Abu Dhabi Awards

Until May 31 you have the chance to make a difference to someone who really deserves it by nominating them for an Abu Dhabi Award – the highest civilian honour the emirate offers. Words Mark Spence

After a two year hiatus, the Abu Dhabi Awards are back to reward the unsung everyday heroes that have made a selfless, positive impact on our emirate. Designed to recognise individuals who have contributed to building a greater sense of community and social welfare, these awards have gone from strength to strength since their inauguration in 2005.

Indeed, since the awards were first launched a staggering 193,000 nominations have been received from the public. These awards are a result of the commitment of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to preserve the legacy of our nation’s late father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The awards are about encouraging people to nominate others they feel have contributed to building and supporting Abu Dhabi, regardless of age, nationality or gender, including citizens, residents and non-residents. Do you know someone who’s made an outstanding contribution for the good of the capital over the past two years?

Previous recipients include ten-year-old Abdul Muqeet Abdul Mannan who was given his award in 2011 following his environmental work in reducing plastic bag usage by creating bags from old newspapers. ‘It is fantastic that the Abu Dhabi Awards are starting again and I will be nominating along with all of my family and friends,’ he says. ‘It is a huge honour and I cannot wait to see who receives an award this year.’

Another 2011 winner was Dr. Taisser Atrack, thanks to his work in paediatrics in Abu Dhabi and for raising an awareness campaign for the wellbeing of children and those who care for them. ‘It was a very proud occasion when I received an Abu Dhabi Award and this year I urge as many people as possible to get involved – it is a truly magnificent project for the whole of Abu Dhabi,’ he told us.

Since its inception there have been a grand total of 56 award recipients including those who have been rewarded for their work in environmental conservation, caring for the sick and elderly, promoting
arts and culture, supporting charitable causes and philanthropy. So basically, if there’s someone out there who you think should be recognised for the good they’re doing in our society you should get nominating.

It’s worth remembering there are no categories in the Abu Dhabi Awards and that every year the awards represent a diverse range of nominees recognised from various fields such as healthcare and education through to sport and volunteer work. You can nominate as many people as you like as well. So you needn’t worry about having to whittle down a list of people you think deserve some kudos for their efforts. You can also nominate as many times as you like (don’t forget to fill out a separate form for each nominee though) and if you’re in any way worried that whatever information you supply will be made public – don’t! All the details you supply will remain private and confidential. If you’re still not sure who to nominate don’t panic. Just head to www.abudhabiawards.ae where you can read all about the past recipients and the kind of deeds they’ve performed that resulted in them receiving a nomination or award.

One of the most common myths about these awards is they’re only open to Emiratis, but anybody of any age or nationality is eligible, and the same goes for the idea that the awards only recognise companies, VIPs or particularly privileged individuals – this simply isn’t the case. If you know someone who’s residing in or doing work for the betterment of Abu Dhabi then they qualify to be nominated. It really is that simple, as is the process of nominating itself (see right for details). The younger members of our community are also allowed to cast a nomination – there are no age restrictions – in fact it’s positively encouraged that kids take part. Of course, those who nominate are also doing something good for the community by shining a light on those who are helping our city become a better place to live. So, what are you waiting for? Get nominating!