Dr Walid with baby Soufyan at Medeor Hospital. (R) Baby Zayed Alswaidi with a staff member at Burjeel Hospital on Monday.

The celebratory fireworks illuminating the skies across the UAE coincided with the first cries of newborns, marking the beginning of 2024 with double delight in hospitals across the country.

At 12.01am, Emirati-Syrian couple, Mohammed Khamis Alswaidi and Shereen Mohammed, welcomed their baby boy Zayed Alswaidi at Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi. Baby Zayed, born weighing 3.3kg, has doubled the joy for the family on New Year’s Day.

The elated father expressed, “We can’t believe our boy is one of the first babies born in the UAE this year. It is a wonderful way to start the New Year. I thank the Almighty, the doctors and staff at Burjeel Hospital for this special gift.”

Dr Hala Elsayed, Specialist Obstetrics & Gynecologist, Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, who delivered the baby said, “Both the baby and mother are doing well. It’s a wonderful moment for us to deliver the baby on New Year’s Day. We are happy to be part of the family’s and the world’s celebration in a special way.”

At Burjeel Medical City, baby Faatiha Aayat Mishkat, made her grand entrance at the stroke of midnight, weighing 2.700 kilogrammes. Her parents, Ayesha Aktar and Shihab Eldin Abdul Khaleq, expressed their gratitude and shared their happiness. Baby Faatiha was delivered by Dr. Ritu Nambiar, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology, Burjeel Medical City. “It’s a priceless moment for us to deliver the baby at the stroke of midnight. Children are a great blessing. I congratulate the family and wish everyone a Happy New Year.”

At 12:31am, a Sudanese couple welcomed their baby boy, Ahmed Walid Ahmed, while, at 12:35 am, an Emirati couple greeted their baby boy. The babies, born at Burjeel Medical City, were delivered by Dr Reham Mohamed Aboushady, Specialist Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Dr. Safeah Alhusheme, Specialist Obstetrics & Gynecology, Burjeel Medical City.

At 12:00 am, Egyptian couple Asmaa Issam Moustafa and Ibrahim Metawe, welcomed their second baby, Soufyan, at Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi. Baby Soufyan, weighing 3.230 kilogrammes, was delivered by Dr. (Prof.) Walid El-Sherbiny, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynecology & HOD.

Holding the baby in her arms, Asma said, “The Almighty has blessed us with a perfect gift today. This will always be an unforgettable New Year’s Day for us.”

“This is a moment of celebration for the entire hospital. We share in the joy of the parents of baby Soufyan on this New Year’s Day. Each new baby is a reminder of the hope and promises that the New Year brings,” said Dr El-Sherbiny.