Dubai: Ten Emirati entities were recognised for their innovations in their line of work, during the fifth cycle of the UAE Ideas Conference on November 7 in Dubai.
The annual conference highlights the achievements of Emiratis, while encouraging local entities to invest in Emirati human resources and create an ideal framework that will stimulate and encourage creativity and innovation.
The award ceremony was held at the end of the conference, which was organised by the Dubai Quality Group.
Dubai Quality Group is a non-profit organisation that advances learning, promotes quality improvement and business excellence practices. It also focuses on innovation.
Salman Viralipurath, deputy managing director of Dubai Quality Group, said that the purpose of this conference was to “have a platform for innovators to come talk about their work to inspire the youth”.
He added that this is a platform to show how Emiratis are doing something for their nation in different areas.
“People apply for the awards and we have independent assessors who assess the entries, shortlist some, and those people who are shortlisted are interviewed. Finally, a winner is chosen for each category and awarded,” he explained.
There were 110 entries for the awards this year from across the UAE, he said.
People can apply to the awards through the group’s website.
Ahmad Al Mulla, vice-chairman of Dubai Quality Group, said in his opening speech that innovation is an integral part of the culture of the UAE and its leadership.
“The Dubai Quality Group has a responsibility to raise awareness and establish the concept of innovation and inspire the younger generations, who bear the future of the country,” he said.
The event is held under the patronage of Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Honorary Patron of Dubai Quality Group.
Categories and winners:
- Innovation in promoting Arabic language - General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai
- Innovation in promoting National Identity – Dubai Municipality
- Innovation in promoting, encouraging and empowerment of UAE citizens - Abu Dhabi Police
- Promoting marketing and representation of UAE abroad – Dubai Police
- Promoting voluntary and humanitarian work – Dubai Police
- Promoting e-Government – Emirates Transport
- Promoting environmental work. (Eco Applications) – Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa)
- Promoting business – Ajman Free Zone
- Media coverage of a national initiative – The National Archives
- Promoting Emirati inventors (Young Inventor and Overall Inventor) – Dubai Customs
