ABU DHABI It is time to recognise goodness again and to celebrate the unsung heroes of the community. Nominations for the Abu Dhabi Award, touted as the biggest civilian award bestowed by the country on its residents, are open from May 10. Nominations will be open till June 28.
The award recognizes those members of the community who have made a difference to the lives of people in Abu Dhabi by their selfless deeds.
Sara Al Mansoor, member of the Abu Dhabi Awards organising committee, said anyone considered to have made a positive contribution to the emirate of Abu Dhabi can be nominated – regardless of age, gender or nationality. “This award is truly a people’s award given to those they think have touched their lives and made a difference,” Al Mansoor told XPRESS. Even someone who lives overseas is eligible to be nominated, as long as they have contributed to the community.
63 recipients
Abu Dhabi Awards was launched by the government in 2005 under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Since then there have been 63 recipients cutting across all age groups and nationalities, and a total of 220,000 nominations.
Dominik Vugrinec, a 10 grade student of Raha International School and recipient of the award last year, told XPRESS it was the proudest moment of his life. Vugrinec won the award for his project to screen students for Scoliosis, a medical condition that causes the spinal cord to bend. “I never imagined my school project would expand to become a community initiative. I am still working to get Scoliosis screening mandatory in all schools in the UAE,” said Vugrinec who himself was diagnosed with Scoliosis two years ago. Another recipient in 2008, German Dr. Margit Gabriele Muller said the award meant inspiration to outperform herself and give back even more to society. Director of the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, Muller was recognized for her discovery of a new disease and its cure in falcons.
“It is the most incredible award as it is given by community members and is the biggest recognistion for my work,” said Muller.
On the tenth year since its inception, Al Mansoor said they want to expand the reach of the 2015 Abu Dhabi Awards, and see more and more inspiring stories. “By recognizing people and their selfless deeds, we are setting an example for others to follow.”
How to nominate
People can nominate online on the website www.abudhabiawards.ae. One hundred nomination boxes are placed at locations across the city and in Al Ain and the Western region. An Abu Dhabi Awards activation team will also be travelling throughout the emirate to generate interest and accept nominations in addition to social media campaigns.
The nominations will close on June 28. And after that entries will be evaluated by the Abu Dhabi Awards Committee, comprising dignitaries, officials and industry leaders who will produce a shortlist of the most qualified candidates.
Quick Facts
63 recipients so far
Nominations from 117 nationalities
10 year old Abdul Muqeet Abdul Mannan – youngest recipient
7 Award ceremonies
223,033 total nominations
2005 – 8000 nominations
2009 – 31,000 nominations
2011 – 28,000 nominations
2013 – 29,500 nominations
