Abu Dhabi has become the site of a rare in-utero fetal surgery to correct spina bifida, a birth defect that can lead to permanent disability. The procedure, which took place at Burjeel Medical City’s Kypros Nicolaides Fetal Medicine and Therapy Center, involved a small incision in the uterus, allowing a neurosurgeon to close the spina bifida defect. The baby will remain in the womb for the remainder of the pregnancy and will be delivered by caesarean section at 37 weeks’ gestation. The procedure is not a cure, but can reduce motor function loss of limbs and improve outcomes.