A woman who is 34 weeks pregnant is in critical condition in a Dubai hospital’s intensive care unit after being seriously injured in a hit-and-run accident.
Dubai: 34-week expectant mother critical in ICU following hit-and-run incident
A 30-year-old Indian media professional who is 34 weeks pregnant is battling severe injuries after being struck by a vehicle that sped away from the scene late on Wednesday night, January 7, in Arjan, according to her husband. Doctors were able to save her unborn baby, but the woman remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit.
The accident took place at approximately 11.30pm when the woman and her husband were taking an evening walk near their residence, close to Central Park in Arjan, Dubailand. According to the couple, a car entered a one-way road from the wrong direction, suddenly reversed, and crashed into them before fleeing.
From her hospital bed, the woman described the aftermath of the collision in a text message shared with insider18. “I was bleeding heavily and spitting blood on the road,” she said. “My jaw has been badly damaged, and I can hardly speak.”
Medical records reviewed by insider18 reveal the extent of her injuries. She suffered trauma to the right side of her head, serious injuries to her hip, and internal damage that required surgeons to remove portions of her liver and spleen. She also sustained injuries to both knees, a fractured left elbow, a dislocated left shoulder, abdominal wounds that needed stitching, and significant damage to her teeth and jaw.
Expressing her distress, the woman said she felt deeply shaken by the incident. “I feel extremely vulnerable carrying this child, and someone chose to do this,” she said, adding that she hopes the driver responsible is identified and held accountable.
Earlier, the woman had shared a message about the incident in a WhatsApp group for UAE-based media and PR professionals, prompting an overwhelming response of concern, support and prayers for her recovery from colleagues across the industry.
Her husband, recounting the moments of the crash, told insider18 that he was hit on his left side when the car reversed, while his wife absorbed the full force of the impact. “I watched her get thrown several metres into the air,” he said. “At that moment, I feared she and our unborn baby had not survived.”
He explained that everything happened too quickly for him to note the vehicle’s registration number, though he recalled that it appeared to be a sedan. Emergency services arrived within minutes, with police officers and paramedics administering urgent care at the scene before transporting the couple to hospital. “It truly feels like a miracle that they are both alive,” he said.
The family confirmed that a formal complaint has been lodged and that Dubai Police have launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the hit-and-run driver. When contacted, the hospital said it could not provide additional details beyond what the family had already disclosed. Authorities had not issued a statement at the time of publication.
At the family’s request, the identities of the woman and her husband have been withheld to respect their privacy. “I just hope the person responsible is caught,” the husband said.
Under UAE law, fleeing the scene of an accident is a serious criminal offence that can lead to jail time, heavy fines and the suspension of a driving licence. In a similar case last year, Dubai authorities ordered the arrest of a motorist accused of escaping after causing severe injuries in a hit-and-run. Dubai Traffic Prosecution stated at the time that the driver failed to stop or assist the injured victim.
Beyond the immediate medical crisis, the incident has reignited concerns among residents about pedestrian safety in residential neighbourhoods, particularly during late hours. Arjan, like several developing areas of Dubai, has seen increased foot traffic as more families move into newly built communities. Residents say that while sidewalks and parks are available, reckless driving, wrong-way entry into internal roads, and speeding remain persistent issues. Many locals have called for stricter monitoring, additional signage, speed-calming measures, and increased police patrols to prevent similar accidents and ensure safer streets for pedestrians.
Medical experts note that trauma cases involving pregnant women are especially complex, requiring coordination between multiple specialist teams. In this case, doctors reportedly worked swiftly to stabilise the mother while simultaneously monitoring the unborn child’s condition. Such emergencies often involve obstetricians, trauma surgeons, neurospecialists and intensive care staff working together under immense pressure. Physicians say that even when a foetus survives an accident, long-term monitoring is essential to ensure there are no delayed complications. The coming weeks will be critical for both the mother’s recovery and the baby’s health.
Friends and colleagues of the woman described her as a dedicated professional who had continued working well into her pregnancy. Several media professionals said she was known for her resilience and positive outlook, making the incident particularly shocking for those who know her personally. Messages of support have continued to pour in through social media and professional networks, with many offering assistance to the family during this difficult period. Some colleagues have also urged authorities to treat the case as a priority, stressing that hit-and-run incidents leave victims not only physically injured but emotionally traumatised.
Legal experts point out that hit-and-run cases are treated with severity under UAE traffic laws, especially when they involve serious injury or risk to life. Leaving the scene without providing assistance is considered an aggravating factor and can significantly increase penalties if the driver is caught. Lawyers say investigators typically rely on CCTV footage, witness statements, and vehicle damage reports to trace offenders. In many cases, even if the registration number is not immediately known, technology and coordinated efforts between agencies can eventually lead to an arrest.
As the investigation continues, the family says their focus remains on the woman’s recovery and the well-being of their unborn child. The husband has been staying close to the hospital, balancing concern for his wife with gratitude toward medical staff who acted quickly. “We are taking this one hour at a time,” he said. “Right now, all we want is for her to heal and for our baby to be safe.” The family hopes that justice will be served and that their ordeal will serve as a reminder of the human cost of reckless driving.
