Make-A-Wish UAE and TAQA fulfil dreams of 11 children with critical heart conditions
A landmark humanitarian collaboration brought together healthcare, energy and hospitality partners to grant wishes and inspire hope for young patients during World Heart Day celebrations
Make-A-Wish® UAE has marked World Heart Day with a transformative humanitarian event that granted the wishes of 11 children living with critical heart conditions. The occasion brought together an exceptional partnership spanning the healthcare, energy, hospitality and charitable sectors, demonstrating the profound impact of coordinated social responsibility across industries.
Held at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, a SEHA facility subsidiary of PureHealth, the event was graciously sponsored by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company TAQA and supported by Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. The programme celebrated the children and their families through welcoming remarks from partner organisations, entertainment and activities tailored to the young guests, formal wish-granting ceremonies and commemorative family photography.
Hani Al Zubaidi, Chief Executive Officer of Make-A-Wish UAE, emphasised the deeper significance of the initiative: “This event demonstrates what we can achieve when partners from the humanitarian, healthcare, energy and hospitality sectors come together for children. Granting a wish does more than create a moment of joy; it brings renewed hope and strength to a child and their family throughout the treatment journey.”
The gathering was attended by distinguished members of the Make-A-Wish UAE Board of Trustees, Mona Al Jaber and Rola Abu Manneh, alongside representatives from each sponsoring organisation. These included Hamad Al Hajri, Chief Corporate Support Officer at TAQA; Dr. Mohamed Alseiari, Chief Medical Officer at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City; and senior representatives from Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.
The wishes granted reflected the diverse aspirations of the young beneficiaries. Several children received electronic devices, games and cherished pets through the “I wish to have” category, whilst others were granted treasured family entertainment experiences under “I wish to go”. Notably, one child’s ambition to become a police officer—submitted under the “I wish to be” category—was announced during the event and will be realised through collaboration with relevant authorities.
Hamad Al Hajri reflected on TAQA’s commitment: “At TAQA, we believe that meaningful social responsibility is built on sustainable partnerships that create tangible impact. We are proud of our partnership with Make-A-Wish UAE and the opportunities it provides to create unforgettable moments.”
Dr. Mohamed Alseiari underscored the holistic approach to patient care: “Caring for a child extends beyond medical treatment. It also means providing emotional and social support and surrounding the child and their family with hope.”
Source: WAM