Mohammed Abdalbari, Amina Al Dababsekh, and Hayan Fayez Abdulaziz. Photos: Supplied
Amina Al Dababsekh, a Palestinian-Ukrainian student, has always aspired to become a doctor — but when the war erupted in Ukraine, her hopes were shattered. “Everything I had worked for seemed to be slipping away,” said Amina, who was studying medicine at O O Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv. “The war destroyed lives, including my own dreams. I couldn’t see a way forward.” Since returning to Palestine to continue her studies was not feasible, she had no choice but to pause her ambitions. Just as she thought all her dreams were falling apart, the UAE offered her “a lifeline, a chance to start anew,” she said.
Mohammed Abdalbari, a Palestinian, also found it nearly impossible to dream of becoming a doctor amid the conflict and instability in his homeland. “Without the UAE, I wouldn’t be standing here today,” he said.
Amina and Mohammed were both enrolled at Gulf Medical University (GMU) in Ajman. On Wednesday, they proudly stood among 561 graduates at GMU’s 21st graduation ceremony at Thumbay Medicity in Ajman, a moment they once believed would never come. The ceremony, attended by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, celebrated students from diverse backgrounds. Amina’s journey epitomized the resilience of students who overcame unimaginable challenges.
Amina didn't find the transition to the UAE easy. “Leaving Ukraine was heartbreaking. It was where I began my medical journey, made friends, and built dreams,” she said. “Arriving in the UAE felt like stepping into the unknown. But it turned out to be the best decision of my life.” As she looks forward to specializing in neurology, Amina is filled with gratitude. “The UAE didn’t just educate me, it gave me a second chance. My goal is to contribute to global healthcare while supporting Ukraine and Palestine in any way I can, whether through remote consultations, research, or mentoring young professionals.”
Mohammed, now an MBBS graduate, vowed to contribute to his homeland. Determined to improve healthcare in Palestine, he envisions a future where he can enhance orthopedic care and mentor young doctors. “The future of healthcare in Palestine requires collective effort and collaboration. The knowledge I gained here will allow me to make a difference,” he said. All these dreams, he added, wouldn't have been possible without the opportunity the UAE has given him. “The facilities, faculty, and multicultural environment at the university prepared me not just academically but also professionally. The UAE gave me the confidence to dream bigger and aim higher,” Mohammed said.
Hayan Fayez Abdulaziz, a 33-year-old nursing graduate, credits the UAE for setting him on the path to success. “For students like me, the UAE provides an excellent foundation. The training I received here has given me the confidence to pursue my aspirations in healthcare,” he said. Hayan planned to use his skills to develop healthcare systems in his home country, inspired by what he has learned in the UAE. “I hope to create systems similar to those I have seen here, combining modern techniques with compassionate care.”
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