Abu dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Excellence Award for People of Determination Inclusion, known as Damj, initiated by the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD) and under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has announced the total number of entries received for its inaugural edition.
According to Emirates News Agency, the award received 372 submissions from government, private sector, and third-sector organisations throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. These entries spanned three main categories: Inclusive Services, Inclusive Employment, and Accessibility (Physical and Digital).
The Damj Award aspires to establish Abu Dhabi as a global leader in inclusive development by implementing internationally recognised standards, fostering innovative programmes, and embracing policies and practices that enhance accessibility, equal opportunities, and social well-being for all community members.
The substantial participation in the award's first edition underscores the prioritisation of inclusion within Abu Dhabi's organisational culture. This is an evident outcome of the ongoing initiatives under the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination (PODs), which strives to create an inclusive environment that guarantees equal opportunities for everyone.
The award seeks to build on these initiatives by acknowledging collaborative institutional work and encouraging further projects that improve the quality of life for the POD community and their families, empowering them to engage fully in all societal aspects.
Dr. Layla Al Hyas, Executive Director of the Family and Child Welfare Sector at DCD, commented, 'The large number of entries in the first edition of the Damj Award reflects Abu Dhabi's growing awareness and strong commitment to the inclusion and empowerment of People of Determination.'
She further elaborated, 'This achievement is the result of the wisdom and vision of the UAE leadership and the combined and supporting efforts of various entities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to promote inclusion across services, employment, and community engagement. The Damj Award will serve as a clear platform from which to recognise these efforts and showcase inspiring examples that help build a more inclusive and cohesive community.'
In light of the enthusiastic response from organisations, Dr. Al Hyas noted that it demonstrates the success of Abu Dhabi's vision in making inclusion a core value across all sectors. This collaborative effort supports the Abu Dhabi Strategy for PODs and strengthens the Emirate's standing as an inclusive and leading city in empowering PODs.
In conclusion, Dr. Layla Al Hyas stated, 'We truly value the tremendous efforts made by the Award's team through the awareness workshops and follow-up activities that have promoted the award to government, private, and third-sector entities. These efforts have played a significant role in raising awareness about the submission criteria and participation requirements.'