ABU DHABI // Ahmed al Ashkar cannot describe what, exactly, the spirit of Abu Dhabi is. All he knows is that his father embodies it. And so, the 18-year-old has nominated him for an Abu Dhabi Award. Held annually for the last four years, the awards recognise anyone, from anywhere, for an act of kindness or generosity or a positive contribution to their community. Maryam Amiri, a member of the Abu Dhabi Awards organising committee, said that since their inception, more than 93,000 nominations had been generated and more than 13,000 people had been recognised with an award.
Nominations for the awards, which honour the legacy of the Sheikh Zayed, the late founder of the nation, can be cast until Oct 5 at over 23 stations across Abu Dhabi. While filling out his nomination at Marina Mall, Ahmed explained that everything he has now is due to the sacrifices of his father. "My father deserves the award for the hardship he went through so my family and I wouldn't have to," Ahmed said.
His father's story is similar to many who came to the UAE seeking a better life. And it is his story that embodies the spirit of Abu Dhabi. A Palestinian from Lebanon, he arrived in the UAE knowing no one, and worked for two years before he could afford to bring his wife over. "He had nobody here. He was alone." Now an established civil engineer, Ahmed's father has succeeded in providing for his family the life he did not have before coming to the UAE.
Ahmed is now in his second year at Abu Dhabi University, studying civil engineering. When he is finished school, Ahmed wants to work with his father. It is no coincidence Ahmed followed in his father's footsteps. He loves maths, for one, but he also loves when his father helps him with his homework. Ms Amiri said she hoped the awards would inspire good deeds as well as recognise them. "Without nominations, those people who have selflessly dedicated their time and resources to helping others and the community may go unrecognised," she said.
"By nominating them, not only can you show your appreciation but you are also encouraging other people to be inspired by their stories and follow their example." Ahmed appears inspired. "My father worked very hard. I will work very hard too." jhume@thenational.ae
