Make a Wish saddles up to realise Khaled’s dream

Sultan bin Khalifa, adviser to the President, makes Khaled Al Menhali’s wish come true by offering him a pure-bred Arabian as a gift. Wam

A three-year-old boy has fulfilled a long-held dream to own a horse – after being given one by the President, Sheikh Khalifa.

Khaled Al Menhali, who has cancer, was given the Arabian horse by Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa, adviser to the President, the state news agency Wam reported.

The toddler, who is being treated at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in the capital, came face to face with his new, and rather large, pet during a visit to a local stable. Noha Al Shorbaji, from Make a Wish Foundation UAE, who helped Khaled make his dream a reality, was present during the visit.

His family have also expressed their gratitude at the gesture.

“The foundation strives to instil happiness into the lives of these children,” said Hani Al Zubaidi, executive manager of Make a Wish Foundation UAE, Wam reported.

“It brings us joy to bring happiness to their hearts whatever their wish may be. Our deepest gratitude goes to HH Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan who is a renowned champion of humanitarian causes and supports the foundation in executing its mission that aims to reach as many children patients as possible, to surround them with happiness, joy and enchant their hearts.”

Make a Wish has granted more than 1,000 wished to Emirati and expatriate children since the UAE branch was established in 2003.