Jordanian Toddler Arrives in Dubai for Life-Saving $2.4M Treatment Funded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid

A Jordanian toddler whose $2.4 million medical treatment is being paid for by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has arrived in the emirate to begin initial tests. Dubai Media Office shared images of Katia Abu Al Saud and her family arriving at Dubai International Airport before showing more pictures of her being greeted by staff at Al Jalila Children's Hospital in the emirate.

She is due to undergo treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare genetic disorder which affects nerve cells in the spinal cord. The National reported last month how Sheikh Mohammed responded to an appeal by Katia's mother, Nour Roudnahal, for assistance with the costly treatment. Ms Roudnahal said an injection of a drug called Zolgensma could help Katia, though the gene therapy costs up to $2.4 million and is not available in Jordan.

Katia's diagnosis of SMA came after a doctor's initial observation during a routine check-up when she was six months old. The paediatrician noted that her movements were different from other babies of her age. After tests determined the cause, Katia began physiotherapy and medication, though Ms Roudnahal has posted that there is no cure. The family had previously launched an online fund-raising campaign that received widespread support before Sheikh Mohammed's generous donation.