The Abu Dhabi Awards have become a unique enterprise in social engagement. Since their inauguration 10 years ago, there have been 63 recipients of the awards representing a wide spectrum of society from the realms of philanthropy, health and the humanities. While many communities around the world have similar awards, there are some key differences here. What sets our awards apart, and what is so encouraging for their future, is the desire of many in our society to acknowledge the unsung heroes among us.
The evolution and acceptance of the awards is confirmed by the record number of nominations this year. As The National reported yesterday, 36,404 people from 135 nationalities have been nominated. Past winners include a 10-year-old Indian national, Abdul Muqeet, who created and donated more than 4,000 paper bags as part of an environmental awareness campaign, and Iraqi historian and author Dr Falih Handhal, who has written more than 35 books on the culture of the UAE and the region.
The Abu Dhabi Awards facilitate a renewed sense of community spirit by encouraging the appreciation of each other at a grass roots level. This spirit of mutual recognition is the cornerstone of a healthy and vibrant society. Ultimately, however, the Abu Dhabi Awards are not only about the individuals who are recognised but about the community that produced them and allowed them to flourish. Embracing the internet as a means of nominating candidates has made it easier for people to acknowledge the quiet achievers around us.
But there is something else at play here. As Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for FNC Affairs and Chairman of the National Election Commission, said this week, greater youth participation in the development of the country is key to its growth. He urged young people to take a more active role in the community through participation in bodies like the Federal National Council. The Abu Dhabi Awards present an opportunity for all of those who serve the community to be recognised.
