UAE President Honours 10 Heroes at Abu Dhabi Awards 2025
<p>President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan honoured ten remarkable individuals during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Awards ceremony held at Qasr Al Hosn. These inspiring recipients were recognised for their extraordinary contributions to society and for demonstrating values that lie at the heart of the UAE — generosity, unity, compassion, and service.</p><p>The ceremony marked the 12th edition of the Abu Dhabi Awards and coincided with the Year of Community, making this year’s event especially meaningful. Each honouree was celebrated for their positive impact on the UAE and for embodying the spirit of giving that has shaped the nation’s identity.</p><h2><strong>A Tribute to Service and Humanity</strong></h2><p>Sheikh Mohamed congratulated the award recipients and expressed appreciation for the meaningful work they have done for the UAE community. He commended them for setting powerful examples through their generosity and dedication. Their achievements, he said, reflect the values promoted by the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.</p><p>“I extend my sincere congratulations to the Abu Dhabi Awards 2025 recipients, who continue to uplift our nation through their generosity and dedication to service,” Sheikh Mohamed said during the ceremony. He explained that as the UAE celebrates the Year of Community and marks 20 years since the launch of the Abu Dhabi Awards, this moment is a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Founding Father.</p><p>He added that honouring these individuals highlights the UAE’s ongoing commitment to recognising people who contribute to unity, integrity and social responsibility.</p><h2><strong>Twenty Years of Celebrating Community Excellence</strong></h2><p>The Abu Dhabi Awards were established two decades ago as a national initiative to celebrate individuals from all walks of life who devote themselves to the betterment of society. The programme was inspired by Sheikh Zayed’s values of compassion, community service and support for others.</p><p>Over the years, the Awards have become a symbol of the UAE’s belief in recognising and appreciating acts of kindness — whether large or small. This national honour is open to all and encourages residents to nominate people who quietly serve the community without expecting praise or reward.</p><p>Since its founding, the Awards have celebrated <strong>110 honourees from 18 nationalities</strong>, reflecting the multicultural and inclusive character of the UAE. Their contributions span a wide range of fields, including:</p><p>Healthcare and medical innovation</p><p>Education and mentoring</p><p>Cultural preservation and heritage work</p><p>Environmental sustainability</p><p>Volunteerism and social welfare</p><p>Empowerment of people of determination</p><p>This year’s ceremony continued this tradition, spotlighting individuals whose work has made a long-lasting and meaningful difference in the lives of others.</p><h2><strong>A Celebration of National Values</strong></h2><p>The recognition of these ten honourees comes at a time when the UAE is focusing on strengthening community ties and encouraging social responsibility. The Year of Community initiative supports projects and programmes that bring people together, promote volunteerism and reinforce the values of partnership and shared responsibility.</p><p>The Abu Dhabi Awards play a central role in this vision. By honouring individuals who have served the community selflessly, the awards inspire others to contribute in their own ways — whether through charity, volunteering, teaching, innovation, or environmental care.</p><p>Sheikh Mohamed emphasised that every act of kindness contributes to building a stronger, more united society. He noted that the achievements of the award winners demonstrate the power of compassion and the importance of continuing the UAE’s legacy of giving.</p><h2><strong>A Legacy Rooted in the Founding Father’s Vision</strong></h2><p>The guiding principles of the Abu Dhabi Awards trace back to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose leadership placed immense value on caring for people, supporting communities, and building unity across the nation.</p><p>Under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, these principles continue to guide national initiatives that encourage humanitarian values and celebrate contributions that benefit society as a whole.</p><p>As the 12th edition of the Abu Dhabi Awards concludes, the stories of these ten inspiring individuals stand as a reminder that greatness can be found in everyday acts of kindness. Their work not only improves the lives of others but also strengthens the UAE’s identity as a nation built on compassion, service and unity.</p>