‘A Grandiose Celebration’: World’s Only Surviving Nonuplets Turn 4
The world’s only surviving set of nonuplets, nine siblings born at once, just celebrated their 4th birthday on May 4, 2025! Born in Morocco to Malian parents Halima Cissé and Abdelkader Arby, the four boys and five girls made history when they were delivered via C-section at 30 weeks in 2021, weighing between 1.1 and 2.2 lbs.
Originally expecting septuplets, the couple was blessed with two extra surprises after arriving in Morocco for specialized care. “We started with seven, and Allah blessed us with nine,” Abdelkader said.
Now thriving, the siblings, Mohammed VI, Oumar, Elhadji, Bah, Kadidia, Fatouma, Hawa, Adama, and Oumou, celebrated in style, dressed in matching lilac outfits, with the girls sporting rainbow beads in their hair.
“They have grown so much since their last birthday… For their 4th birthday, we decided to celebrate in a grandiose way, as a celebrity would!” said proud mom Halima, 29.
After spending their first 19 months in Morocco with round-the-clock care, the family now lives in Mali, supported by loved ones. Despite the challenges, Halima calls her children a “gift.” The nonuplets also have a big sister, Souda, 6, making the Arby family 12.
