Newborn Sextuplets Face Bleak Future in Abu Dhabi

By Sumayyah Meehan, MMNS Middle East Correspondent

“A new baby is like the beginning of all things – wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities.”

~Eda J. Le Shan

Children born to expatriate laborers in the Middle East region often face uncertain futures as their parents low salaries and poor living conditions have already weaved a perfect web of failure before the baby even comes home from the hospital. Just imagine the difficulties these parents must endure, such as buying clothes and formula, in order to give their newborn child the best possible start in life. Now multiple that by six.

This past October Egyptian parents Sayed Mohammad and Soraya Foully, both in their thirties and residing in Abu Dhabi, welcomed three daughters and three sons into the world. The sextuplets were born prematurely and are the first to ever be born in Abu Dhabi. Currently they remain in the Intensive Care Unit, but are listed in stable condition thank to the around the clock care by hospital nurses. The weights for the babies range from 1 kilogram to a miniscule 800 grams. Soraya’s multiple birth came as a result of hormone therapy, which the couple turned to after unsuccessfully trying to have a baby for twelve years.

Unlike in America, where a multiple birth rivaling Kate Gosselin’s can cultivate a multi-million dollar reality TV show and contracts for countless corporate endorsements, Sayed has no idea how he will support his family. As a driver in Abu Dhabi, he earns around $500 a month and that barely provided rent for he and his wife before they had children. Newborn babies, especially sextuplets, require an immense amount of money for the basic necessities. In a recent interview with a local newspaper Sayed lamented, “I have no idea how I will find an affordable flat for my wife and our six babies. I am not even allowed to give my children health insurance by law because I earn less than $1,400 a month.”

For the time being the management of the Corniche Hospital in Abu Dhabi continue to care for the babies, although one baby was admitted to a nearby hospital for abdominal surgery, and has allowed Soraya to remain in the hospital. As for Sayed, he has been sleeping at a friend’s house. By all estimations, the couple needs at least $3,000 a month to support their family. As of yet, they do not even have a dwelling place to bring their children home from the hospital.

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