Abu Dhabi Awards launches 12th edition, inviting community members to nominate inspiring role models
Under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Awards has officially launched its 12th edition on Tuesday.
Coinciding with the UAE's designation of 2025 as the Year of Community, this edition celebrates 20 years of honouring individuals whose selfless acts of goodness and giving benefitted the UAE community. It will be held under the theme 'Hand in Hand'.
Since its inception, the Abu Dhabi Awards has honoured 100 recipients of 18 nationalities for their impactful contributions across various fields, including community service, sustainability, healthcare, volunteerism, science, preservation of culture and heritage, environmental protection, and support for people of determination.
'The ongoing efforts of these recipients serve as a testament that even the smallest acts of kindness are powerful in creating a ripple effect, inspiring others to play an active and meaningful role in serving the community,' the Abu Dhabi Awards said in a statement.
Nominations for this year's edition are now open, and individuals from across the UAE are invited to nominate individuals whose acts of goodness and dedication have had a meaningful impact on the UAE community, regardless of their age, nationality, or profession.
This may include citizens, residents, non-residents, and people with notable international achievements that bring honour to the UAE.
The process is open year-round through the Abu Dhabi Awards digital platform. A single nomination is sufficient for consideration, but individuals cannot nominate themselves.
'Each nomination for the Abu Dhabi Awards celebrates the values of selflessness and dedication that we hold dear within our community. The awards aim to honour the unsung heroes who serve across all segments of society, working selflessly to help those around them, and quietly serving the nation without expecting recognition,' said Mahra Al Shamsi, a member of the Abu Dhabi Awards Organising Committee.
For the first time, the award has introduced an interactive online nomination form specifically for children, encouraging the youth to both witness and appreciate acts of kindness.
Speaking with Aletihad, Al Shamsi explained that this move follows an overwhelming response in previous years, where a large number of nominations came from children through physical forms distributed in schools.
'Children make up a huge percentage of the UAE community. It's vital to instil the values of goodness at an early age, not just to do good, but to recognise it in others,' Al Shamsi said.
'Goodness in Motion'
This year also sees the introduction of 'Goodness in Motion', a mobile outreach campaign designed to engage the public in high-footfall areas such as malls, schools, and construction sites.
The campaign will feature giveaways, family-friendly activities, and educational content, aiming to encourage people to reflect on and nominate those around them who make a quiet yet meaningful difference in society.
Moreover, a series of talks, roadshows, and workshops will be hosted in collaboration with institutions across the UAE to raise awareness about the Abu Dhabi Awards.
A Revamped Trophy
In celebration of its 20th year, the Abu Dhabi Awards has also unveiled a refreshed design of its iconic trophy.
While retaining its recognisable shape, the updated version incorporates elements symbolising the UAE's natural environment.
The base of the award represents the seven emirates, underlining national unity. It will be crafted using locally sourced materials to honour its homegrown legacy.
'One nomination could help spark a legacy of giving that lives on for generations to come,' Al Shamsi said.
To submit a nomination or learn more about the Abu Dhabi Awards, visit www.abudhabiawards.ae.
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