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UAE makes her ‘princess’ for a day

‘Make-A-Wish United Arab Emirates’ joined other countries to celebrate World Wish Day on Sunday by fulfilling 10-year-old Shivani’s wish to be a princess and host a cupcake party.

The wish is among hundreds granted on World Wish Day in 48 countries served by the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

World Wish Day is organised by the foundation to commemorate the anniversary of the wish that inspired the creation of what is now one of the world’s leading children’s charities. Seven-year-old Chris Greicius’ wish to be a police officer was granted in Phoenix, Arizona, the US by volunteers from several law-enforcement agencies on April 29, 1980.

Chris’ legacy continues today with Make-A-Wish United Arab Emirates under the leadership of Shaikha Shaikha bint Saif Al Nahyan, wife of Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor to the President. “Everyone has the opportunity to join the world in celebrating wishes around the globe this World Wish Day. A wish improves the life of the wishing child and everyone is touched by that wish. World Wish Day allows people from all over the world to come together to help make more wishes come true,” said Rita Bains, Make-A-Wish UAE Board director. “This year, we ask individuals in our community to join the world by celebrating Shivani’s wish and by taking part in World Wish Day celebrations in their communities.”

Wishes granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation typically fall into one of four categories: To Be (e.g., a ballerina, a firefighter), To Meet (e.g., a favourite celebrity or athlete), To Have (e.g., a computer, a playhouse), or To Go (e.g., to a theme park, to Hawai).

“World Wish Day recognises the global appeal of our mission and making life better for seriously ill children by granting their fondest wishes,” Reem Al Fahim, Make-A-Wish UAE Board director, said. “People can help wishes come true for other children in the UAE every day, and it’s easier than they think.”

The foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. With the help of generous donors and more than 30,000 volunteers worldwide, Make-A-Wish grants a wish somewhere in the world every 23 minutes. Since 1980, it has granted more than 290,000 wishes to children around the world.

Make-A-Wish United Arab Emirates was established in 2003. Since then, it has granted the wishes of over 600 children with life-threatening medical conditions. With two main offices in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Make-A-Wish grants wishes to children aged three to 18 years residing in the UAE regardless of nationality