At Al Jalila Children’s Hospital, part of Dubai Health, two-year-old Yaqeen Kankar was given a new chance at life when doctors entered her room carrying a sealed red box containing a gene therapy that could secure her future. She had been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, a rare disease that gradually robs children of the ability to move and breathe.

Born in Syria, Yaqeen began showing symptoms within months of birth. Her family moved between clinics before doctors confirmed she had only months to live unless she received Zolgensma gene therapy, which at AED 7 million is one of the most expensive treatments in the world and is available at only a few centres worldwide, including Al Jalila Children’s Hospital. With limited means, her parents travelled to the UAE and issued a call for help on social media.

The response came swiftly. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, pledged to cover the full cost of treatment. Yaqeen’s father described the moment: “Words cannot express our gratitude for this generous gesture.

His Highness restored hope to our daughter and our family.” Today, Yaqeen is one of more than 100 children treated at the hospital with the support of Al Jalila Foundation. Her story is a living testament to the power of giving. While words cannot adequately convey their thanks, Yaqeen’s family feels grateful to the UAE, the medical team and everyone else who contributed to saving their daughter’s life.