Emarat, Khalifa, Rashid: Babies born on National Day given special names in tribute to UAE

As a tribute to the UAE, Abu Dhabi-based Syrian expats have named their baby Emarat as she was born on National Day.

Syrian couple Reem Al Saleh and Yousif Ali Al Hussain got an extra special gift in the form of their newborn at Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi. The proud parents welcomed Emarat, their eighth child, at 12.20 am. Dr Shaima Ali Subhi Mohamad, specialist, obstetrics and gynaecology, delivered the baby girl weighing 2.592kg.

The parents are overjoyed at the birth of the child on the occasion of the country’s National Day.

“Thank God for the safety of my wife and my daughter Emarat, the eighth child in the family. Ever since I learned about the gender of the baby, I wanted to name her Emarat, named after the UAE. This is out of gratitude to this good land, which I came to 20 years ago. I thought this is the best way to prove my love to the UAE that has given me prosperity, support, and security,” said Hussain.

At another hospital in the UAE Capital, a baby was named Khalifa, in memory of the late UAE President.

Baby Khalifa was delivered at 1.39 am and became the first National Day baby of Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women and Children.

“We’ve decided to name our beautiful son Khalifa. We are delighted and utterly blessed that he has arrived on this special day. We thank God that Khalifa and his mother are in good health. We wish everyone a happy and joyous 51st UAE National Day. I would also like to thank all the caregivers of Danat Al Emarat Hospital who provided care to my wife and child," said the father of the newborn, from Alhashimi family.

Three more babies were born at Burjeel Medical City in Abu Dhabi — baby girl Diala born to Egyptian parents, baby boy Omer to Yemeni parents and a baby boy to Sudanese couple Wifaq Mohamed Ibrahim and Ibraheem Ezz Aldeen respectively.

Esraa Noir, the mother of baby Diala, thanked the medical team for the care she received. She wanted her birth to take place on this special day and will cherish this memory forever.

Dr Rihan Saafan, director of maternity services and head of department obstetrics and gynaecology at Burjeel Farha, said: “We are delighted at the birth of these babies on UAE National Day. With the births on the National Day, 1,100 babies have been born since Burjeel Medical City opened two years ago. It is double the joy considering the celebrations that pervade the country on UAE National Day. We wish the newborns enjoy health and wellness, and we congratulate the parents on their children’s safe arrival.”

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