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.
Saturday's schedule at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
GP3 race, 12:30pm
Formula 1 final practice, 2pm
Formula 1 qualifying, 5pm
Formula 2 race, 6:40pm
Performance: Sam Smith
FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Friday
Saint-Etienne v Montpellier (10.45pm)
Saturday
Monaco v Caen (7pm)
Amiens v Bordeaux (10pm)
Angers v Toulouse (10pm)
Metz v Dijon (10pm)
Nantes v Guingamp (10pm)
Rennes v Lille (10pm)
Sunday
Nice v Strasbourg (5pm)
Troyes v Lyon (7pm)
Marseille v Paris Saint-Germain (11pm)
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if you go
The flights Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad, and Royal Jordanian all offer direct, three-and-a-half-hour flights from the UAE to the Jordanian capital Amman. Alternatively, from June Fly Dubai will offer a new direct service from Dubai to Aqaba in the south of the country. See the airlines’ respective sites for varying prices or search on reliable price-comparison site Skyscanner.
The trip
Jamie Lafferty was a guest of the Jordan Tourist Board. For more information on adventure tourism in Jordan see Visit Jordan. A number of new and established tour companies offer the chance to go caving, rock-climbing, canyoning, and mountaineering in Jordan. Prices vary depending on how many activities you want to do and how many days you plan to stay in the country. Among the leaders are Terhaal, who offer a two-day canyoning trip from Dh845 per person. If you really want to push your limits, contact the Stronger Team. For a more trek-focused trip, KE Adventure offers an eight-day trip from Dh5,300 per person.
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
Mina Cup winners
Under 12 – Minerva Academy
Under 14 – Unam Pumas
Under 16 – Fursan Hispania
Under 18 – Madenat
Company profile
Name: Thndr
Started: October 2020
Founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: pre-seed of $800,000
Funding stage: series A; $20 million
Investors: Tiger Global, Beco Capital, Prosus Ventures, Y Combinator, Global Ventures, Abdul Latif Jameel, Endure Capital, 4DX Ventures, Plus VC, Rabacap and MSA Capital
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More from UAE Human Development Report:
'Spies in Disguise'
Director: Nick Bruno and Troy Quane
Stars: Will Smith, Tom Holland, Karen Gillan and Roshida Jones
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
