The UAE President honoured the pioneering Emirati family who made history by donating their five-year-old child’s organs, praising their compassion, courage, and life-saving generosity that will inspire many others nationwide.
UAE President pays tribute to the first Emirati family to donate the organs of their five-year-old child.
In 2025, Salem and Fatima Al Mansoori faced the heartbreaking loss of their five-year-old daughter, Zahia. Amid their immense sorrow, they chose to donate her organs—an act that went on to save three lives: two children and one adult.
Zahia’s heart was transplanted into a young child, while one of her kidneys was given to another child and the other to an adult recipient. In recognition of this extraordinary generosity, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan honoured Zahia’s parents at Qasr Al Hosn for the profound impact of their decision.
During the ceremony, a video featured remarks from Dr. Ali Al Obeidli, chairman of the UAE National Transplant Committee. He noted that organ transplants revive hope not just for recipients but for their loved ones as well. Dr. Al Obeidli added that the Al Mansoori family’s choice has created a lasting legacy in their daughter’s memory and helped shine a light on the UAE’s Hayat organ donation initiative.
Zahia’s brother, Salem, shared that their family chose to donate her organs because of the immense love they had for her and their wish for her memory to bring comfort and healing to others.
For twenty years, the Abu Dhabi Awards has stood as a national symbol of the UAE’s spirit of compassion, altruism, and gratitude—values established by the country’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and continued under the guidance of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The awards highlight the belief that every gesture of kindness strengthens the nation’s sense of unity and social cohesion.
A businessman and philanthropist celebrated for his impact on community growth, he actively promoted education in the Al Dhafra region and, in 1998, founded the Obaid Bin Kenish Al Hameli Academic Excellence Award.
An educator with over two decades of experience at the Zayed Educational Complex in Dibba Al Fujairah, she developed the Interactive Digital Prayer Rug and introduced a digital library during the Covid-19 pandemic. Her efforts have earned her numerous national awards in the field of education.
A prominent national leader known for his roles in government, culture, and charitable work, he previously served as Minister of Foreign Affairs until 2006 and had earlier represented Abu Dhabi at Expo 1970 in Osaka. He founded several healthcare and philanthropic institutions and is also the author of the novel Shahenda.
The late Mohamed Ibrahim Obaidallah was honoured for his significant contributions to humanitarian causes and the healthcare sector. In 2009, he established the Obaidallah Geriatric Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah and provided support for various dialysis and surgical facilities. He also played a key role as a founding member of the Beit Al Khair Society. He passed away in 2025.
A traditional healer and midwife from Al Dhaid, she dedicated over seventy years to serving her community, offering herbal remedies, cauterisation treatments, and midwifery support—all without ever requesting payment.
Honoured for his contributions to the UAE’s cultural scene, he is the founder of Dubai’s prominent cultural hub, Alserkal Avenue, and established the Alserkal Arts Foundation in 2019. He has also served on advisory boards for Tate and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.
Recognised for preserving the UAE’s early history, he began his career in Abu Dhabi’s oil industry during the 1960s and later authored numerous works on the nation’s modern development. He contributed over 440 archival collections to NYU Abu Dhabi and passed away in 2024.
The late Sultan Ali Al Owais was celebrated for his impact on culture and charitable initiatives. In 1987, he established the Sultan bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Award and contributed to the construction of schools, hospitals, and water dams. He passed away in 2000.
Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak
Recognised for his exceptional leadership in both government and business, he serves as Group CEO of Mubadala Investment Company, playing a pivotal role in advancing key national sectors such as energy, education, technology, and investment. He is also the Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority.
Since its launch, the Abu Dhabi Awards has celebrated 110 individuals from 18 different nationalities whose achievements span a wide range of areas, including healthcare, volunteerism, education, cultural heritage, environmental conservation, and the empowerment of people of determination.
Aligned with the Year of Community, the Awards continue to champion their humanitarian mission, reflecting the UAE’s core values of social responsibility, unity, and compassion.
