In a heartfelt tribute ahead of International Nurses Day, a UAE-based healthcare firm has gifted brand-new SUVs to 10 of its frontline nursing staff, turning an ordinary workday into an unforgettable celebration of gratitude and recognition.
The generous gesture, organised by Burjeel Holdings, unfolded at a company event where the unsuspecting nurses were led to believe they were attending a regular staff gathering. What followed was nothing short of a dream — each of them walked away with keys to a gleaming new vehicle, a reward for their unwavering dedication and compassion.
Celebrating the Heart of Healthcare
With International Nurses Day approaching on May 12, the UAE’s healthcare sector is spotlighting the immense value nurses bring to the system. Known for their relentless care and emotional strength, nurses form the backbone of patient care in hospitals across the country.
Burjeel Holdings, one of the UAE’s leading healthcare providers, wanted to go beyond just words of appreciation. The company decided to honour 10 of its most outstanding nurses with something truly life-changing — an SUV each — to acknowledge the hours they’ve spent healing others, often at the cost of their own comfort.
A Surprise that Changed Lives
The event took place in Abu Dhabi, where each of the nurses was called on stage to be honoured for their exceptional service. While applause filled the room, none of them anticipated what was coming next. As the CEO revealed the surprise, cheers erupted and emotions overflowed. Some nurses cried, others laughed, and a few were simply stunned into silence.
“It was the best day of my life,” said one of the recipients. “I couldn’t believe it when they handed me the keys. I thought I was dreaming.”
Each SUV was presented to nurses selected from various hospitals within the Burjeel Holdings network. The selection was based not only on years of service but also on their contributions during critical periods such as the COVID-19 pandemic, personal leadership, and peer recommendations.
Empowering Everyday Heroes
In a statement, the CEO of Burjeel Holdings expressed deep admiration for the resilience and compassion of the nursing community. “These nurses are our everyday heroes. They stand by patients during their most vulnerable moments and make countless personal sacrifices to care for others. We wanted to show them that their efforts have not gone unnoticed.”
The gesture is part of a broader initiative by the company to highlight the critical role of nurses in healthcare and to promote their well-being and professional growth. Alongside the SUV gifts, Burjeel Holdings is also launching wellness and career development programmes tailored for nurses in the coming months.
More Than Just a Job
For many of the recipients, nursing is not just a profession — it’s a calling. One of the honoured nurses shared her journey from the Philippines to the UAE, leaving behind her family to serve in unfamiliar surroundings. “When I first arrived, I didn’t know what to expect. But this country embraced me, and this job became my life. Today, I feel seen and valued.”
Another nurse who has been with the company for over 15 years described the moment as a reminder that kindness still exists in corporate culture. “We care for patients every single day, but today, someone cared for us.”
Community Reactions Pour In
The announcement quickly caught the attention of the UAE’s healthcare community and beyond. Social media platforms lit up with messages of congratulations and appreciation, not just for the nurses, but for Burjeel Holdings for setting an example of corporate responsibility.
Many users highlighted how such acts not only uplift the individuals involved but also inspire others to celebrate frontline workers in more meaningful ways. Healthcare forums and nursing groups across the Gulf region have since been discussing how such initiatives could become a trend across the sector.
Building a Culture of Appreciation
The surprise SUV gifting also aligns with the UAE’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of healthcare and recognising the vital human elements behind the system. Nurses in the Emirates come from a wide range of countries including India, the Philippines, Egypt, and Pakistan, and play a key role in bridging cultural gaps while offering high standards of care.
The gesture by Burjeel Holdings has reignited discussions about employee recognition in the healthcare industry, especially in high-pressure environments where burnout is a constant risk.
A Message That Lasts
While International Nurses Day comes just once a year, the impact of such acts lasts far longer. The ten SUVs are more than just vehicles — they are symbols of gratitude, mobility, and independence for nurses who often go unnoticed despite being indispensable.
The message from Burjeel Holdings is clear: appreciation should be heartfelt, tangible, and long-lasting.
For a nation that prides itself on its world-class healthcare and inclusive workforce, the event also underscores the power of community, culture, and leadership working hand in hand.
As one nurse poignantly said, “We don’t ask for rewards. But when someone goes out of their way to honour you, it makes all the sleepless nights worth it.”
