UAE | Government

'Unsung heroes' awarded in Abu Dhabi

Eight unsung heroes have been presented the Abu Dhabi awards on Sunday night by General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

  • WAM
  • Published: 23:36 December 22, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: WAM
  • Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed presents the award to Cameron Oliver for raising awareness about camels dying as a result of eating plastic bags thrown in the desert.
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Abu Dhabi: Eight unsung heroes have been presented the Abu Dhabi awards on Sunday night by General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The winners were recognised for their remarkable contribution to the community.

The ceremony was also attended by Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior, Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, Shaikhs and senior officials, members of the National Federal Council, Executive Council, dignitaries, business leaders and families of the winners.

Shaikh Mohammad highlighted the commitment of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to the Abu Dhabi Awards and expressed gratitude that the programme continues to preserve the legacy of the Father of the Nation, the late Shsikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The 2008 recipients mark the most diverse array of ages and contributions ever recognised in a single year - ranging from school children to octogenarians; from great historical figures to health professionals; from those helping people to those helping the environment and animals.

A brief about winners

- Dr Margit Muller, Germany: a veterinarian and the Director of the Falcon Hospital in Abu Dhabi - the world's leading Falcon Hospital.

- Dr Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, UAE: Currently a member of the Federal National Council, Dr. Al Qubaisi is an architect who has taken a personal interest in preserving the architectural heritage of the United Arab Emirates.

- Fahad Abdullah Jaber, UAE: An innovative graphic designer, Fahad Jaber Abdullah is working to revolutionise the use of mobile phones for the hearing-impaired.

- Cameron Oliver, South Africa: A 12-year-old boy who, with the support of his parents, was the driving force behind the creation of a national community awareness campaign to prevent camels from being killed by littering in the desert.

- Dr Thabit and Maleeha Sabeti Mehr, Canada: Dr Thabit and his wife Dr Maleeha are both doctors who provided treatment for the people of Al Ain for 39 years.

- The Late Darwish Bin Karam (1919 - 1985), UAE: Bin Karam was born in Abu Dhabi and spent his childhood as a pearl diver. At the age of 12 he attended a school in Dubai where he realised his passion for education. As a result, he left pearl diving to dedicate his life to educating others.

- Rashid Mohammad Al Daheri, UAE: A 74 year old Al Daheri has been working to increase literacy among Al Ain's elderly women since 1995 when he built the Istiqama Mosque that initially took on 20 women.

- The Late Sir Wilfred Thesiger (1910 - 2003), UK: A British explorer who lived with Bedouins for five years. He photographed and told the story of Abu Dhabi and its people during the pre-oil era of the mid 20th century.

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