New Year Brings New Life: UAE Hospitals Welcome First Babies of 2026

The first hours of New Year’s Day 2026 were marked by moments of joy and hope across leading hospitals in the UAE, as newborns arrived safely into the world—symbolising fresh beginnings for their families and the year ahead.

A Midnight Arrival at NMC Specialty Hospital

At precisely 12:11 a.m. on January 1, 2026, Rakhi, an Indian homemaker, welcomed her third child, a healthy baby boy, via caesarean delivery at NMC Specialty Hospital, Abu Dhabi. The newborn weighed 3.410 kg and was delivered at 40 weeks of gestation under the care of Dr. Kiran Mehndiratta, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist.

Rakhi and her husband Mayur Patil, an aircraft maintenance engineer, shared that they chose NMC based on recommendations from colleagues and the exceptional professional care provided throughout the pregnancy.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Kiran Mehndiratta said:
“I am excited to welcome a baby boy into Rakhi and Mayur’s family after two beautiful daughters. Beginning the New Year with such a joyful delivery is truly special.”

The parents expressed their happiness, stating they were “very thrilled to welcome their baby boy on New Year’s Eve,” and praised the medical and nursing teams for their support and dedication.

A Firstborn to Start the Year

Just under an hour later, at 1:00 a.m., the labour ward at NMC Specialty Hospital witnessed another joyful milestone with the birth of a baby boy to Mahalakshmi Mariap, an Indian staff nurse, and her husband Nagraj, also a nurse. This was the couple’s first child, delivered via normal vaginal delivery at 38.4 weeks of gestation, weighing 2.840 kg.

The delivery was managed by Dr. Urvi Tanna Wadhawan, Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist. The parents shared that their decision to deliver at NMC was driven by the hospital’s compassionate care and friendly environment, as well as Mahalaxmi’s own experience working within the NMC network.

Dr. Urvi Tanna Wadhawan said:
“It was especially meaningful to welcome the first child of one of our own labour room staff members. Starting the New Year with such a moment is truly heartwarming.”

The family described the experience as extremely positive and said they were delighted to welcome their firstborn at the very start of the New Year.

A Precious New Year Birth at International Modern Hospital

In Dubai, the New Year’s first hour also brought a deeply emotional and significant birth at International Modern Hospital. At 12:14 a.m., Saima Naz safely delivered a baby girl, Umama Sufyan, under the care of Dr. Komila Singhal Verma, Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist.

The delivery took place at 38 weeks of gestation and was classified as high-risk due to pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The newborn weighed 2,350 grams.

This birth carried particular significance, as it followed three previous miscarriages, making the successful delivery an especially emotional moment for the family.

Dr. Komila Singhal Verma said:
“I am very happy to have safely delivered the baby of patient Saima at the start of the New Year. This was a very precious pregnancy after three previous miscarriages, complicated by PIH and IUGR in the current pregnancy.”

The baby’s father is Sufyan Ali. No parental quote was provided.

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These New Year births across Abu Dhabi and Dubai reflect the dedication of UAE healthcare teams and the life-affirming moments that mark the beginning of a new year—where hope, resilience, and care come together to welcome the next generation.