UAE Pioneers initiative inaugurated in Dubai

Dubai: The second edition of the UAE Pioneers initiative was inaugurated by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Sunday in Dubai.

Shaikh Mohammad honoured 44 Emirati personalities who are distinguished in their fields.

The UAE Pioneers initiative aims to promote in the Emirati society the concept of honouring and give an opportunity to all UAE citizens to nominate themselves or other people who are pioneers in various fields.

Distinguished Emirati personalities in various fields such as education, health, innovation, technology, sports, arts, culture and other fields were awarded.

Among those awarded for their distinguished works was the first Female Emirati TV director, Hessa Lootah, and Fatima Al Kaabi, the youngest inventor.

Others pioneers honoured included Dr Fatima Taher, the first innovator of an electronic system to help in early detection of lung cancer; Ahmad Obaid Al Mansoori, the first radio presenter; Dr Zainab Abdullah Kazim, first physician in obstetrics and gynecology; and Shaikha Mahra Bint Majed Al Qasimi, the first Emirati school principal. The first female Emirati journalist was also given recognition.

The ceremony marks the 44th UAE National Day celebrations, which will fall on December 2.

The pioneers received special medals, and their names will be archived in the Government Year Book of the UAE Pioneers.

During the ceremony, Shaikh Mohammed also launched the 2014 UAE Pioneers book, published in cooperation with Dar KuttabPublishing House. The book contains inspiring stories about 43 Emirati pioneers who were honoured last year.