‘I trusted the UAE, and it saved my life,’ Polish patient shares recovery journey in Abu Dhabi

After exploring treatment options, the 52-year-old patient travelled to the UAE for advanced liver cancer care and found a second chance at life at Burjeel Medical City

When Szymon Krzysztof Walentynowicz, a 52-year-old from Poland, was diagnosed with liver cancer two years ago, his focus turned to finding the right care that could truly make a difference. After undergoing initial treatment, he began exploring advanced options, determined to identify the best possible path forward.

Through EMAS Med, a leading medical tourism facilitator in Europe, Szymon was guided toward leading specialists and treatment centers. The recommendation led him to Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi and to Dr. Mohammad Adileh, Oncological Surgeon, at Burjeel Cancer Institute, offering him clarity and confidence at a critical moment in his journey.

“My agency suggested top experts and connected me to Burjeel Medical City and Dr. Adileh,” Szymon says. “From that moment, I felt I was moving in the right direction. I was looking for something that could truly help me. When I learned about the treatment approach here, I felt confident to take the next step,” he adds.

At a time when travel decisions required added confidence, Szymon chose to move forward. With that trust, he made the decision to travel. Accompanied by his wife, he arrived in Abu Dhabi on April 10. It was his first visit to the UAE, and he says the experience from the beginning felt reassuring.  “I came to the UAE because I trusted it. And that decision saved my life,” he says, adding that he had his concerns about communicating with people here as he didn’t know the language.

“When I arrived here, I immediately felt comfortable with the place and the people. It is very safe, and I was taken care of extremely well. Before travelling, we had heard that there was an evolving situation here, but our experience was completely different. What is being spread is not true. If you come here, you will feel it. I am grateful to the UAE and the medical team for giving me hope.”

HAIP Therapy for Advanced Care

At Burjeel Medical City, Szymon underwent a comprehensive evaluation, where doctors assessed his condition and explored the most suitable treatment options. Among the approaches considered was Hepatic Artery Infusion Pump therapy, or HAIP, an advanced technique that delivers chemotherapy directly to the liver in selected cases.

Following a detailed assessment, the medical team recommended a different course of action that would offer the best outcome for his condition. Szymon underwent a major hepatic surgery that lasted more than six hours, led by Dr. Mohammad Adileh and supported by a multidisciplinary team.

Today, just weeks after the procedure, he is recovering steadily and regaining his strength. “I am getting my life back,” he says. “Here, I got the treatment I needed, and I felt safe, in good hands.”

Beyond the clinical care, Szymon highlighted the environment and support he experienced throughout his stay. “My trust did not fail me. I felt safe here, like I was at home,” he says.

Looking back, he describes his decision to travel to Abu Dhabi as one of the most important choices he has made. “I am proud I came here. This is a safe place, and the care is excellent. I trusted the UAE, and today my life is better because of it,” he adds.

Treatment Tailored to the Patient

Dr. Mohammad Adileh explains that managing liver cancer requires a highly individualized approach, with each treatment plan carefully designed based on the patient’s condition.

“Our approach is always centered around the patient.  We combine clinical expertise with careful planning to choose the most appropriate treatment, while making sure the patient feels supported and confident throughout the journey,” he says.

Szymon’s experience reflects a growing preference among international patients for seeking advanced care in Abu Dhabi, supported by strong medical expertise and a focus on patient wellbeing. For him, what began as a search for answers has become a story of recovery, trust, and renewed life.