President presents Emirates Appreciation awards

Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday honoured the winners of the third edition of the Emirates Appreciation Award for Science, Arts and Literature.

The winners were Dr Jamal Sanad Al Suwaidi (research), Ali Abdullah Mohammad Abu Al Reesh (literature), Rashad Mohammad Bukhash (science), Ahmad Zakariya Al Jasmi (in arts) and Abdul Rahim Salem (plastic arts).

The President congratulated the winners on their creative contributions and outstanding achievements, and wished them and Emirati citizens more success in intellectual, scientific, literary and arts fields.

The Emirati winners were honoured in the presence of Abdul Rahman Mohammad Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development.

The awards, made in five categories and presented annually on the UAE's National Day, aim to recognise creative and talented nationals and motivate them to give their best.

Following the ceremony, Al Owais said Shaikh Khalifa's gesture to honour the winners served as a motive for the winners to pursue their efforts, as well as for all Emiratis to enhance their creativity and talents.

He said the awards, which were instituted with the blessing of Shaikh Khalifa and approved by the Cabinet under the chairmanship of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reflect the keen interest of the country's leaders in nurturing talent.

"It is a source of pride to all talented and creative people and is evidence of the wise leadership's interest in culture and an incentive for more work and giving," Abu Al Reesh said.

Bukhash said the awards honoured those who received them and encouraged them to give more in the service of their nation, as well as encouraging other Emirati citizens to excel and be innovative.