On Saturday, May 16th, join Operation Smile UAE in Reem Mall for ‘Run for a Cause’ the first event of the 2026 Indoor Run Series, featuring one race per month spanning from May to July.
Choose to enter each run individually or enter the series for the chance to be crowned Reem Mall’s Champion runner for 2026.
Help raise awareness for Operation Smile UAE and the work we do, providing free and safe surgeries to those born with cleft conditions!
Participants will have the choice of 2.5km, 5km or 10km runs through the air-conditioned comfort of Reem Mall.
Starting on the ground floor, runners will transition to the first floor and back by using the escalator, making their way through the food court and various shops before returning to the ground floor and the sprint to the finish line or the start of your next lap.
Visit the Operation Smile UAE stand, view the merchandise, sign up to become a volunteer, spread the word about what we do and who we help! See you there!!!
ABU DHABI, 11th August, 2025 (WAM) – Operation Smile UAE organised the Operation Smile MENA Student Conference 2025 (MENASC 2025), a first-of-its-kind youth healthcare leadership summit in the Middle East and North Africa, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikha Alyazia bint Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, wife of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The conference took place from 9th to 11th August 2025 at Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Awal School, Abu Dhabi. 50 high school students (aged 15–18) from Morocco, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan and the UAE joined for three days of intensive workshops focused on the theme ‘Empowering Youth, Transforming Lives’. Students were equipped with the knowledge, skills and inspiration to champion comprehensive cleft care and health equity in their communities. For over 40 years, Operation Smile has embraced young leaders as a driving force with their “can do”, spirit and enthusiasm. The inaugural MENASC 2025 continues to invest in youth empowerment. “We are excited to launch this first-of-its-kind conference in the MENA region,” said Morag Cromey-Hawke, Executive Director of Operation Smile UAE. “By uniting students from diverse cultures under a common mission, we empower a generation of compassionate young leaders. These participants will gain not only medical insights into cleft care, but also the confidence and advocacy skills to make a tangible difference. Our vision is a collaborative, inclusive MENA region where every child has access to life-changing care – and where youth lead the charge for health equity.”
MENASC 2025 featured workshops on cleft care and patient support. Students learnt about cleft conditions, oral hygiene, speech and language therapy, nutrition and psychosocial care. Students also developed leadership skills to advocate for patients with cleft conditions through social media campaigns and awareness activities.
Through team-building exercises and cultural exchange activities, the young delegates embody Operation Smile’s values of compassion, resilience and collaboration. “This conference is not just an event – it’s the beginning of a movement,” said Rifaa Mehnaz, an Operation Smile student volunteer and team leader from the UAE. “When I joined Operation Smile, I knew I’d be helping others, but I didn’t expect how much it would open my eyes to the power of connection, empathy and global community. Being part of Operation Smile has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life – it gave me a deeper sense of purpose and the confidence to lead with heart. I’ve seen firsthand how a single surgery can truly change a child’s life, and the overwhelming gratitude from families fills the atmosphere. This conference ignited that same spark in others, empowering us to return home as cleft care champions ready to create new smiles in our communities.” The ripple effect of MENASC 2025 will extend across the region as students turn knowledge into action – ensuring that every child can smile, speak and thrive with dignity.
يتلقى 101 شخص لجراحة تصحيحية لمختلف حالات الشفاه المشقوقة خلال البرنامج الجراحي في أنتسيرابي، مدغشقر. بالإضافة إلى تمويل البرنامج الجراحي، تبرعت منظمة “عملية الابتسامة الإماراتية” بملابس أطفال ودمى دببة، تبرع بها فرع شركة تيرنر وتاونسند الإماراتية.
سافرت أمل، الممرضة المتطوعة في مؤسسة عملية الابتسامة الإماراتية قبل وبعد الجراحة، إلى مدغشقر برفقة موراغ، المديرة التنفيذية لللمؤسسة، لمساعدة الفريق الطبي والطلابي التطوعي في مدغشقر خلال البرنامج الجراحي القصير الذي استمر خمسة أيام.
الممرضة المتطوعة أمل مع أحد المرضى
موراغ، المديرة التنفيذية، مع أحد الأطفال المرضى
وكجزء لا يتجزأ من التزامها بتقديم الرعاية الشاملة لذوي حالات الشفاه المشقوقة، عقدت منظمة عملية الابتسامة في مدغشقر العديد من الجلسات التعليمية والعلاجية في قرية المرضى خلال الحدث الذي استمر لمدة أسبوع.
تم تقديم رعاية النطق لأكثر من 50 مريضًا، من خلال تقييم وعلاج حالات النطق الناجمة عن حالات الشفة المشقوقة لديهم.
تلقى 8 مرضى رعاية أسنان في المستشفى، بينما تلقى 46 مريضًا علاج أسنان داخل العيادة المتنقلة. بالإضافة إلى هذه العلاجات، تم تثقيف المرضى وأولياء أمورهم حول الطريقة الصحيحة لتنظيف أسنانهم.
في مخيم التغذية، حضرت عائلات 37 طفلاً يعانون من سوء التغذية، وُلدوا بتشوهات خلقية، ورش عمل تعليمية حول تقنيات التغذية وإعداد وجبات صحية. كما تم التطرق إلى تقنيات غسل اليدين، والنظافة الشخصية، وكيفية استحمام الأطفال بشكل صحيح.
نشكر جميع الداعمين والمتبرعين الذين جعلوا هذه المبادرة ناجحة.
المرضى في انتظار أدوارهم
موراغ وأمل يسافران مع تبرعات الملابس ودمى الدببة للأطفال
ملابس أطفال تبرعت بها مؤسسة عملية الابتسامة الإماراتية
المتطوعون يرتبون المواد الغذائية المتبرع بها للمرضى
طفل من ذوي الشفاه المشقوقة
طفل يحمل دمية الدب من تبرعات مؤسسة عملية الابتسامة الإماراتية
101 patients received surgery to correct their cleft conditions during the surgical program in Antsirabe, Madagascar. In addition to funding the surgical program, Operation Smile UAE donated baby clothes and brought teddy bears, donated by Turner & Townsend UAE ‘s branch.
Amal, OSUAE volunteer pre-post nurse, travelled to Madagascar with Morag, OSUAE executive director, to assist the medical and student volunteer team from Operation Smile in Madagascar during the short five day surgical program.
Volunteer Nurse, Amal with a patient.
Executive Director, Morag, with a patient.
As part of their commitment to provide comprehensive care to patients with cleft conditions, OS Madagascar held several education and treatment sessions in the Patient Village during the week long event.
Over 50 patients were provided speech care, both evaluating and treating speech conditions caused by their cleft conditions.
8 patients received dental care at the hospital while 46 patients received dental treatments inside the mobile dental clinic. In addition to these treatments, patients and their parents were taught the correct way to brush their teeth.
At the nutrition boot camp, families of 37 malnourished children, born with cleft conditions attended educational workshops on feeding techniques and preparation of healthy meals. Hand washing techniques, personal hygiene and how to bathe babies correctly was also addressed.
Thank you to all of our supporters and donors who made this initiative a success.
Patients waiting. Morag and Amal, traveling with donated teddy bears and baby clothes.OSUAE donated baby clothesVolunteers with nutrition for patientsA patient with a cleft conditionA patient with an OSUAE teddy bear
Patient and guardian in Madagascar (Photo credit: Operation Smile)
This spring, Operation Smile UAE, with support from Mubadala, funded international surgical programs in Madagascar and Honduras, providing free corrective surgery to 200 patients for their cleft conditions.
In April, five Operation Smile UAE medical volunteers including, Philipp an anaesthesiologist, Jihad, Ella, Amal and Francesca, all nurses, along with OSUAE Executive Director, Morag, traveled to Antsirabe, Madagascar.
The team from Operation Smile UAE in Madagascar, (L-R) Morag and Phillip, Amal, Francesca, Ella and Jihad. (Photo credit: Operation Smile)
The team from the Emirates also included non-medical volunteers from Mubadala who helped with the registration process.
The 10 day program, organized by Operation Smile in Madagascar, included surgeries and comprehensive care sessions. Patients’ families received education on healthy eating and how to safely bathe their babies.
Medical volunteers from 11 countries, were able to screen 200 patients and provided 117 patients with free and safe surgery for their cleft condition.
A patient in Madagascar with their OSUAE teddy bear.(Photo credit: Operation Smile)
OSUAE provided an adorable, branded teddy bear for each patient who received surgery. The bears, donated by an OSUAE supporter, were given to patients to help comfort them on their journey to their new smile.
In May, Mubadala also supported a surgical program in Honduras.
Executive Director, Morag, accompanied non-medical volunteers from Mubadala who traveled to help during the surgical program in San Pedro Sula.
Patients wait to be screened at the surgical program in Honduras. (Photo credit: Operation Smile)
During the week long program, 127 patients were screened for their cleft conditions and 80 received surgery.
All 80 patients also received one of our adorable OSUAE teddy bears.
Operation Smile Honduras, in addition to providing surgery and comprehensive care to patients born with cleft conditions, also provided dental care for residents of two local orphanages.
An orphanage visited by the UAE team in Honduras. (Photo credit: Operation Smile)
While in San Pedro Sula, Morag and the volunteer team from Mubadala, took time to visit the orphanages, and donated much needed items including school supplies and food to the children.
Thank you to Mubadala, our OSUAE medical volunteers, and members of the UAE community, for providing the funds and support for these programs.
Because of your generosity Operation Smile were able to provide care to hundreds of patients with cleft conditions.
describes his experience at the June mission in Ghana
OSUAE volunteer cleft surgeon, Ghaith (centre) with patients during the surgical mission in Ghana (Credit: Operation Smile UAE)
In June, I embarked on a life-changing mission with Operation Smile to Koforidua, Ghana. This journey took me to a place where hope and transformation thrived, where lives were forever altered. Among the many incredible stories I encountered, there was one that touched my heart deeply, leaving an indelible mark on my soul. It is the story of a 25-year-old woman who had lived her entire life with a complete cleft lip, yet managed to find love, start a family, and finally, receive the gift of a transformed life.
The Arrival in Koforidua:
As our team arrived to Koforidua, the air was filled with anticipation and excitement. We were greeted warmly by the local community, who had longed for the arrival of Operation Smile’s medical volunteers. The mission aimed to provide life-changing surgeries to individuals born with cleft lips and palates, granting them the chance to smile with confidence and live without the burden of their condition.
The 25 year old patient Dr. Ghaith operated on.
Meeting the 25-Year-Old Woman:
Among the patients we encountered, one woman’s story stood out from the rest. She was a 25-year-old lady, who had lived her entire life with a complete cleft lip. Despite the challenges she faced, she had managed to build a life filled with love, hope, and resilience. She had gotten married and recently given birth to a beautiful baby girl.
The Transformation:
As a member of the surgical team, I had the privilege of operating on her to repair her cleft lip. The surgery was a success, and the following day, as I walked into the ward, I was greeted by a sight that brought tears of joy to my eyes. There, holding her baby girl, was she, looking like a completely different person.
The Joyful Encounter:
For a moment, I was taken aback, as I mistook the baby for the patient. It was only when I remembered that I had operated on the mother that the realization of her transformation hit me. Her radiant smile and the newfound confidence in her eyes were tangible evidence of the profound impact that the surgery had made on her life.
A Life Transformed:
Witnessing her caring for her little girl was a testament to the life-altering change that Operation Smile had brought to her. No longer burdened by her cleft lip, she now had the opportunity to embrace motherhood with renewed self-assurance and optimism. Her transformation reached far beyond physical appearance, extending into every aspect of her life.
Conclusion:
My experience with Operation Smile in Koforidua, Ghana, left an indescribable imprint on my heart. Through witnessing that lady’s transformation, I realized the immense power of a simple surgery to bring hope, joy, and a brighter future to individuals who had endured a lifetime of challenges. As I continue on my journey as a medical professional, I carry the memories of that lady and countless others like her, inspiring me to make a difference in the lives of those in need. Operation Smile’s mission in Ghana exemplified the true essence of compassion, unity, and the transformative power of a smile.
In March Operation Smile UAE answered the call from Operation Smile Malawi for urgently needed linens for their cleft and burns unit at a hospital in Malawi.
Marriott hotels in Abu Dhabi, who are long time OSUAE supporters, donated gently used sheets and towels, as well as a venue to sort the items.
Over four days more than 15 community and five student volunteers joined the Operation Smile UAE team to inspect, sew, and pack the linens. One room was set up as a sewing room, where volunteers (some of whom brought their own machines!) hemmed the sheets to the required size. In another room a team inspected, sorted and packed the items to ship to Malawi.
The sheets are already in use in Malawi.
We had so many sheets that we were also able to send a suitcase full back with Richmond, a medical volunteer from Operation Smile Ghana who attended our recent surgical mission in Abu Dhabi.
This Ramadan, join Operation Smile UAE in their campaign to #LightTheWay for those affected by cleft conditions by spreading awareness and encouraging donations.
This campaign focuses on giving hope and healing to those who need it most. Let’s come together this Ramadan and show that we can make a difference in the lives of children with cleft conditions. Let’s light the way for those in need, and help them find their way to healing and hope.
As little as 880AED helps provide surgery to a child with a cleft condition. This is possible thanks to the generous contributions of medical professionals who volunteer their time and expertise, as well as corporations that donate critical supplies and equipment necessary for safe surgery. This cost includes expenses incurred for essential medical team members to be at a surgical program, the expenses for additional required supplies and cargo shipping costs.
At Operation Smile, we envision a future where health and dignity are improved through safe surgery. Our mission is to create solutions that deliver safe surgery to people where it’s needed most, and through our expertise in treating cleft lip and cleft palate, we are making this a reality.
Help us #LightTheWay this Ramadan by spreading the word, donating or taking part in the various activities organised throughout the campaign.
At the end of January, eight Operation Smile medical volunteers from the UAE and seven guest volunteers from Mubadala who sponsored the mission, joined other international and Egyptian volunteers at the Operation Smile Egypt surgical mission in Aswan, Egypt.
During the busy six day mission,143 patients were screened, with 78 receiving corrective surgery for their cleft condition.
OSUAE would like to thank the hardworking UAE medical volunteers who attended, as well as the team from Mubadala.
Mubadala’s recent MOU with OSUAE will ensure that two more international missions are funded this year, providing many more new smiles to children in need.
Watch the video to see how Operation Smile changed lives in Aswan, one smile at a time.
