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‘Thought my life was over’: How factory worker in UAE nearly lost 4 of his fingers
The 30-year-old had cut his fingers while operating a metal cutting machine
- PUBLISHED: Fri 14 Mar 2025, 5:30 AM
A 30-year-old Dubai-based factory worker who cut his four fingers while operating a metal cutting machine, still has all his 10 fingers intact, thanks to the quick thinking and strong presence of mind of his manager.
The incident happened recently when Anup Murali Dharnayr lost his footing while operating the machine. Before he could find his balance, the razor-sharp blade completely amputated four fingers from his hand.
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Most would assume that such an injury would be permanent. But thanks to his factory manager, Moawia Ahmed Ali, and following a 13-hour marathon surgery, Anup’s fingers were successfully reattached, giving him a second chance at life and work.
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The story of how his amputated fingers were collected, preserved in ice, rushed across cities, and re-attached by expert surgeons is nothing short of remarkable.
A moment of horror
The moment Anup’s fingers were amputated, his screams filled the factory, sending his colleagues into a panic. But amidst the chaos, one man kept his composure, Moawia Ahmed Ali, the factory’s Sudanese administrative manager.
Without hesitation, Moawia ran to the injured worker. His first thought wasn’t just about stopping the bleeding, but also about saving what was lost. He gathered the amputated fingers, placed them in a bag of ice, and acted fast.
By Moawia’s order, Anup was rushed to the nearest hospital, but there, another challenge emerged. There was no vascular specialist available, meaning doctors could only stitch up the wound, permanently ending any hope of restoring his fingers.
Moawia, however, refused to accept that fate. Holding onto the bag of frozen fingers, he insisted that Anup be taken to Rashid Hospital in Dubai, known for its advanced vascular surgery department. Instead of waiting for an ambulance, he made a critical decision that he would drive Anup there himself.
Race against time
The urgent car ride through Dubai’s streets was filled with tension. Moawia reassured Anup along the way, telling him to stay strong. Every minute counted, the faster they reached Rashid Hospital, the better the chances of reattachment.
Upon arrival at Rashid Hospital, the medical team wasted no time. They immediately rushed Anup into surgery, where vascular and microsurgery specialists prepared for an extremely delicate procedure, reattaching nerves, blood vessels, and muscles.
Meanwhile, Moawia waited outside for more than 13 hours, from 1pm to 2.30am. He knew Anup’s future depended on this operation.
Finally, the lead surgeon emerged with news that felt like a miracle: “The operation was a success. With time and physiotherapy, Anup will regain the use of his hand.”
The relief and joy Moawia felt at that moment was indescribable. He had saved more than just fingers, he had saved a man’s livelihood, dignity, and future.
Timeless gratitude
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Anup who is still recovering, expressed his deep gratitude. “I thought my life was over. But because of Moawia, I was given another chance at having a normal life.
For Moawia, however, it was never about being a hero. It was about doing what was right.
“We are a family here,” he said. “I would have taken him anywhere in the world if I had to. That’s how we were raised to stand by each other, no matter our nationality, race, or religion. That’s the spirit of Dar Zayed.”
“Because at the end of the day, it’s not just machinery that keeps a factory running, it’s the unbreakable human bonds that hold everything together,” he underscored.