President Sheikh Mohamed presented the Abu Dhabi Awards to 10 UAE residents on Thursday in recognition of their contributions to the UAE community during a ceremony for the initiative’s 20th year.
Launched in 2005 to celebrate acts of goodness and selflessness, the awards have recognised 110 people from 18 nations who made a lasting positive effect on society.
This year’s ceremony highlighted stories that, as Wam reported, “reinforced the culture of giving and solidarity and confirmed that giving is not linked to age, profession or a specific category, but is a human value capable of making a positive change in society”.
Sheikh Mohamed said the occasion was an opportunity to acknowledge people who strengthen community values.
“We celebrate the makers of goodness and hope, and express our appreciation to everyone who instils the values of goodness and contributes to strengthening the spirit of co-operation, giving, and shared social responsibility that characterises the UAE society”, said Sheikh Mohamed, reported Wam.
Among the recipients were community figures across education, culture, philanthropy, health and public service. The late author and oil executive David Heard was recognised for contributions closely tied to the UAE’s history, including notable works on the country and the development of its oil industry. A dedicated schoolteacher was honoured for transforming the lives of students, alongside teacher Moza Mohamed Al Hafiti.
Other awardees included businessman and philanthropist Obaid Kenish Al Hameli, former Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Abdullah Al Nuaimi and the late Mohamed Ibrahim Obaidallah, founder of the Obaidallah Geriatric Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah.
Salem Hamad Al Mansoori and Fatima Majed Al Mansoori were honoured after donating their daughter Zahia’s organs. Wam called it “a courageous act that saved the lives of three people, including two children and an adult, both within the UAE and abroad”, Wam reported.
Hamama Obaid Khamis was recognised for a lifetime of service to her community “through herbal remedies, cauterisation therapy and traditional midwifery”.
Abdelmonem Bin Eisa Alserkal was cited for “enriching the arts and culture landscape in the UAE and the wider region”.
An award was also given posthumously to Sultan Ali Al Owais, described as “a renowned patron of culture and philanthropy whose life and resources were dedicated to culture, knowledge and charitable work in the UAE and the region”.
Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority and managing director and group chief executive of Mubadala Investment Company, was honoured for “notable contributions to the developmental journey of Abu Dhabi and the UAE”.