Thanks to significant advancements in neonatal medicine, the UAE is seeing more extremely premature infants survive than ever before. However, medical experts warn that survival is only the first step, as many of these children face long-term developmental challenges. Hospitals like the Salma Rehabilitation Hospital are reporting a surge in demand for specialized pediatric therapy, with nearly one-third of their patients born prematurely. These children often grapple with respiratory issues, feeding difficulties, and motor skill delays, necessitating comprehensive support that includes physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy during their most critical years of brain development.

The journey of families like Noura Al Ameri’s illustrates the vital role of early intervention. Her daughter, Alyazia, born at just 23 weeks, required extensive hospitalization and ongoing therapy to overcome significant movement and feeding hurdles. Doctors emphasize that the biggest misconception parents face is that the struggle concludes upon leaving the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Specialists, including those from Burjeel Medical City and Danat Al Emarat, stress that follow-up care is not optional but a fundamental part of the recovery process. By utilizing "corrected age" to track milestones and engaging in multidisciplinary support early on, many premature babies can make remarkable progress, turning potential lifelong disabilities into manageable developmental gains.