The visit to GOSH was not only an opportunity for the delegation to meet young patients but also to celebrate the long-standing partnership between the UAE and the UK in the healthcare sector
In a heartwarming gesture during the Holy Month of Ramadan, a delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) visited young Emirati patients receiving treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London. The visit was led by Dr. Maha Barakat, Assistant Minister of Medical Affairs and Life Sciences at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who brought special Ramadan gifts to the children and their families.
The occasion served as a reminder of the UAE’s commitment to supporting the health and well-being of young people, both domestically and abroad.
The delegation’s visit to the hospital underscored the UAE’s strong relationship with GOSH, which has been a cornerstone of collaboration since 2014. That year, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Nation,” made a significant contribution to medical research and healthcare by donating ₤60 million to establish the Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children (ZCR) in London. This remarkable gesture provided the foundation for a world-class facility that focuses on advancing research, diagnosis, and treatment for rare diseases affecting children. The ZCR is a collaborative effort between GOSH, University College London (UCL), and the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity).
The visit to GOSH was not only an opportunity for the delegation to meet young patients but also to celebrate the long-standing partnership between the UAE and the UK in the healthcare sector. Dr. Barakat, during her visit, shared her heartfelt wishes for the patients and their families. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all children for a prosperous and healthy future. We wish a speedy recovery to the brave young heroes we met today, who are under the expert care of the Great Ormond Street Hospital team,” she said.
The delegation also expressed solidarity with the families, offering emotional support and delivering gifts to lift the spirits of the young patients. The significance of this visit lies not only in the gestures of kindness but also in the broader context of the UAE’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the global healthcare system, especially when it comes to rare diseases. The Zayed Centre is a prime example of how strategic collaborations in the field of medical research and healthcare can help address critical challenges and provide solutions for children facing life-threatening conditions.
In addition to the visit to GOSH, Dr. Barakat and the UAE delegation emphasized the importance of supporting the growth of research into rare diseases. The Zayed Centre for Research is a beacon of innovation, and it focuses on understanding and treating conditions that are often overlooked due to their rarity. It brings together experts from different fields, creating a multidisciplinary approach to medical research. As a result, the ZCR not only has the potential to help the children at GOSH but also to shape global efforts in the treatment of rare diseases.
The UAE’s efforts to support global medical initiatives, like the Zayed Centre, highlight its broader commitment to the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, particularly in promoting health and well-being for all. As Dr. Barakat noted, “Our collaboration is an important step towards ensuring that the most vulnerable, particularly children, receive the care they need.” Through partnerships such as this, the UAE is fostering innovation in healthcare and research while also supporting the welfare of children across the globe.
The UAE delegation’s visit to GOSH is a poignant reminder of the importance of collaboration in the global medical community. It also exemplifies the UAE’s broader vision to support healthcare initiatives that not only provide immediate relief but also create lasting solutions for rare and complex diseases. By continuing to invest in research and development, the UAE is contributing to the advancement of medical care on a global scale.
As the delegation concluded their visit, it was clear that the bonds of friendship and mutual support between the UAE and the UK are stronger than ever. The presence of the UAE delegation during Ramadan also underscored the spirit of compassion, solidarity, and hope during this holy month. For the young Emirati patients at GOSH, it was a reminder that they are not alone in their journey, and that their health and recovery are a priority for both their country and the world.
