In a compelling journey of resilience, Emirati Sief Abdullah Al-Nuaimi illustrates how true hope and healing can emerge from one’s homeland. His story, titled “لم أجد علاجي في أميركا.. وجاء الفرج من الوطن,” encapsulates the struggles faced by those with disabilities, shedding light on the critical support received from family and community. Despite the challenges of losing his hearing at a young age, Al-Nuaimi’s determination and eventual success serve as a powerful reminder that obstacles can foster incredible strength and achievement.
Facing Silence
In his candid conversation with “Emirates Today,” Sief Al-Nuaimi shared the early days of his battle with hearing loss. He recalled, “I was very young when a severe fever left me in complete auditory isolation. I could no longer respond to my family or the world around me, leading to peculiar behaviors; my mother would call my name, and I wouldn’t answer. She began to sense that something was wrong.” He further explained how there were no earlier indicators of his condition, but the uncertainty surrounding his health prompted his parents to embark on a long journey of medical examinations. “Doctors initially claimed it was just a fever that would pass, but the reality was that I had lost my hearing entirely. I descended into a world of complete silence,” he said.
A Remedy from Home
Recognizing their son’s condition, Sief’s parents swiftly took action. His father decided to take him to the United States in search of treatment, stating, “We stayed there for about a month, and in spite of all our efforts, we found no suitable treatment or clear medical plan.” However, news of Sief’s health eventually reached the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may he rest in peace, who instructed a specialist doctor to implant a cochlear device in one ear. “Because I was an active child, the implant broke internally, which forced the doctor to proceed with implants in both ears,” he explained. Following this surgery, Sief’s condition improved, and he fully regained his hearing by the age of four. Yet, he was faced with new challenges related to speech and learning, prompting his parents to enroll him in several specialized centers. Unfortunately, these efforts yielded little success, leading Sief to embark on a new chapter of challenges.
The Battles of Bullying
Gradually learning to speak, Sief eventually joined school—though later than his peers—but with an indomitable spirit. He excelled academically, overcoming the prison of bullying he experienced at the hands of his classmates. “They laughed at me and pointed fingers in mockery. I would come home and tell my mother I never wanted to return to school again. She would gather the fragments of my spirit with her gentle words, assuring me that I was strong and a blessing from the Creator, and that I should never feel ashamed of my situation,” he revealed. Over time, his mother’s encouragement became a powerful psychological shield against challenges and public perception. “Eventually, her advice forged me into a stronger individual, and soon everyone began calling me the ‘Hearing Champion’ after I managed to push past my struggles and move forward in life,” he said.
Aspirations Realized
With determination and skill, this “Hearing Champion” successfully created a path toward his ambitions. At 26, he earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and entrepreneurship from Zayed University in Abu Dhabi. Today, he works at a private bank in institutional investment, describing his experience: “When I applied for the job, I candidly told them I was a person of determination. I received nothing but respect and appreciation, and I never felt inferior because I firmly believe that my experiences equipped me with unique skills.” He continued, “While medical reports could have exempted me, I was determined to serve my country. I joined Abu Dhabi International Airport as an inspector for a year, which I consider one of the greatest experiences of my life for the discipline and responsibility it instilled in me.”
Finding Strength in Silence
Al-Nuaimi emphasized that his relationship with silence remains significant. When he removes his hearing aids, he returns to complete quietude, describing this with an unbounded ease. “I feel a deep sense of peace as I’ve learned from silence to observe details. Over time, I became adept at reading lips and understanding facial expressions, realizing that silence is not a weakness but rather an alternative way of comprehension,” he reflected.
A Message of Hope
Sief Abdullah Al-Nuaimi wishes to share a message for those facing extraordinary challenges, asserting, “A disability is not an end; it’s a different kind of beginning.” He added, “Without the support of my family and the nurturing of my country, I wouldn’t have reached my current achievements. I’ve learned that every moment we live is an opportunity, and every sound we hear is a blessing that one should value after experiencing its loss.”
Sief Al-Nuaimi:
- “My mother played the most important role; she was the hero of the story, teaching me from home and training me to articulate word by word.”
- “My mother’s advice and support became a substantial psychological armor against the challenges and bullying I faced.”