From the Streets of Dubai to a New Life in the UK: The Rescue of Tara Nova
When animal rescuer Singh first saw the small, trembling cat outside a construction site in Dubai, she knew she couldn’t just walk past.
“She looked completely lost and fearful. It was clear she didn’t belong there,” Singh recalled. “The workmen said the stray cats bullied her, and we thought she had probably been a pet and had been abandoned. She was scared and alone, and I couldn’t walk away.”
Moved by compassion, Singh took the frightened feline under her wing and gave her a fitting new name — Tara Nova, meaning “new star.”
Now, after weeks of care and coordination, Singh is finalizing arrangements to fly Tara Nova to her forever family in the United Kingdom, where a warm home and a new life await.
A Small Rescue Reflecting a Bigger Change
Singh, who moved from London to Dubai two decades ago, has seen the UAE’s approach to animal welfare evolve dramatically in recent years. Initiatives such as mandatory microchipping and pet registration in Abu Dhabi are, she says, promising steps toward a more compassionate future for animals.
Across the Islamic world, cats hold a special place in culture and daily life. In countries like Turkey and Morocco, community cats roam freely and are often fed and cared for by locals — a practice that reflects kindness, but also, Singh notes, can mask a deeper issue.
“That tolerance is beautiful, but it can sometimes slow the push for stronger laws to protect and control stray populations,” she said.
A Second Chance for a ‘New Star’
For now, Tara Nova is safe at a foster home in Abu Dhabi, where she waits for her flight to the UK and the next chapter of her life.
“Nova’s story could have ended in silence, but instead she curls up in comfort and safety on a soft blanket,” Singh said. “She was always a treasure, just waiting for someone to see her. Rescuing starts with noticing.”
From fear and abandonment to safety and hope, Tara Nova’s journey is a reminder that sometimes, the smallest acts of compassion can change a life completely — and even light up the world, like a new star.