Amna Khalifa Al Qemzi
United Arab Emirates
Growing up in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Amna learnt reading and writing through the Katateeb, mastering the art of literacy at a young age. Fascinated by the intricate balance of nature, she eventually delved into the environmental sciences, and particularly the field of organic agriculture.
For over 40 years, Amna has been a beacon in her community, sharing her skills with those around her, and advocating for organic farming. Through her guidance, she has empowered countless individuals and families to embrace sustainable agricultural practices, equipping them with the knowledge to adapt to the rhythm of the seasons.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has honored Amna for her unparalleled contributions to environmental stewardship and organic agriculture. Her work has not only fostered self-sufficiency but has also played a notable role in ensuring food security.
As a champion of environmental sustainability, she continues to inspire people of all ages to contribute to the achievement of a greener, more sustainable future.
Salaamah Saif Al Teneiji
United Arab Emirates
Salaamah began her community involvement at the age of six and has consistently participated in events and initiatives aimed at raising awareness about important issues affecting children, such as bullying prevention and children's online safety. She stands as a positive example of Emirati youth, and is renowned for her leadership and advocacy skills, both locally and internationally. Her exceptional dedication led to her appointment as the official spokesperson for the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood Award for the Prevention of Bullying, and she was afforded the privilege of representing the Award at the United Nations.
In 2013, Salaamah became the youngest Emirati child to chair the Sharjah Children Shura Council. She also assumed leadership roles in the Children’s Advisory Council of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, playing a pivotal role in advocating for children’s rights and legislative affairs, including chairing the Legislative and Legal Affairs and Children’s Rights Committees of the Emirati Children's Parliament.
Beyond her individual accomplishments, Salaamah is an inspirational role model for children and young people in the UAE, encouraging them to play an active role on issues of importance to the community.
Dr. Essam Eldin Mohamed ElShammaa
United Kingdom
Dr. Essam ElShammaa is one of the UAE’s most esteemed experts in the field of medical imaging, particularly in the specialty of obstetrics and gynecology, in which radiology is imperative to diagnosis and medical decision-making.
For more than 40 years Dr. Essam ElShammaa has dedicated his resources and expertise to serve the healthcare sector of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, becoming a pillar of the Corniche Hospital.
Dr. Essam ElShammaa’s career as the Head Consulting Physician for the Radiology Department at the Corniche Hospital began in 1977. His role included developing the capability of the Radiology Department, and introducing a variety of previously unavailable healthcare services.
Dr. Essam ElShammaa is admired for sharing his vast medical experience with his healthcare colleagues and serving as a valued source of knowledge in the field of obstetrics and gynecology.
In recognition of his unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care at the Corniche Hospital and across the UAE, the Radiology Department at the Corniche Hospital was renamed ‘The Dr. El Shammaa Imaging Department’.
Farah Al Qaissieh
United Arab Emirates
Farah Hashem Al Qaissieh grew up with a stutter, a speech condition which impacted her ability to communicate with others. She learned firsthand that not being able to speak freely can cause a stutterer to feel isolated within their own community.
Over time, Farah overcame her own speech disorder, and worked hard to change how society views a person with a stutter, referring to her own stutter as “just another accent”.
In 2013, Farah launched the non-profit “Stutter UAE” initiative, the country’s first dedicated support platform for people with a stutter, which provided practical support and resources, and worked to raise awareness and understanding of this speech condition.
In 2016, Farah participated in the documentary film, “Just Another Accent”, which highlighted the challenges of stuttering. The documentary was screened in the short film category at Cannes Film Festival in France.
Yusufali Musaliyam Veettil Abdul Kader
The Republic of India
Yusufali came to the UAE in the early days of the union in 1973, joining his uncle’s small distribution company in the field of nutrition.
These formative professional years gave him the motivation and focus to expand his Abu Dhabi-headquartered Lulu Group International Company, eventually becoming one of the largest investors in the UAE’s retail sector and beyond.
Throughout his journey, Yusufali intuitively understood the importance of giving back. His support of many initiatives and campaigns, both nationally and internationally, have positively impacted many local communities. In particular, driven by his belief in the importance of education and its role in developing sustainable and prosperous communities, Yusufali has funded the education of a significant number of students.
Imen Sfaxi
United Arab Emirates
Imen Sfaxi arrived in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in 2019, with a background in humanitarian work and a passion for performing acts of kindness.
On May 23, 2022, Imen demonstrated exceptional selflessness and bravery when she rushed to aid those affected by a fire that erupted in a building in the Khalidiya area of Abu Dhabi. Imen played a crucial role in rescuing the affected individuals by evacuating them from the scene of the incident and providing them with water to prevent suffocation.
Unfortunately, Imen was injured in the same accident, resulting in serious complications. Through her actions, Imen demonstrated her courage, her selflessness, and her generous sense of responsibility towards others. Her selfless commitment to serving the community exemplifies the values of the Abu Dhabi Awards.
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Theban Salem Al Mheiri
United Arab Emirates
Theban Al Mheiri has made a significant contribution to the community as a successful athlete and a prominent advocate for People of Determination. Despite being partially paralyzed due to a spine injury that was the result of a car accident in 1994, he has since achieved significant sporting success, while also playing a key role in developing the UAE Paralympic team.
Al Mheiri has served in various positions, including as an administrator in the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, and as Secretary of the UAE Disabled Sports Federation, establishing unprecedented sporting opportunities and recognition for athletes with disabilities. He also played a pivotal role in the Al Ain Club for the Disabled from 1999 until 2010.
His longstanding advocacy, commitment to inclusion, and tireless support of specialty sports programs has had a lasting impact on the community and created significant opportunities for People of Determination. He also helped launch several national sports programs in which the UAE is now competing on an international level.