The UAE President has honoured the country’s first Emirati family to donate the organs of their young child, recognising a decision that saved lives and left a lasting mark on the nation’s medical and humanitarian history.
In 2025, Salem and Fatima Al Mansoori lost their five-year-old daughter, Zahia. While grieving, they chose to donate her organs. That decision saved three lives, two children and one adult. It also marked the first recorded case of a UAE family donating the organs of a child, setting a national precedent.
A decision shaped by love
Zahia’s heart went out to a child in urgent need. Doctors transplanted one kidney into another child and the second kidney into an adult patient. Through these transplants, Zahia’s life continued in others.
On Tuesday, the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan honoured Zahia’s parents at Qasr Al Hosn, recognising the impact of their choice.
Speaking about the decision, Zahia’s brother Salem said the family wanted her memory to live on through helping others. He explained that love guided the family’s choice, even in their darkest moment.
Recognition through the Abu Dhabi Awards
The honour formed part of the Abu Dhabi Awards, which, for more than 20 years, has recognised individuals whose actions strengthen society and reflect shared values.
The Awards draw inspiration from the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and continue under Sheikh Mohamed’s leadership. They highlight how personal acts of service contribute to national unity.
This year’s ceremony also aligned with the UAE’s Year of Community, reinforcing the role of compassion, service, and responsibility in everyday life.
Ten individuals recognised for service
Salem and Fatima Al Mansoori joined ten individuals honoured this year for contributions across healthcare, education, culture, and community service. Those recognised included:
- Obaid Kenish Al Hameli, for advancing education in the Al Dhafra region
- Moza Mohamed Al Hafeiti, an educator with over two decades of service, who introduced digital learning tools
- Rashed Abdullah Al Nuaimi, for contributions to diplomacy and culture
- The late Mohamed Ibrahim Obaidallah, for advancing healthcare services
- Hamama Obaid Khamis, a traditional healer and midwife who served her community for more than 70 years
- Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal, founder of Alserkal Avenue and a cultural leader
- The late David Heard, for documenting the UAE’s early history
- The late Sultan Ali Al Owais, a philanthropist and cultural patron
- Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, for leadership across economic and social sectors
Since its launch, the Abu Dhabi Awards has honoured 110 individuals from 18 nationalities, recognising work in volunteering, healthcare, environmental protection, cultural preservation, and inclusion.
A moment that reshaped understanding
As the UAE continues to encourage compassion and shared responsibility, Zahia’s story stands out. It shows how a single decision, made during profound loss, can give life to others and reshape how a nation views giving.
The UAE child organ donation honoured this week did more than save lives. It offered hope. It set an example. And it reminded the country that humanity often shows itself most clearly in moments of sorrow.
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