Emirati mother Shaima Abdulgaffar Al Khoori’s boy entered the world three hours after midnight on New Year’s Day.

At the Corniche Hospital, Hana Aregay welcomed her girl four hours later.

The parents of the children born at the UAE’s biggest maternity hospital said they were delighted that their babies were born on such a notable day.

Zayed Al Khoori opened his eyes for the first time at 3.34am yesterday morning and was wrapped comfortably in a bright blue blanket.

“What a lovely start to our new year,” said Mrs Al Khoori. “2016 will always remain the best year of our lives.”

Mrs Aregay cradled Mryam Saeed Ben Alzwaa, who was born at 7.38am.The baby, wrapped in a white blanket, was sound asleep next to her mother.

“I had never imagined that my baby’s birth would happen on first day of the new year,” said Mrs Aregay, who is originally from Yemen.

“We are blessed to receive such a wonderful surprise on this day. We were not expecting it to happen so soon but we are fortunate to be in safe hands.”

The babies were welcomed by Corniche Hospital staff.

“This New Year has provided a very special gift to so many families,” said Linda Anne Clark, the hospital’s chief executive.

“We feel fortunate to be part of their happiness and strive to make this beautiful journey a memorable one for the mother and the baby’s family.”
Source: The National