Hamdan: Award puts Dubai on world map

The Dubai International Award for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment has put the emirate on the world map, Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Industry and Chairman of Dubai Municipality, said yesterday when announcing the Award.

He said the award has "raised the image of the UAE and Dubai around the world."

Earlier, 10 initiatives from around the globe to help improve the living environment were yesterday awarded by Sheikh Hamdan.

In a glittering ceremony held at the historic Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House in Shindagha, two representatives each from each winning entry received the Dubai International Award for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment trophies.

The awards are designed in the shape of a barjeel or the wind tower, and includes a certificate and $30,000.

Qasim Sultan, Director General of Dubai Municipality, congratulated the winners, noting that the award truly expresses the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and it is aimed at supporting humanitarian projects and improving living conditions.