniature celebration of national pride and new beginnings, with staff distributing sweets and exchanging greetings. These synchronous births created enduring memories for both families and healthcare providers alike, beautifully intertwining personal milestones with national commemorations.