Community award nominations requested

The Abu Dhabi Awards recognise the achievements of residents who have made a contribution to life in the emirate.

ABU DHABI // Nominations are being accepted from today for the Abu Dhabi Awards, which recognise the achievements of residents who have made a contribution to life in the emirate through charitable work or by fostering a sense of community. Emiratis and expatriates can be nominated by the public for the awards, which are made under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

Organisers called for a wide response, saying all residents could be nominees and potential winners. "The success of the awards ultimately relies on the participation of the people of the emirate of Abu Dhabi," said Maryam Amiri, of the awards' organising committee. "What we want people to understand is that everyone can participate and anyone can receive an award, regardless of age, ethnicity or even how many nominations they receive, so every nomination really does count."

Past recipients include Dr Asma Sultan al Mughairi, the first Emirati woman to join the military in the 1970s, who retired in 2005 with the rank of brigadier. Last year, the late Omeir bin Youssef was posthumously granted the award for his extensive charity work. Nominations will be accepted until Oct 5. The awards, in the shape of a trophy for each winner, will be presented by Sheikh Mohammed at a televised event at the Emirates Palace hotel in December.

Residents can complete nomination forms at 23 booths set up in the emirate. Locations include Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Wahda Mall and branches of Abu Dhabi Co-op in the capital, and Tawam Hospital and Jimi Mall in Al Ain. A full list is available at www.abudhabiawards.ae. Nominations can also be dropped in 88 collection boxes in the emirate, by stopping one of the Abu Dhabi Awards cars that will be travelling around, accessing a form online, or faxing a completed nomination to 800 33300. Nomination forms will also be inserted in Etisalat bills.

"Without nominations, those people who have selflessly dedicated their time and resources to helping others and the community may go unrecognised," Ms Amiri said. "By nominating them for an Abu Dhabi Award, not only can you show your thanks and appreciation but you are also encouraging other people to be inspired by their stories and to follow their example." More than 93,000 people have been nominated since the awards began in 2005 and 13,000 have won awards. The winners are selected based on the strength of their nomination, not on how many nominations they receive, organisers say. @Email:[e-mail]