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29 March 2024

US doctor hails Abu Dhabi cops' rapid response to bomb threat

American teacher Ibolya Balazi Ryan (left inset), the mother of three was stabbed to death in an Abu Dhabi mall restroom by a niqab-clad woman (right inset). The blood stains are from videos released by the police. (Al Bayan)

Published
By Wam

The American doctor MHH who was targeted by a makeshift bomb planted at his doorstep by the veiled Emirati female suspect in the murder of an American schoolteacher in a shopping mall restroom on Reem Island in Abu Dhabi earlier week, has praised the efforts of the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ.

The police defused the primitive bomb in time, saving his life and the lives of his family members and neighbours.

The US citizen, 55, who is a consultant of Egyptian origin working for a government hospital in the UAE since 2006, also hailed the professionalism of Abu Dhabi Police in dealing with the case and with its intended victims.

Dr. MHH said, "They relayed to me directly the details of what was going on", noting his relief and that of his family when the police told him of the capture of the veiled female suspect.

The American physician said that, following the incident, he had received a phone call from Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, who congratulated him on the safety of himself and his family. 

He added that in the phone call, Sheikh Saif bin Zayed assured him that the mystery of the crime would certainly be solved and that the perpetrator will receive the due, just and deterrent punishment.

"The phone call from His Highness provided great relief during that critical ordeal.
“It reflects the noble and civilised approach of the leaders and the government's work to consolidate the security and stability of the UAE, for its citizens and residents and visitors alike."

Dr. MHH noted that the rapid response of Abu Dhabi Police was instrumental in saving the lives of his family and anyone who might have been in the vicinity where the bomb was planted, including children, other residents, cleaners, guards, delivery men and other innocent people.

The Victim Affairs Office of Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, he noted, had immediately worked to secure the safety of his three children and wife, had transferred them to a safe hotel residence and had taken care of them.

Click to see video: 'Al Reem Ghost' in custody in less than 48 hours

The American doctor also praised the US Embassy and the Egyptian Embassy for extending their moral support to him and his family.

He said that he was surprised to know that the Emirati female attacker had targeted her victims based on their nationality alone, and described the attack as "a cowardly crime that is alien to the good UAE society whose government is keen to show the highest generosity and hospitality." 

He said, "This crime is an aggression against innocent people whose only fault is that they are Western nationals."

MHH further noted that, thanks to the wisdom and discreet action of his wife and his 13-year old son, the strange object that they found in front of their apartment was dealt with in time.

His wife called him and told him that their son had discovered the bomb while he was heading to the mosque for the sunset prayer (Maghreb).

Security forces were alerted and came immediately to evacuate the place and to tackle the bomb very quickly and professionally.

MHH graduated from the Egyptian Alexandria University's Faculty of Medicine and underwent postgraduate full training in USA.

He then practiced in USA and was a teaching faculty member in New Jersey and a  nephrologist at York Hospital in York Pennsylvania.

He also held an academic post as Assistant Professor of Medicine in Pennsylvania State University.
Dr. MHH was awarded the Physician of the Year award by the Pennsylvania Advisory Board in 2003.

He is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Fellow of the American Society of Nephrology, and a reviewer for the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Dr. MHH has done much research and has published numerous papers on diabetic nephropathy, IgA, nephropathy and other topics.

Ibolya Ryan's ex-husband: We are grateful for capture of the 'Reem Island ghost'