Police lead way in Abu Dhabi excellence awards

This year, only 16 awards were presented out of a potential 24 as eight categories received no entries that met the awards' strict standards.

ABU DHABI // Abu Dhabi Police led the way in the third Abu Dhabi Awards for Excellence in Government Performance.

In a glittering ceremony at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on Monday night the force scooped five of the 16 awards handed out.

They won for excellence in human resources developments and e-government, a long-serving individual award and two Chairman of the Executive Council medals.

Other big winners were the Food Control Authority, the Health Authority, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi municipalities, the Zayed Higher Organisation, the Family Development Foundation, Abu Dhabi Ports and Abu Dhabi Education Council.

Two recipients were selected for serving the nation for more than 50 years. They were chosen by the committee and were honoured separately from the rest of the awards.

Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, National Security Adviser and Vice Chairman of the Executive Council, congratulated all the winners.

Najim Al Hosani, director of the social support department at the Abu Dhabi Police, won the long-serving employee award.

“This is the first time I received such a big award and I am extremely happy,” said Mr Al Hosani, who has served with the police for 37 years.

“Thanks to Allah and the rulers of the country for holding such noble awards and recognising people’s endeavours.

“Today I received this award due to the support of Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Minister of Interior, who motivated me for different activities at the department.”

Maj Gen Ahmed Al Raeesi, director general of central operations at Abu Dhabi Police, received the best e-government award.

“It’s an honour for us all as the police department always to strive to provide the best services to the community,” he said.

“Now, excellence has become a part of Abu Dhabi Police always. We try to deliver best services to all sections of the police.”

This year, only 16 winners were honoured out of 24 awards up for grabs for their acheivements in government performance and public service.

Eight awards were not distributed as no nominees met the standards set by the Abu Dhabi Awards committee.

“Out of 24, 16 plus two - for special recognition that was not part of the award - were given today,” said Yasir Ahmed Al Naqbi, director of the office of the Abu Dhabi Excellence Programme at the General Secretariat of the Executive Council.

“These eight awards were not given as entities and projects could not reach the standards we set for excellence.”

“This year the bar was high. Our bar has been increasing day by day.”

Awards not given included best entity in the emirate, customer service, waste management and knowledge management.

There are 24 possible awards, distributed among three categories. The first category is the government entities award, the second is the teamwork and distinguished projects category award and the third is the Chairman of the Executive Council’s Medal.

According to the Abu Dhabi Award’s Office at the General Secretariat of the Executive Council, a total of 751 entries from 48 government entities have been registered for this year’s awards.

The awards are meant to be a reflection of the Abu Dhabi Government’s resolve to instill the principles of excellence in public service, while striking a balance between individual and institutional goals.

The excellence awards were launched in 2006 with 22 government bodies competing.

They are held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.