As the UAE ushered in the new year with a series of record-breaking firework shows, some families were busy welcoming the first members of Generation Beta.
Defined as those born between 2025 and 2039, this generation will follow Generation Alpha. They, along with Gen Z and Y, will make up around a sixth of the world’s population.
The first arrivals were all girls, who were born a minute after the clock struck midnight at Abu Dhabi hospitals. Baby Ghayah Mohamed Salem Alqmzi was born at Burjeel Hospital, while baby Aquila Mary Anto arrived at Medeor Hospital, and baby Amariah Kheziah at LLH Hospital.
Born to Emirati parents Mohamed Salem Alqmzi and Salama Khamis Abu Ghaboob, baby girl Ghayah is the sixth child in her family. “Each of our children has brought hope and happiness, but welcoming Ghayah on New Year’s Day feels like a unique blessing. Our family now feels complete,” said the proud parents.
"We dream of her growing into a determined and resilient woman."
Baby Aquila's parents, Anto Alex and Asha Thomas, expressed their gratitude to staff at Medeor Hospital for making their start of the new year extra special. “We never imagined that our first baby would arrive as a New Year baby,” said the Indian couple.
Dr Mukundan Gangadharan, consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Medeor Hospital, who delivered baby Aquila, said “every baby is a symbol of hope, joy, and the promise of a brighter future".
Baby Amariah brought joy to her parents Norpa Nalud Taja and Asraf, from the Philippines. “It’s always a privilege to welcome a new life, but delivering baby Amariah on New Year’s Day was particularly special. Moments like these remind us of the beauty of beginnings and the immense hope each child carries into the world," said Priyadarshini Lingaraj, specialist gynecologist at LLH Hospital.
At 1:06am, Burjeel Hospital welcomed baby girl Mariyam Abdulwahid Alshaikha, the second born of Emirati couple Abdulwahid Naser Hadi Al Shaikha and Seham Nasser Saleh. “Welcoming our daughter as the world embarks on a new chapter is an unforgettable moment. It is etched in our hearts forever. We wish her all happiness in the world and pray for her good health,” said the parents.
Dr Sausan Abdul Rahman, consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Burjeel Hospital, also shared her excitement. “In my decades of practice, every baby brings a different story of joy," she said. "With baby Ghayah and baby Mariyam, I’ve had the honour of welcoming the first members of Generation Beta.”
In Dubai, Indian couple Shamfas Abdulla and Ahsana welcomed their baby girl at Aster Hospital Al Qusais at 1.49am. "We are overjoyed to welcome our baby girl on this special New Year's Day, making the occasion even more unforgettable for our family," said the parents.
In Ras Al Khaimah, an Emirati family welcomed baby boy Majed at 2.08am with gratitude and prayers.
"Welcoming the first baby of the New Year is always a moment of great joy and significance. The birth of a child symbolises hope, new beginnings, and boundless possibilities, aligning perfectly with the spirit of the New Year," said Dr Raza Siddiqui, executive director of RAK Hospital.
