Pioneers are UAE’s pride, Mohammad says

Dubai: Marking the second edition of the UAE Pioneers Award 2015 on Sunday, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said every Emirati home has pioneers who will help UAE achieve a high ranking in all fields.

Shaikh Mohammad honoured 44 distinguished personalities who have excelled in various fields to mark the 44th National Day celebrations.

The Vice-President said he is proud of UAE nationals and added that the country will provide everything to enable them to achieve excellence.

“We have today honoured 44 personalities who are UAE pioneers. They are our pride and honouring them is a thank you message from the Emirati people for their devoted efforts. We have pioneers in every Emirati home in the UAE since early times. They are the individuals who we can count on to lead the UAE’s effort to achieve top rankings in all fields and our ambassadors to the world.”

Sunday’s award recipients came from various fields, including education, health, and innovation to technology, sports, arts, culture, media and philanthropy. Government and military officials were also feted.

The organising committee of the UAE Pioneers initiative said it received more than 2,600 nominations and the circulation of hashtag @UAEPioneers reached more than three million.

Topping the list of those honoured was Ahmad Khalifa Al Suwaidi, the UAE’s first Foreign Minister. Shaikh Mohammed said: “We honour Ahmad Al Suwaidi, the first foreign minister and the first to deliver the Union statement. We are proud of him for his efforts to build the UAE.”

The event was launched last November when Shaikh Mohammad called on the public and his followers on social media networks to nominate 43 pioneers in the UAE in various fields to honour them during the UAE’s 43rd National Day celebrations.

‘UAE Pioneers 2014’ book

During the ceremony, Shaikh Mohammad launched the ‘UAE Pioneers 2014’ book, which is an encyclopaedia featuring 43 Emirati leaders and pioneers who were honoured at the first edition of the initiative last year.

The launch of the book was attended by a number of winners in 2014, who signed the book and shared their experiences with the audience.

The book highlights the initiative as an innovative platform to celebrate the UAE’s achievements and promote the culture of excellence among the people of the country. It promotes the ideal of sacrifice for the country and leadership through the stories of the UAE Pioneers, showcasing the success and excellence achieved by each individual and their loyalty to the homeland.

UAE Pioneers’ Book 2014, published in cooperation with Dar Kuttab Publishing House, highlights inspiring stories of these personalities who spared no effort to serve the UAE. It features all the stories and experiences of the winners of the UAE Pioneers initiative, and will serve as a reference guide for future generations.