Latest news with #AbuDhabiAwards
CairoScene
3 days ago
- General
- CairoScene
Abu Dhabi Awards Returns for Twelfth Year to Honour Community Impact
Under the patronage of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, nominations are now open for the 2025 edition. Jul 25, 2025 In a year marked by the UAE's national call for unity under the 'Year of Community' banner, the Abu Dhabi Awards has launched its 12th edition—celebrating two decades of recognising individuals whose selfless contributions have uplifted lives across the nation. First established in 2005, the Abu Dhabi Awards has honoured 100 recipients from 18 nationalities, spanning efforts in healthcare, sustainability, education, environmental protection, culture preservation, and the empowerment of People of Determination. What binds them is not the field of impact, but a shared spirit of service—an unshakable belief in doing good without expecting reward. Open to citizens, residents, and even non-residents, nominations are simple: any individual who has made a selfless contribution to the UAE community can be put forward via the Abu Dhabi Awards digital platform. The process is open year-round, and only a single nomination is needed to be considered. This 20th anniversary edition will also introduce 'Goodness in Motion'—a new mobile activation that takes the awards into the heart of UAE society, visiting schools, malls, and work sites. Through engaging activities, giveaways, and workshops, the initiative aims to celebrate everyday acts of kindness while raising awareness around the programme's mission. A series of roadshows and talks, developed in collaboration with national institutions, will further highlight the value of recognition and the lasting power of appreciation.
The National
6 days ago
- General
- The National
Abu Dhabi Awards celebrates 20 years honouring community spirit
The Abu Dhabi Awards have recognised more than 100 people making a difference in the emirate over the past two decades and nominations are now open for the 12th cycle. Among those already recognised are a pioneering radiologist and a champion for the disabled. Here, The National takes a look at previous winners, why they were put forward by their communities and what it will take for the next batch of nominees to be among the winners. Dr Essam El Shammaa When the UAE's Dr Essam El Shammaa returned to Abu Dhabi in 1976, he came on unpaid leave from Great Ormond Street and the Royal Free Hospital in London. He had no plans to stay for long and wanted to remain in the UK but he soon "fell in love with the people" in the Emirates, he told The National. His early work with ultrasound, especially in detecting a baby's gender, sparked controversy at the time but a conversation with UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, reassured him that he had the country's full support. One of his early breakthroughs came during a routine ultrasound when he accidentally dropped a metal tool and saw the foetus flinch. 'I called my colleagues and said, 'babies can hear',' he said. 'They laughed. So I showed them. I dropped different tools and each time, the baby flinched.' His message today is as direct as ever: 'Don't upset your wife. Don't yell at her. The baby can hear you. And if you upset her, her body produces more adrenalin – that baby is going to be born hating you for upsetting their mother.' He was also the first to advocate husbands being allowed into Corniche Hospital, which at the time was restricted to women only. 'Fathers would have a baby, see them from afar, but never develop that connection,' he said. 'But if they're there from the first ultrasound, from the very beginning, they form stronger bonds.' He remains an adviser at the hospital with the imaging department where he first worked. He was recognised with an Abu Dhabi Award in 2021. Theban Al Mheiri Theban Al Mheiri was 23 when the car taking him to the airport at the start of a journey that would see him travel to the US for an English language course, crashed. 'When I woke up, I thought I was in the afterlife,' he recalled. 'Everyone around me was wearing masks. For a moment, I thought I could be in heaven or hell. I was terrified.' Within seconds, he realised he was in a hospital. And then came the harder truth: he had lost movement in both legs. Mr Al Mheiri slipped into a period of deep depression. He mourned not only the use of his legs, but the version of his life that no longer existed – the one that was heading abroad, filled with possibility. But over time, that sorrow transformed into resolve. 'There's no reason to be upset forever,' he said. 'You have to find your purpose and help others find theirs, too.' And that's exactly what he did – Mr Al Mheiri went on to become one of the UAE's most dedicated advocates for the disabled. Over the past three decades, he has helped thousands navigate the emotional, physical and societal challenges of living with a disability. Mr Al Mheiri's work has helped bring attention to the simplest yet most profound daily struggles – such as the difficulty of using a toilet or navigating inaccessible public spaces. 'I don't want people to put themselves in our shoes,' he said. 'I want them to understand that these challenges are real. We just need time and support to overcome them." His message is simple but deeply felt: "Never give up.' He was recognised with an Abu Dhabi Award in 2017. The organisers 'The awards recognise people who unite and inspire through their actions,' says Mahra Al Shamsi of the organising committee. 'They embody unity, compassion and giving.' Every year brings new stories, from medical pioneers to environmental champions to disability rights advocates. 'We're not limited by nationality,' adds Amal Al Ameri. 'These values; goodness, selflessness, helping others, are universal.' What are the awards? Nominations for this year's Abu Dhabi Awards are now open and anyone, from children to seniors, can submit a hero on the official website, including a special form for younger nominators. Held under the patronage of President Sheikh Mohamed, the awards recognise those who have shown exceptional dedication and commitment to serving the country. Eligible candidates are: Citizens, residents, or visitors whose good deeds have benefited the UAE. People whose international contributions reflect positively on the Emirates. Individuals whose voluntary work, advocacy, or public service made a lasting impact. Once submitted, nominations go through a research and review phase where a team evaluates each candidate's impact. Finalists are then reviewed by a panel of judges, who make the final recommendations. The recipients will be honoured during a special ceremony, where President Sheikh Mohamed personally awards each winner the Abu Dhabi Medal. The date for this ceremony is yet to be confirmed.
Al Etihad
6 days ago
- General
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi landmarks light up to mark 20 years of Abu Dhabi Awards
23 July 2025 12:00 ABU DHABI (WAM)Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Awards has opened nominations for its 12th year also marks the 20th anniversary of the initiative, celebrating two decades of honouring individuals who have selflessly contributed to the betterment of the UAE mark this milestone, nine landmarks across Abu Dhabi, including ADGM, Mubadala tower, Al Ain City Municipality, Al Dhafra Region Municipality, Khalifa University, the Capital Gate and W Hotel Abu Dhabi, were illuminated in yellow on Tuesday evening as a gesture of gratitude for inspiring individuals who have contributed with selflessness, dedication, and part of its 12th edition, the Abu Dhabi Awards invites everyone across the UAE and around the world to take part by nominating individuals whose acts of goodness are making a positive impact in the UAE community, regardless of age, profession, or nationality. Nominations can be made year-round through the Awards' digital 2005, the Abu Dhabi Awards has honoured 100 recipients from 18 nationalities for their inspiring and impactful contributions across different sectors. To nominate an individual making a positive difference, please visit: Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Khaleej Times
7 days ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE residents can now nominate inspiring individuals for Abu Dhabi Awards
UAE residents can now nominate individuals who have made a positive impact on the community for the 12th edition of the Abu Dhabi Awards, one of the nation's highest civilian honours. Held under the patronage of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the awards recognise those who have shown exceptional dedication and commitment to serving the country. Who can be nominated? Nominations are open to everyone, regardless of age, nationality, or profession. Eligible nominees include: Citizens, residents, or even visitors whose good deeds have benefited the UAE People whose international contributions reflect positively on the UAE Individuals whose voluntary work, advocacy, or public service made a lasting impact As long as the contribution is meaningful, anyone can nominate, and anyone can be nominated. How to nominate Nominations can be submitted online via The process is simple and open year-round. Once submitted, nominations go through a thorough research and review phase, where a dedicated team evaluates each candidate's impact. Finalists are then reviewed by a judging panel, who makes the final recommendations. The recipients will be honoured during a special ceremony, where Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed personally awards each honouree the prestigious Abu Dhabi Medal, issued by the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. Coinciding with the UAE's Year of Community, this year's edition also marks 20 years since the award's inception in 2005. To date, 100 recipients from 18 nationalities have been honoured, including doctors, volunteers, athletes, environmental advocates, educators and more. 'This initiative is about recognising the unsung heroes among us, those who serve quietly but leave a lasting impact,' said Mahra Al Shamsi, a member of the Abu Dhabi Awards Organising Committee. 'One nomination could help spark a legacy of giving that lives on for generations to come.' To mark this milestone, nine landmarks across Abu Dhabi, including ADGM, Mubadala tower, Al Ain City Municipality, Al Dhafra Region Municipality, Khalifa University, the Capital Gate and W Hotel Abu Dhabi were illuminated in yellow on Tuesday evening as a gesture of gratitude for inspiring individuals who have contributed with selflessness, dedication, and sincerity. This year's campaign also introduces a new outreach initiative called 'Goodness in Motion,' which will bring the Abu Dhabi Awards directly to the community through visits to malls, schools, and construction sites. The mobile campaign will include interactive activities, giveaways, and awareness sessions aimed at encouraging more people to take action and recognise the quiet changemakers around them. The Awards Committee will also host workshops and roadshows in collaboration with various institutions across the country to spread the message of appreciation, generosity, and collective responsibility. 'This is not just about the award, it's about the values we want to see more of,' said Mahra Al Shamsi. 'Selflessness, kindness, and service to others are what make our community strong.'
Zawya
7 days ago
- General
- Zawya
Abu Dhabi landmarks light up to mark 20 years of Abu Dhabi Awards
ABU DHABI - Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Awards has opened nominations for its 12th edition. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the initiative, celebrating two decades of honouring individuals who have selflessly contributed to the betterment of the UAE community. To mark this milestone, nine landmarks across Abu Dhabi, including ADGM, Mubadala tower, Al Ain City Municipality, Al Dhafra Region Municipality, Khalifa University, the Capital Gate and W Hotel Abu Dhabi, were illuminated in yellow on Tuesday evening as a gesture of gratitude for inspiring individuals who have contributed with selflessness, dedication, and sincerity. As part of its 12th edition, the Abu Dhabi Awards invites everyone across the Emirates and around the world to take part by nominating individuals whose acts of goodness are making a positive impact in the UAE community, regardless of age, profession, or nationality. Nominations can be made year-round through the Awards' digital platform. Since 2005, the Abu Dhabi Awards has honoured 100 recipients from 18 nationalities for their inspiring and impactful contributions across different sectors. To nominate an individual making a positive difference, please visit:
