In 2025, Salem and Fatima Al Mansoori faced the tragic loss of their five-year-old daughter, Zahia. Amid their sorrow, they made the courageous choice to donate her organs, saving the lives of three individuals—two children and an adult.
Zahia’s heart was donated to a child, one kidney to another child, and the second kidney to an adult.
Today, Zahia’s parents were honored at Qasr Al Hosn by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their noble gesture.
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During the ceremony, a video featured Dr. Ali Al Obeidli, chairman of the UAE National Transplant Committee, highlighting how organ transplants bring hope not just to the recipient, but also to their family. He stated that the Al Mansoori family’s decision left a lasting legacy tied to Zahia’s name and increased awareness of the UAE’s Hayat organ donation program.
Salem Hamad Al Mansoori
Zahia’s brother, Salem, expressed that the family chose to donate because of their profound love for her, hoping her memory would benefit others.
For the last twenty years, the Abu Dhabi Awards have been a national platform celebrating the UAE’s values of giving, inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, continued under Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Awards emphasize that every act of generosity strengthens unity and social harmony.
Salem and Fatima Al Mansoori were among ten individuals honored this year, including:
Obaid Kenish Al Hameli
A businessman and philanthropist recognized for his community development efforts. He promoted education in the Al Dhafra region and established the Obaid Bin Kenish Al Hameli Award for Academic Excellence in 1998.
Obaid Kenish Al Hameli
Moza Mohamed Al Hafeiti
A dedicated teacher with over two decades at the Zayed Educational Complex in Dibba Al Fujairah. She invented the Interactive Digital Prayer Rug and launched a digital library during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning several national education awards.
Moza Mohamed Al Hafeiti
Rashed Abdullah Al Nuaimi
A national leader in government, culture, and philanthropy. He served as Minister of Foreign Affairs until 2006 and represented Abu Dhabi at Expo 1970 in Osaka. He founded healthcare and charitable organizations and authored the novel Shahenda.
Rashed Abdullah Al Nuaimi
The late Mohamed Ibrahim Obaidallah
Honored for his humanitarian efforts and healthcare support. He established the Obaidallah Geriatric Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah in 2009 and supported dialysis and surgical centers. A founding member of Beit Al Khair Society, he passed away in 2025.
Hamama Obaid Khamis
A traditional healer and midwife from Al Dhaid who served her community for over seven decades. She offered herbal treatments, cauterization therapy, and midwifery care without charge.
Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal
Recognized for shaping the UAE’s cultural landscape. He founded Alserkal Avenue in Dubai, a key cultural district, and the Alserkal Arts Foundation in 2019. He served on advisory boards for Tate and the Solomon R Guggenheim Foundation.
The late David Heard
Honored for documenting the UAE’s early development. He worked in Abu Dhabi’s oil sector in the 1960s and authored several works on modern UAE history. He donated over 440 archival units to NYU Abu Dhabi. He passed away in 2024.
The late Sultan Ali Al Owais
Recognized for his cultural and philanthropic contributions. He founded the Sultan bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Award in 1987. His charitable endeavors included building schools, hospitals, and water dams. He passed away in 2000.
Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak
Honored for his leadership in government and business. As Group CEO of Mubadala Investment Company, he contributed to major national sectors including energy, education, technology, and investment. He also serves as Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority.
Since its inception, the Abu Dhabi Awards have honored 110 individuals from 18 nationalities, celebrating contributions across healthcare, volunteering, education, cultural preservation, environmental protection, and empowerment of people of determination.
Aligning with the Year of Community, the Awards continue their mission of reflecting the UAE’s enduring values of harmony and social responsibility.
