In a devastating road accident that occurred early morning on January 5, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, four young children from a family originally from Kizhisseri in Kerala's Malappuram district lost their lives. The family's domestic helper also died in the tragedy, while the parents and their only surviving daughter sustained serious injuries and are receiving treatment in hospital.
The affected family belongs to Abdul Latheef and his wife Ruksana, who are settled in Dubai. Abdul Latheef is a businessman operating in Ras Al Khaimah, while Ruksana works as a real estate consultant. During the winter school holidays, the family had visited the Liwa Dates Festival in Abu Dhabi and was returning to Dubai ahead of the children's school reopening when the accident took place. Their vehicle lost control and overturned on the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway near Shahama or Ghantoot, leading to the fatal crash.
The deceased children have been identified as Ashaz (14 years), Ammar (12 years), Ayyash (5 years), and Azam (7-8 years). Ashaz, Ammar, and Ayyash died at the scene, while Azam succumbed to his injuries in hospital on Monday. The domestic helper, Bushra Fayaz Yahu (48-49 years), also perished at the accident site.
The injured parents and their 10-year-old daughter Izza are undergoing treatment at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi. The father was informed of the children's deaths on Sunday, while the mother was told on Tuesday due to her critical condition.
As per the family's wishes, the funeral of the four brothers was held on Tuesday afternoon at Al Qusais Cemetery in Dubai, attended by hundreds of relatives, friends, and community members. Bushra's body was repatriated to Kerala on Monday, with her funeral taking place there on Tuesday.
The tragedy has deeply shocked the Malayali community in the UAE, with various community organisations extending support to the grieving family. The children were students at Arab Unity School in Dubai.
