My UAE: the Emirati dermatologist Khadija Al Zaabi

Dr Khadija Al Zaabi enjoys the rare privilege of being the only female Emirati dermatologist from Kalba.

Khadija Al Zaabi, who works as a dermatologist at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National

Khadija Al Zaabi is one of three doctors in her family, but she has the distinction of being the only female Emirati dermatologist from Kalba, Sharjah. The 35-year-old mother of four says while her father keenly encouraged his children to study health care, her specialisation was inspired by the lack of female dermatologists in her hometown.

“At that time, everyone needed a female dermatologist, especially because in dermatology we need to see many things that are private for females. One of my sisters became a paediatrician and another one chose family medicine. As a wife, I wanted a job that didn’t involve being on call or night shifts.”

Al Zaabi works at Burjeel Hospital in Abu Dhabi, following a five-year stint at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. She says that it was a difficult field to study at first, because there was nowhere other than Abu Dhabi that had a board certification for the specialisation – she had to take a “jump” from a rural area, Kalba, on the east coast, to come to Abu Dhabi. “And they only accepted two residents per year in the whole country, from hundreds of applications. I was lucky.”

But it was not all just luck. Al Zaabi, her five brothers and five sisters always had good grades at school, which is why their father proudly encouraged them to work in health care – especially given the lack of Emirati doctors. When she took the residency examinations, she passed both on her first attempt.

Kalba always remains in her heart and she visits her family most weekends. However, after seven years working in the city, Al Zaabi has now settled in Abu Dhabi with her husband, as well as their two sons and two daughters.

“We are used to Abu Dhabi life now. In the end, I will go to Kalba, for sure, but maybe when my kids have grown up. The schools are much better here.”

What’s your favourite book?

There is one: Think and Grow Rich. I like it.

What part of your work are you most proud of?

When I see my patients praying for me. Sometimes, they are so happy because I explain how the diseases happen, what the treatment is, how they use it and how it works.

How did your father feel about your work?

Ten or 15 years ago, there were no local doctors, so everyone who had a daughter who was a doctor was so proud.

Are your family supportive?

Yes, they all support me – my sisters, my brothers; all of them. The whole time, my mother has been praying for me.

Where are your favourite places to visit abroad?

Austria and Sri Lanka. For relaxing, Sri Lanka is very beautiful, but go without children. They will not enjoy it because it’s just nature, relaxing and weather. There is no place for children to play and have fun. Austria is very nice for all the family.

Do you have any hobbies?

I like exercising – 30 minutes at least every day – and reading books that are not related to medicine. I like books that are related to psychological power and thinking.

Do you travel much within the UAE?

I like Dibba, which is near my city. And although Musandam does not belong to the UAE, it is just nearby. I like that area, it’s very nice. And Dubai for shopping.

Do you travel much outside the UAE?

I like to travel; usually every year we go travelling. I just returned from Paris and Belgium.

Do you have any words of wisdom that have stayed with you?

There is no specific sentence, but usually when I’m studying for exams and these things, I will write on a board: ‘There is no place for failure in my life and I will do everything I want to do.’

What sort of food do you cook? Emirati food?

Not Emirati food. Most of the time it’s Italian food: pastas, salads, these things.

What is your favourite dish?

Seafood pasta.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My husband. It was my father before, but he passed away when I finished my second year of study. Since I met my husband, he has always encouraged me and helped me.

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