Beyond the crown: How Dubai gave Ankita Jain Bhatia the freedom to dream bigger
In a city where networking can open doors and reinvention is practically a way of life, Ankita Jain Bhatia has discovered that the most powerful investment a woman can make is in herself. The newly crowned Mrs UAE World has a glittering crown, a flourishing career in fashion, a supportive husband and a six-year-old son who is among her biggest cheerleaders. But beneath the picture-perfect…
Dubai's Maryam Al Sadiq was preparing to launch her dream business, Unknown Treats, a mini Bundt cake startup, in July 2026. However, she was not in her new kitchen when the bakery began accepting orders through food delivery apps due to her health struggles. The aspiring baker was battling bladder cancer that had spread to her brain, undergoing treatment including radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Despite six weeks in the hospital and dealing with two brain tumours, Maryam remained determined to fulfill her dream. She built her hospital routine around her business, managing the launch remotely from her laptop and training her team members. Born and raised in the UAE, Maryam had a passion for baking that began when she received a KitchenAid mixer from friends in 2017.
Her health challenges started early when she was diagnosed with Crohn's disease at 12, and baking became her therapy. Cancer was a reality she never expected, diagnosed herself in 2021 with urachal adenocarcinoma, a rare bladder cancer. The news shook her family, but she underwent surgery and chemotherapy, continuing her professional and social life.
After her cancer diagnosis returned in 2024, Maryam decided to fully commit to Unknown Treats. With her parents' help, she registered the business, choosing the unique name 'Unknown Treats'.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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