ABU DHABI // Eight people were honoured for a range of achievements including medical research, overseas humanitarian efforts, and preserving the culture and history of the UAE at this year’s Abu Dhabi Awards on Sunday night.
Col Dr Aysha Al Dhaheri, 46, an Emirati military doctor at Zayed Military Hospital who has provided medical care and humanitarian relief in conflict-ridden areas including Yemen, was honoured.
Also awarded was Dr Lihadh Al Gazali, a British citizen of Iraqi descent who has dedicated her life to identifying genetic conditions unique to families in the region.
Jordanian Dr Ghassan Al Hasan, 71, was presented with an award for his work as one of the region’s foremost authorities on Arabic poetry, while Dr Ayesha Al Memari – the first Emirati physician to specialise in emergency medicine – was also recognised.
Dr Adnan Al Pachachi, a veteran politician and diplomat, and Dr Anwar Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, were other award recipients.
Posthumous awards were given to Susan Hillyard, who wrote the book Before The Oil, published in 2002, and Mohammed Al Mazrouei, who helped to form policies to preserve the Emirate’s culture and heritage,
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, congratulated the winners and their relatives at the ceremony.
The Abu Dhabi Awards was launched in 2005 to celebrate people who have given their time to build and support the community of Abu Dhabi.
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