Latest news with #AlQudra
Khaleej Times
20-06-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Boy left brain-damaged after pool mishap, family faces Dh100,000 medical bills
A Dubai family is looking at over Dh100,000 in medical bills and lifelong care for their only son after a swimming pool accident in their community. Indian expat Tabassum and her husband moved to the UAE just last month in hopes of a better life for their children. But instead, they are now grappling with an uncertain future after her son, Ali, almost drowned in a pool. As they had arrived in the country just a few days before the incident, they also did not have any insurance coverage. After arriving in Dubai during the first week of May, the family moved into a residential community close to the Al Qudra area. For them, the best part of it was the common pool. Three of their four children, aged 3 to 14 years, knew how to swim and loved it. On the fateful day, their elder children, two daughters aged 14 and 10 and Ali (9), played in the big pool while the youngest daughter stayed in the baby pool. 'They were old enough to take care of themselves, and all three of them were strong swimmers, so we didn't pay attention to them,' Tabassum told Khaleej Times. 'We were focused on my little one in the baby pool.' 'No idea what happened' At one point, Tabassum's eldest daughter, an award-winning swimmer, gave strict instructions to her brother and sister not to foray into the deep end of the pool and went over to the baby pool to play with her sister. 'She was there for hardly five minutes,' she said. 'When she went back to the pool, Ali was underwater. At first, she thought he was playing with her, but then she realised he was drowning. She and I immediately pulled him out, and she began performing CPR on him. Within two or three minutes, the lifeguard arrived." Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Ali was found in the exact spot where his sister had left him, where the water just reached up to his chest. 'I have no idea what happened,' Tabassum said. 'He knew how to swim, he was old enough to take care of himself, he was in a spot in the pool where his feet could touch the floor, and we were close enough to hear him cry. Not once did we hear or see anything amiss.' Ali was rushed to a private hospital, which was located close to the community. He was immediately put on ventilator. 'After five days, he was on oxygen, and then he was able to breathe on his own,' she said. 'The doctor said that all the reports are normal, but the MRI shows he has hypoxia. This means there is damage in his brain, which will take a long time to recover. He cannot eat or drink; listen or speak or control his brain. However, I'm hopeful that he'll improve.' Could not afford the treatment Ali is now at home but requires full-time care. The family have not been able to clear the outstanding hospital bills. 'We brought him home because we could not afford to continue the treatment,' said Tabassum. 'Right now, we are trying to manage at home, but we will not be able to keep it up for too long.' She said the couple were excited when her husband got the opportunity to move to Dubai. 'We thought we would finally be able to give all our children a global education and better future,' she said. 'But now, we are looking at going back to India as we cannot afford the treatment and the school fees here.' However, she is still hopeful for a miracle. 'We're now trying to reach out to charity organisations in the hope that someone might be able to help us,' she said. 'Our dreams for the bright future of our children have been shattered, and we are drowning in the debts of medical bills, but I keep praying to God for some help.'
UAE Moments
25-05-2025
- Sport
- UAE Moments
Guide to Dubai's Bikeera Saturday Al Qudra Community Ride
Gear up and join the Bikeera community for a thrilling summer adventure with the Bikeera Saturday Al Qudra Community Ride. From 5 July to 30 August, every Saturday morning becomes a celebration of fitness, nature, and camaraderie. Hosted along the renowned Al Qudra Cycling Track, this event offers a unique mix of structured training and scenic exploration through Dubai's tranquil desert landscape. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, BOTS (Bikeera On The Saddle) is your opportunity to ride, connect, and grow with fellow enthusiasts. Location: Al Qudra Cycling Track – Dubai's Desert Gem Located near the Al Qudra Cycle Roundabout, the track is a favorite among Dubai's cycling community. Spanning 86 kilometers of smooth, well-maintained paths, the track winds through open desert terrain offering awe-inspiring sunrise views and wildlife sightings — including the iconic Arabian oryx. Event Dates: Mark Your Calendar This popular cycling event takes place every Saturday from July 5 to August 30, 2025. Riders meet early in the morning (at 6:00 AM to 8:30 AM) to catch the sunrise and make the most of the cooler hours. As for the rides dates, they are as follows: July 5 July 12 July 19 July 26 August 2 August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30 Who Can Participate? Everyone! From experienced road warriors to casual riders, this event is inclusive and open to all cyclists above 16 years of age. Participants are grouped based on speed and endurance levels to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Group 1: 37 km/h – for experienced cyclists who enjoy a challenging pace. Group 2: 34 km/h – for intermediate riders looking to build endurance and ride consistently. Registration and Entry Entry to the Bikeera Saturday rides is free, but online registration is required. This helps organizers maintain group sizes and manage logistics for a smooth experience. Visit the Bikeera official website to secure your spot for each weekend ride. Early registration is recommended due to high demand and limited slots. What to Bring Cyclists are expected to arrive well-prepared to enjoy the ride and ensure safety for themselves and others. Essential gear includes a properly serviced road or hybrid bicycle and a certified helmet. Other recommended items include sunglasses, gloves, ample water, and energy snacks. A positive attitude and a readiness to connect with the community are just as important. Support Services Available Onsite Riders can count on support throughout the journey. Onsite mechanical assistance is available for any bike-related issues that may arise during the event. Hydration points are positioned strategically to help cyclists stay refreshed. Ride marshals and volunteers are also present to ensure safety and provide guidance. The Bikeera Saturday Al Qudra Community Ride is more than just a cycling event. It's a celebration of fitness, friendship, and the great outdoors. Whether you're chasing goals, finding community, or simply enjoying a morning in the desert, this ride offers something for everyone. Sign up, show up, and enjoy the ride.
