Adel Shestovskaya, a nine-year-old Finnish girl battling leukemia, had the unique opportunity to visit Dubai – a place she had long dreamed of seeing after being inspired by its beauty on social media. Her unforgettable journey became possible thanks to the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the heir apparent of Dubai, as part of a special initiative for Adel and her family.
The family settled in Jumeirah Beach Residence, where they enjoyed stunning views of the coastline. Adel's trip continued with visits to some of Dubai's most famous attractions, including the nature reserve, the Museum of the Future, and the underwater tunnels of The Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis, The Palm.
Dubai's authorities also prioritized Adel's health, arranging medical support through the Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital.
Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, director of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), expressed pride in the honored initiative of the heir apparent and emphasized Dubai's commitment to realizing the dreams of children, especially those battling serious illnesses.
"We feel a sense of trust bestowed upon us by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed in creating an unforgettable experience for this child and her family. We spent an incredible week here, and even now my children won’t stop saying: 'We don’t want to leave Dubai.' However, we must return to Finland to continue Adel's treatment, but we will definitely come back to this beautiful and hospitable land," he said.
