UAE Nurses Honored with Brand-New SUVs in Emotional Tribute Ahead of International Nurses Day
In an extraordinary celebration of compassion, dedication, and resilience, ten frontline healthcare professionals from across the United Arab Emirates received a life-changing surprise: the gift of a brand-new Toyota RAV4. This touching gesture came as part of a heartfelt initiative by Burjeel Holdings, one of the region’s leading healthcare providers, as it launched its 2025 International Nurses Day celebrations.
Held under the banner of the “Driving Force Award”, the event took place in a warm and emotional setting that brought together senior executives, colleagues, families, and friends. The award ceremony recognized ten nurses from Burjeel Holdings’ wide network of hospitals and medical centers who have consistently gone above and beyond in their service to patients and communities. More than just a gift, the vehicles symbolized a sincere expression of gratitude for the selfless work nurses perform every single day often behind the scenes and without fanfare.
A Grand Surprise for Everyday Heroes
What made the event even more special was the element of surprise. The ten chosen nurses were invited under the impression that they would be participating in a routine event marking International Nurses Day. None of them knew that the spotlight would be turned on them in such a spectacular and public fashion.
The moment of revelation when the ten recipients were handed car keys to their new Toyota RAV4s—was nothing short of magical. Emotions ran high as the names were called out one by one. Tears flowed freely, not just from the recipients, but from their fellow healthcare workers, administrators, and family members in attendance.
The honors were presented personally by Mr. John Sunil, Group CEO, and Mr. Safeer Ahamed, Group Co-CEO of Burjeel Holdings, both of whom emphasized the importance of recognizing the tireless efforts of nurses who form the backbone of the healthcare system.
“This isn’t just about rewarding excellence,” said Mr. Sunil. “It’s about telling every nurse that we see you, we appreciate you, and we understand the sacrifices you make.”
Mr. Ahamed added, “At a time when the world is coming to terms with how critical frontline healthcare professionals are, we believe it’s our duty to not only acknowledge but celebrate these silent heroes.”
Nurses Who Inspire: Stories That Moved the Audience
Among the honored recipients was Mei Alegre, a Filipino Nurse Manager at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi, who has dedicated nine years of her life to the organization. A calm and seasoned professional, Alegre was overcome with emotion as she accepted her award.
“I honestly thought I was just here to speak about my experience as a nurse,” she said, wiping away tears. “I never imagined anything like this. It’s not just the car it’s the acknowledgment that what we do matters.”
Reflecting on her career, she said, “There are moments when former patients stop me in the hospital corridors, recognizing me even after years. That’s when I realize the lasting impact of our care.”
Soher Mohammed Ahmed Ali, an Egyptian Nursing Educator at Medeor Hospital, brought another layer of emotional depth to the event. Having lost her father to cancer, Soher chose to dedicate her life to helping other families navigate their own medical journeys.
“I couldn’t save my father, but I made a vow to help as many people as I can,” she said. “When patients or their families say a prayer for me, that dua that quiet blessing that’s more meaningful than anything else in the world.”
Her voice trembling, she added, “This award tells me that the effort we put into every shift is not in vain. It’s seen. It’s felt.”
Nabil Mohamed Ikbal, a registered nurse from India working at Lifecare Hospital in Baniyas, also found himself deeply moved. With four years of service, he recalled a harrowing but ultimately triumphant experience that exemplified the courage and determination required in the profession.
“I’ll never forget the day we performed CPR on a patient for 50 minutes straight. Most people had given up hope, but we pushed on. And miraculously, the patient came back to life,” he recounted. “That moment defines what nursing is it’s teamwork, faith, and not giving up even when the odds are stacked against you.”
Honoring the Many, Celebrating the Few
While ten nurses received SUVs, Burjeel Holdings is far from finished in its tribute. In the lead-up to International Nurses Day on May 12, the healthcare group will recognize 100 more nurses across its facilities with cash prizes, further underscoring its deep appreciation for the nursing profession.
“These gestures are just the beginning,” said a spokesperson for the group. “The entire campaign is designed to showcase the humanity behind healthcare. Nurses don’t just deliver care they deliver comfort, strength, and hope.”
The list of honorees also included Mohammed Hamid Taher from Jordan, Mark Darrel Manalo De La Cruz from the Philippines, and Indian nurses Ani M. Jose, Archanakumari Viswanatha Panicker, Priyanka Devi Kaleeswaran, Sibi Mathew, and Vishnuprasad Sasthamkovil—each with their own inspiring journey of service and compassion.
Selection Through Integrity and Confidentiality
The award recipients were selected through a rigorous and multi-tiered nomination process. Committees at the unit level assessed candidates based on performance, community engagement, patient feedback, and overall impact. Finalists were then reviewed by a central jury.
Notably, the entire process was kept under wraps to preserve the surprise element. None of the winners were informed beforehand, which made the moment of revelation all the more poignant and genuine.
“We didn’t want this to feel transactional,” explained the organizing team. “We wanted it to be a heartfelt surprise something they would remember for the rest of their lives.”
A Message That Resonates Beyond the UAE
The Driving Force Award has already garnered attention across the region, with social media videos and photos from the event going viral. Healthcare professionals from neighboring countries have praised the initiative, calling it a benchmark in recognizing the emotional and professional contributions of nurses.
In a profession often marked by burnout, emotional fatigue, and long hours, Burjeel Holdings’ campaign serves as a powerful reminder that recognition even symbolic can have a lasting impact on morale and motivation.
The True Value of Recognition
More than a car, the SUV represents mobility, empowerment, and most importantly, acknowledgment. For many of the recipients, the gesture is not only a financial gift but a symbolic validation of their often-invisible labor.
In a world that often overlooks caregiving roles, especially those dominated by women and migrant workers, such public and meaningful gestures can help shift perceptions and encourage greater societal respect for nursing as a vocation.
As International Nurses Day approaches, Burjeel Holdings has not only set the tone for a celebratory week but also issued a powerful statement: the quiet heroes of healthcare deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated—not just with words, but with actions.
