Climbing a mountain often means not realizing how steep it truly is; the climb feels relentless, yet you must press on. Only when you look back do you see how far you’ve come. This was the case for Dr. Noura Mohamed Juma in her 20s. As a single mother of two children with health issues, while her greatest supporter, her mother, battled cancer, Dr. Noura was in survival mode. She had to manage doctors’ appointments, health check-ups, and nutritional needs, all while excelling in her career as a pediatric dentist.
Now at 40, the Emirati shares, “Trusting in God’s plan is crucial because facing multiple crises early on can be overwhelming, especially without maturity, and situations can easily affect you.”
Dr. Noura with her professor.
Dr. Noura acknowledges that discussing past challenges is easier than living through them, but emphasizes that faith can provide strength during tough times. In the UAE, the community and government support also play a vital role. Speaking to City Times for Emirati Women’s Day, she praises the country’s supportive culture. “I completed my Master’s in the UAE, sponsored by a government entity. I received a scholarship and was granted full-time study leave for three years. We are fortunate as women in the UAE.”
“I earned my Doctor of Dental Surgery from Ajman University of Science and Technology,” she recalls, noting she was married by 20. When she joined the workforce, she was expecting her first child, Zayed. “It was my first job,” she notes, adding that dentistry is demanding both physically and mentally. “It was challenging, but with family support, I succeeded.”
When her second child was born two-and-a-half years later, Dr. Noura was already addressing her son’s developmental delays. But she seized the opportunity to pursue her Master’s. “Juggling early mornings, late nights, clinic work, academics, and the children’s needs was hectic. My mum, the hero of my story, assured me she could take care of the kids, allowing me to focus on my studies.”
In her post-graduate program’s second year, her mother was diagnosed with sarcoma.
The conversation pauses, acknowledging the gravity of the news. Yet Dr. Noura chooses not to dwell in sorrow. “We managed,” she insists.
During this period, her daughter also faced challenges with her vision. “We spent six to eight months diagnosing Ayesha’s eyesight issues.”
As Zayed improved with rehabilitation, the family sought answers for Ayesha’s vision problems. “She had a rare disorder but it’s under control now,” Dr. Noura explains.
Her trials continued. In 2016, her estranged husband passed away. In 2020, she lost her mother. “Being alone was difficult, but I did my best. When I joined as a pediatric dentist in 2016, I worked at Sharjah’s main specialized dental center. Later, I became a coordinator for school health, oral health promotion, and emergency services, continuing to work full-time in emergency health services,” she shares.
Currently, as a certified specialist in behavior management and sedation dentistry, she provides comprehensive care from infancy to adolescence.
“My life has been busy,” she reflects, adding quietly, “Last year, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.”
“I’ve had flare-ups, so I’m on immunosuppressive medication.”
Despite expectations, Dr. Noura’s tone remains grateful. “God has been with me through all my challenges, and I feel blessed.”
She advises seeking supportive people to overcome difficulties. “Facing challenges alone only complicates things.”
“I also owe gratitude to the Al Jalila Foundation for my scholarship. They supported me in managing my child’s developmental delays and speech issues, guiding me to appropriate resources.” Today, her children are thriving. “There haven’t been any further issues,” she reports.
Climbing an incline is tough, but in the UAE, you’re never alone.
