Abu dhabi: In the presence of H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Authority for People of Determination and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Abu Dhabi Excellence Award for People of Determination Inclusion - Damj (Damj Award), the Department of Community Development (DCD) has announced the winners of the inaugural cycle of the Damj Award, the first of its kind globally.
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement took place during a ceremony at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, attended by notable figures including Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Chairman of DCD; Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority; Sara Al Amiri, Minister of Education; Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family; and several other dignitaries and representatives from various sectors.
H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the award as a manifestation of the leadership's vision to invest in people and build a community that offers opportunities for everyone. He emphasized that empowering People of Determination is integral to sustainable development and that Abu Dhabi is committed to becoming a global model for such empowerment.
The ceremony recognised ten winning entities across three main pillars for their innovative policies and practices aimed at fostering inclusion and improving the quality of life for People of Determination. These awards included various sectors such as tourism, transport, education, health, employment, and accessibility, with recipients like Miral, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
Shamis Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, Chairman of DCD, remarked on the award's role in promoting distinguished and sustainable policies. He cited the award's impact, noting improvements in quality of life, general awareness, inclusion in education, and economic participation for People of Determination and their families.
The event also marked the launch of IncluCoin, a community initiative by DCD and various partners, aimed at funding projects that enhance the inclusion and quality of life for People of Determination.
The Damj Award aligns with Abu Dhabi's mission to foster a culture of inclusion and equal opportunities, encouraging entities to adopt inclusive policies that empower People of Determination. The award is an innovative tool to enhance performance in inclusion practices, ensuring equal opportunities and accessibility across all sectors.