UAE Prime Minister

Mohammed honours winners of UAE Social Awards

Mohammed and senior officials stand for a photo with ... UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum attended a ceremony for the winners of the UAE Social Awards at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi this morning.


Also present at the ceremony were National Security Advisor Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, a number of sheikhs, ministers and senior officials.

Following a rendition of the national anthem, Sheikh Mohammed and the audience watched a documentary on the initiatives and programmes of the Ministry of Social Affairs, which seeks to advance social development across the UAE. Minister of Social Affairs Mariam Mohammed Khalfan Al Roumi then addressed the audience, expressing her gratitude to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid for their care and support for social work and the promotion of social responsibility throughout all segments of the UAE.

Noting the importance of the UAE Social Awards, which were approved last year by Sheikh Mohammed and the cabinet, the minister spoke about His Highness' directives to advance social responsibility, while bridging the gap between the country's public and private sectors.

Towards the end of her speech Al Roumi recalled the release of Sheikh Mohammed's Vision 2021 and how it both guided and supported a culture of social accountability in the UAE, before thanking all citizens who backed this cause.

Sheikh Mohammed then took the stage to greet the winners and distribute the UAE Social Awards. Taking first prize in the individual category was Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, in recognition of her sponsorship of humanitarian, charitable and social causes, as well as her role in promoting social solidarity. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan accepted the award on her behalf.

In the government institutions category, first prize was won by the Interior Ministry for establishing social support centers to help families solve problems. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan accepted the award, which also recognised his ministry's role in setting up rehabilitation centers to assist people with special needs.

Second Prize in this category went to Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) for its support of people with hearing difficulties, and was accepted by the TRA Chairman, Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Qamzi.

In the Private sector category, Dubai Airports won first prize for its efforts to provide a safe environment for people with special needs. Sheikh Mohammed presented the award to Emirates Chief, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

A number of other institutions, charitable organisations and individuals were also honoured at the ceremony for their roles in advancing the social care and solidarity.

Sheikh Mohammed congratulated individuals and organisations receiving awards, stressing that communities in the UAE would continue to live in a state of independence and solidarity under the wise leadership of the UAE President.

''Human values, as well as Arab and Islamic morals will prevail in our society and the seeds of good will always be passed on from one generation to the next,'' he concluded.