Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid dedicates UAE Pioneers Award to front-line workers

Dubai Ruler calls on public to nominate people involved in fight against Covid-19

Winners of the UAE Pioneers Awards at last year's ceremony in Abu Dhabi. Wam

This year's UAE Pioneers Award will celebrate the people working on the front line to protect the country from Covid-19, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid announced on Saturday.

The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai invited Emiratis and residents to nominate anyone who played a role in combating the virus using the hashtag #UAE_Pioneers.

"Brothers and sister, we have instructed that the UAE Pioneers Award this year honour exceptional individuals, institutions and initiatives that contributed to making the UAE a model in dealing with the Covid 19 pandemic," Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter.

"The nominations should be made using the hashtag #UAE_Pioneers. Everyone will honour each other," he said.

Nominations can also be made on the award's website: uaepioneers.gov.ae.

The UAE Pioneers Award was first launched in 2014 after Sheikh Mohammed led a hashtag campaign on social media prompting UAE residents to support and highlight social work in the country.

On December 1 that year, ahead of the country's 43rd National Day celebrations, Sheikh Mohammed recognised 43 Emiratis with the award.

Last year's award was themed on Tolerance and more than 3,000 people were nominated. The winners were announced by Sheikh Mohammed at the end of the UAE Government Annual Meeting in Abu Dhabi.

The Pioneers Award, regarded as among the Emirates' most distinguished accolades, were presented to people and groups who led the way in highlighting a spirit of tolerance.

Last year's winners included Saji Cheriyan, a Christian from India who built and paid for a Dh1.3 million mosque in Fujairah in 2018. He was joined by the Rev Canon Andrew Thompson, who was also presented with the award.

Other winners of the award included Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth, for her role in showing the world the UAE's model for more tolerant and open societies.