Dubai: The call for nominations of pioneers who have helped shape the UAE into a leading nation has drawn an overwhelming response from across the country.

Authorities said on Thursday nominations had reached 85,000 across social, economic, scientific, educational, medical and literary fields.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai — who first tweeted the call for nominations on his official Twitter account — will award 43 Emirati pioneers in different fields in a national celebration that will take place in Abu Dhabi, to be witnessed by Shaikh Mohammad on December 1, one day ahead of UAE National Day.

National pioneer medals will be given out to the pioneers for the anniversary to remain in the UAE’s memory through documenting the celebration in a special year book.

Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, affirmed that the directives of Shaikh Mohammad include awarding two pioneer categories, the first UAE nationals in their fields, such as the first teacher, doctor, ambassador and others, and the pioneers who have achieved, created, and offered innovative and different ideas and services to the community in different fields.

Al Gergawi added that Shaikh Mohammad continuously follows up the public’s posts and nominations, nominating hundreds of top candidates in all fields during which he expressed his satisfaction with the level of participation. Shaikh Mohammad also nominated a variety of names for consideration.

Al Gergawi said that all the names received by the initiative committee are confirmed and checked with the authorities.

He added that Shaikh Mohammad’s directive is that awarding and honouring achievers and pioneers must be an annual practice which expresses the Emirati’s keenness for excellence and first place in any competition.

Meanwhile, Ohood Al Roumi, Director-General of the Cabinet Presidency Office, confirmed during a live radio broadcast that there is a large team working around the clock to sort out the contributions, setting up mini-lists and communicating with different departments to check names.

Shaikh Mohammad said the winners will be honoured at a ceremony at the 43rd National Day celebrations.