President Sheikh Khalifa called for the Fallen Frontline Heroes Order to be awarded to anyone who died of Covid-19 while working on the front lines of the country's battle against the pandemic.
The establishment of the award was based on a proposal by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and head of the Fakhr Al Watan Office (Frontline Heroes Office).
It seeks to recognise the dedication, courage and sacrifice made by medics who treated coronavirus patients before themselves being infected with the disease.
Sheikh Khalifa said the medal was an expression of great gratitude to those who died and their families.
This month, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, dedicated the next annual UAE Pioneers Award to people working on the front line to protect the country from the virus.
"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.
