Baby born at 22 weeks is youngest ever to survive in United Arab Emirates

A baby who was born at just 22 weeks and spent over 100 days in the NICU has now been able to join her family at home. She is the youngest ever recorded preemie to survive in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Key Takeaways:

• Talia was born on November 17, 2025, at King's College Hospital in Dubai, UAE.

• She was 22 weeks and five days gestation and weighed 400 grams at birth.

• She fought through threats of infection and other medical issues and has now been discharged to go home with her family.

• Her doctor said Talia is the youngest recorded preemie to survive in the UAE.

The Details:

According to a Facebook post from King's College Hospital Dubai, baby Talia weighed just 400 grams when she was born at 22 weeks 5 days on November 17, 2025, which was (coincidentally) World Prematurity Day.

As Gulf News reported:

The delivery happened suddenly and was complicated. Talia was born inside the amniotic sac, looking small and fragile, with features that were not fully developed. The neonatal team quickly started life-saving care, including intubation and advanced breathing support, before moving her to the NICU.

Talia's early days were marked with threats of infection, but with close monitoring and care, she continued to grow and thrive.

"Baby Talia’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary," the hospital's social media post said. "Born at the very edge of viability, Talia’s care required precision, resilience, and a team dedicated to achieving more than survival, but the best possible quality of life. Today, Talia is home...stronger, thriving and surrounded by love. To our incredible NICU team, and to Talia’s brave family, thank you for reminding us why we do what we do."

Talia's mother, Jade, shared a message following Talia's discharge:

“Our little warrior, Talia, has shown us what strength, courage, and faith really mean. We spent four months by her side in the NICU, holding on to hope through every moment. We learned how to love through wires, alarms, and uncertainty. How to smile while our hearts were breaking. The NICU changed us completely.

By God’s grace, she grew stronger each day until she was finally able to come home. We will always be grateful to the team who stood with us through it all. We were never alone. The team cared for our baby with so much patience and compassion. We will always be grateful.”

Zoom Out:

Dr. Maria Theresa Reyes, a Consultant Neonatologist who helped care for Talia, said that Talia is "the smallest 22‑weeker ever reported in the UAE.”

“We have had several 23‑week infants weighing around 500 grams with excellent outcomes. Talia is our first 22‑week infant, weighing just 400 grams," she told Gulf News.

“This was a baby born at the very limits of what is considered viable,” she added. “Every step required precision, experience, attention to detail, anticipatory management, and constant reassessment.”

Though rare, babies as young as 21 weeks have survived outside the womb. Live Action News has compiled some of their stories here.