Abu Dhabi
A call has gone out to citizens and residents to nominate UAE pioneers in philanthropy to mark the 46th National Day and the Year of Giving.
The UAE Pioneers Award 2017 will fete 46 Emirati selfless philanthropists in a ceremony to be held on November 28, to reflect the UAE’s humanitarian approach since its establishment.
On the occasion, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said: ”The UAE is a role model in the charity work and still sets honourable examples in giving.”
The UAE Pioneers initiative is aimed at promoting the concept of honouring in the Emirati society, and giving an opportunity to all citizens and residents to nominate themselves or other people who are pioneers in various fields.
Members of the public who are interested in nominating someone can submit their nomination at www.uaepioneers.ae before November 24.
The achievements of those honoured will be documented in the Cabinet and their biographies and winning initiatives will be written down in a special book, which will be published later.
It is the fourth time Shaikh Mohammad has used the occasion to honour Emirati pioneers. Last year, literary men and cultural entities were celebrated to mark the Year of Reading.
Shaikh Mohammad launched the initiative in 2014, saying: “We are a nation that loves the first place, and appreciates those who work to achieve the first place,” Shaikh Mohammad tweeted.
Shaikh Mohammad added that the country should fete its pioneers in all fields, including social and scientific fields, or sports or even people who were pioneers in their areas of professional expertise.
Shaikh Mohammad said that people who are the first or top achievers in their fields are role models to everyone, and to honour them is a tribute to the UAE people’s passion for being in the first place.
“Throughout the history of our development march, the UAE has recognised sons and daughters who have never accepted any substitute for the number one position. We want history to remember them and let the future generations know that every hard work in the service of the nation and the society will be appreciated and honoured. We do not want to honour such pioneers simply within the confines of a celebration or a year book; rather we want our youth to adopt them as positive role models who will continue to inspire future generations,” Shaikh Mohammad said.
The organising committee of the ‘UAE Pioneers’ initiative said it is pleased to receive nominations for pioneering Emirati personalities in philanthropy and giving, in line with the ongoing Year of Giving 2017 announced by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
“If you or someone you know is an Emirati citizen who has initiated a remarkable act of giving to serve the community of the UAE, fill in the form by no later than November 24, 2017. A specialised committee will review the credentials and contact the nominees accordingly,” the committee said on its website.
