How eight people have made a difference in the UAE
All Abu Dhabi Award winners, honoured by UAE President, theirs is a telling narrative
Abu Dhabi: The eight recipients of the Abu Dhabi Award given by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, last week make for highly inspiring stories. Their narratives and achievements serve as life lessons for one and all.
A woman who will never be able to run and play with her young son because she sacrificed her ability to walk to help others; a doctor who suffers from a debilitating illness but still goes to the office every day of the week and fights for patients’ rights; a woman who survived an accident that killed most of her family and yet, has dedicated her life to helping the disabled - the awardees are a class apart. A profile of the select lot.
Amna Khalifa Al Qemzi: Green pursuit
Emirati Amna Khalifa Al Qemzi was planting crops even before the UAE was formed and continues to do so today. She has one of the UAE’s leading organic farms and has taught generations of Emiratis how to farm.
“Our soil is fertile, and don’t believe anyone who tells you otherwise, and if you need help, I’ll help you. I’ll come myself and send you anything you need, but just start planting. There is nothing more beautiful than growing your own crops,” she said.
During the award ceremony last Friday, Amna said: “There is no better encouragement. My crops breathe life into me. Meeting the UAE President felt like I had the whole world in my hands. I’ll be planting trees as long as there is life in me.”
Imen Sfaxi: Indomitable spirit
Imen Sfaxi from Tunisia remembers the fateful day in Abu Dhabi when her life changed forever. Two years ago, a fire broke out at a restaurant in a building next to where she was living with her husband and two sons. Iman ran towards the burning restaurant to check if anyone was trapped inside or needed help. While she was rescuing trapped people, there was an explosion.
She spent the next 10 months in intensive care at a hospital as a result. She is now paralysed waist down as the incident damaged her spine, pelvis and nerves. She moves around in a wheelchair, the scars from her third-degree burns refusing to smother her spirit.
Salama Said Al-Taniji: Young inspiration
Emirati girl Salama Saif Al-Taniji made a mark for herself at the age of six, as she began to raise awareness about bullying and electronic security among children.
Salama is considered a pioneering figure in representing Emirati youth in this field. As a result of her outstanding efforts, she was appointed as the official spokesperson for the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood Award for the Prevention of Bullying.
She is the youngest Emirati to have chaired the Sharjah Children’s Shura Council and has also chaired the Legislative and Legal Affairs and Children’s Rights Committee in the UAE Children’s Parliament.
“I feel proud to have received the Abu Dhabi Award,” she said, noting that it is a great motivation for people to build their capabilities, develop skills and do good in society.
Klaithem Obaid Al Matrooshi: ‘I never give up’
Emirati Klaithem Obaid Al Matrooshi went through a horrific accident when she was 23. She was in a car with six of her brothers when two reckless drivers who were racing with each other collided with their vehicle. In an instant, two of her brothers and a nephew were killed, one of them suffered a brain injury that caused her death a few years later, and Klaithem herself was paralysed from the waist down due to a spinal injury. Her siblings who died included her twin brother, a 14-year-old and a seven-year-old.
A pioneering figure in the field of human rights, she has worked hard ever since to empower people with disabilities, especially women. She is also one of the founding members of the women’s section of the Trust Club for the Disabled in Sharjah.
“I lost part of my mobility, but my mother lost her children and her nephew. Lives were gone forever in an instant,” she said.
“But we move forward and live, and we never give up. This country has given us the tools necessary to contribute and participate in society and the motivation to move forward,” she added,
Dr. Ahmed Othman Shatila: MS warrior
Dr. Ahmed Othman Shatila, a consultant neurologist who runs the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, is a doctor and MS patient. Dr. Shatila’s MS is progressive and he now requires a wheelchair, but he goes to work every day and treats patients despite the debilitating effects of the autoimmune disease. His efforts on behalf of the MS community and advocacy for diseases that affect more people every day are unwavering.
Since his arrival to the UAE in 2011, Dr. Shatila, an American national of Lebanese origin, has devoted his personal and practical experience to serving the country’s community, making him one of the most prominent specialists in the field of neurological diseases.
During his first year of joining Wayne State University for medical studies, he was diagnosed with a brain disease. This led to his specialisation in the field of neurological diseases. Nearly 4,000 people have benefited from his work asd a specialist,
Dr. Ahmed sais, “I am working hard for all MS patients to obtain their full rights. We have come a long way. but we have not reached our goal yet.”
Saeed Al Mansouri: Love of giving, education
Saeed Naseeb Palmer Al Mansouri was born in Liwa in 1933. He learned to read and write from a companion at the age of 13. He lived in the Al Wathba area. In 1984, he founded the Abu Musa Al Ashari School for Qur’an Memorisation at Al Wathba, where students received lessons in the science of the Qur’an and the rules of its recitation and memorisation. Arabic language and mathematics were also taught as separate subjects.
When the Ministry of Education brought the school under its umbrella two years later, it started imparting eductaion from kindergarten to the fifth grade.
In cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Educational District, Saeed became one of the founders of the Parents Council of Al Wathba District, always keen to follow up on the concerns of students and their parents. He Saeed was ready to provide moral and material support to those around him in order that they complete their educational journey.
Muzna Al Mansouri: Caring guide and teacher
Muzna Al Mansouri, who has more than 20 years experience in the educational sector, has significantly contributed to the raising of the children of Al Sila City. As a caring mother, guide and teacher, she has been an epitome of generosity. She rose from the ranks in the educational sector until her retirement as director of Al Sela’a Kindergarten and School. Her role in organising training forums to exchange ideas between educational staff and parents is considered one of her biggest contributions to the area’s educational sector.
John Sexton: Academic with a difference
John Sexton is renowned for his exceptional dedication to supporting and enhancing education, fueled by his extensive experience in the academic field. His expertise has not only made him a role model but also a valuable source of knowledge and inspiration for those around him.
He played a pivotal role in the establishment of New York University Abu Dhabi in 2010, underscoring his commitment to education in the UAE and around the world. New York University Abu Dhabi has emerged as a centre of education excellence, both locally and internationally. Through his unwavering motivation and steadfast support of students, Secton has left a notable mark on the lives of many.