Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan presided over the inaugural 2026 assembly for the Abu Dhabi Excellence Award aimed at enhancing inclusion for People of Determination – known as Damj. The meeting reviewed critical findings and assessment criteria established by the jury committee.
The discussion was centered on examining the standards applied across all categories of the award to evaluate institutional effectiveness. Several high-ranking officials, including Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Sana Mohammed Suhail, Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Ahmed Tamim Al Kuttab, Victor Santiago Pineda, and Layla Al Hyas, were in attendance.
During this session, members scrutinized the comprehensive evaluation phases to guarantee fairness, accuracy, and transparency. The board underscored the significance of the award in motivating institutions to embrace inclusive practices that benefit People of Determination and enhance their life quality.
The jury committee shared the final evaluation results, indicating a growing dedication among organizations to implement inclusive policies and services aimed at empowering individuals for active societal participation.
Sheikh Khalid reaffirmed that inclusion is a pivotal objective within the vision of UAE leadership. He mentioned that Abu Dhabi is persistently striving to cultivate a community based on equitable opportunities and complete societal engagement.
He elaborated that the Damj Award serves as a strategic mechanism to foster long-term inclusion by establishing explicit standards and promoting ongoing enhancement in institutional methodologies.
The meeting also accentuated the necessity of evaluating real impact, ensuring that inclusion initiatives yield substantive and enduring results. The award aligns perfectly with the UAE’s Year of Family, which emphasizes the importance of inclusion in promoting robust and stable families.
Officials discussed increasing engagement from public, private, and third-sector entities, while also highlighting the need to raise awareness about the award and its objectives.
The board commended the impressive level of participation and creativity exhibited by institutions, stating that the award has fostered healthy competition and facilitated the exchange of best practices.
The recipients of the Damj Award 2026 will be disclosed at a ceremony scheduled for later this year.
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