Abu Dhabi Awards Opens 12th Edition Under UAE President’s Patronage

Abu Dhabi: Under the kind support of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Abu Dhabi Awards has started its 12th edition.

This year’s awards come at a special time, as 2025 is the Year of Community in the UAE. It also marks 20 years since the first Abu Dhabi Awards began in 2005.

The awards invite everyone citizens, residents, and even non-residents to nominate people who do good things for others without asking for anything in return. These can be small or big acts of kindness that help make the UAE a better place.

Since the beginning of the awards, 100 people from 18 different countries have been honoured. These people helped in areas like community service, health, the environment, science, and caring for People of Determination. Anyone who has made a positive difference can be nominated.

This year’s theme is “Hand in Hand,” to support the UAE’s call for unity, kindness, and giving.

Nominations are now open and anyone can send in a name using the Abu Dhabi Awards website. You only need one nomination to be considered, and anyone can do it.

To reach more people, the Abu Dhabi Awards team will also launch “Goodness in Motion” a mobile campaign that will visit malls, schools, and work sites. There will be small gifts, fun activities for children, and stories that show how kindness matters.

Workshops and community talks will also be held across the UAE to teach people more about the importance of helping others and saying thank you to those who do.

Mahra Al Shamsi, a team member from the Abu Dhabi Awards, said, “Each nomination helps us shine a light on people who quietly help others without looking for attention. These people deserve to be seen and celebrated.”

She added, “For 20 years, the Abu Dhabi Awards have shown us that even small acts of goodness can change lives. We hope everyone takes part by nominating someone special. Just one nomination can inspire a lifetime of giving.”