Klaithem Obaid Al Matrooshi, a Member of the Board of Trustees of the National Human Right Institution, is renowned for her unwavering dedication and notable efforts for over three decades to empower People of Determination in the UAE, particularly women.
Despite sustaining injuries in a traffic accident in 1990, Klaithem triumphed over adversity, recording remarkable achievements at both local and international levels. She plays a pivotal role in advocating for the empowerment of People of Determination and encouraging their active participation in society. Klaithem has been instrumental in drafting regulations aimed at supporting, and providing services for, People of Determination in the UAE.
Additionally, Klaithem holds the position of Vice President of the Al-Thiqa Club for the Disabled in Sharjah, where participants are encouraged to engage in varied initiatives including sports, cultural, and social activities. She is also a founding member of the Club's girls' section.
John Sexton is renowned for his exceptional dedication to supporting and enhancing education, fueled by his extensive experience in the academic field. His expertise has not only made him a role model but also a valuable source of knowledge and inspiration for those around him.
John played a pivotal role in the establishment of New York University Abu Dhabi in 2010, underscoring his commitment to education in the UAE and around the world. New York University Abu Dhabi has emerged as a center of education excellence, both locally and internationally.
Through his unwavering motivation and steadfast support of students, John has left a notable mark on the lives of many.
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.
Her most notable contribution came when she rushed to aid those affected by a fire that erupted in a building in the Khalidiya area of Abu Dhabi on May 23, 2022. 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 sense of responsibility towards others as a member of a society characterized by solidarity and cooperation.
Her selfless commitment to serving the community exemplifies the values of the Abu Dhabi Awards, which emphasize the power of altruism and giving.
Born in 2008, Salaamah stands as a positive example of Emirati youth who is renowned for 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.
Salaamah's influence extends beyond her accomplishments; she actively imparts her leadership skills and positive values to her peers, serving as an inspirational role model.
Mezna enjoyed a highly successful career in the education sector, ultimately retiring as the Principal of Al Selaa School. She was instrumental in advancing education by organizing training forums to facilitate the exchange of experiences and ideas among educational staff and parents. Additionally, Mezna provided invaluable support to numerous prominent school projects, positively impacting the overall quality of education.
Mezna is widely revered and is described as a caring and inspiring figure by those who know her.
Saeed Naseeb Al Mansoori was born in Liwa in 1933, and was taught to read and write at the age of 13 by one of his companions. He was passionate about education and helped to disseminate knowledge, establishing school in the Al Wathba area during the 1980s. Through his persistent efforts and support, the school gained recognition from the Ministry of Education, reflecting Saeed's commitment to educational advancement. He actively promoted education among desert communities, advocating for children's enrollment in schools and offering unwavering support to students, families, and educators. Saeed's enduring legacy embodies the values of altruism, encouragement, and commitment to knowledge, making him a revered figure across generations and an inspirational model of citizenship and community service.
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.
Dr. Ahmed Shatila moved to the United Arab Emirates in 2011, dedicating his personal and professional expertise to the community in the field of neurology, with a particular focus on multiple sclerosis.
Dr. Shatila is a consultant neurologist who manages the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, which he also helped to establish.
Dr. Shatila is a leading figure in the field of multiple sclerosis and a vital resource for those living with the disease, who has positively impacted the lives of thousands of people through his work. Through his work with patients, his outreach to his medical peers, and the various lectures and workshops that he organizes, he is dedicated to sharing his extensive knowledge and enhancing awareness and understanding of multiple sclerosis, its varied symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis.
The Abu Dhabi Awards in collaboration with the Federal Youth Authority, hosted an inspirational evening focused on community engagement as part of the 2022 Abu Dhabi Awards nomination cycle.
The activation, which was held on Tuesday at the Abu Dhabi Creative Hub, encouraged youth to nominate individuals who have positively impacted local communities across the UAE. The Abu Dhabi Awards organizing committee also led a brainstorm session with the attendees on ideas for how to engage the youth in this edition of the Awards.
Among those participating in the session were His Excellency Saeed Al Nazari, Director General of Federal Youth Authority and Chief Strategy Officer at the Arab Youth Center, members of the Abu Dhabi Awards Organizing Committee, and members of the Abu Dhabi Youth Council, who all emphasised the vital role of this partnership and how the younger generation can lead by example by embodying the values of the Abu Dhabi Awards.
Also in attendance were previous recipients of the Abu Dhabi Awards - Zaafarana Ahmed Khamis (2019) and Abdul Muqeet Abdul Mannan (2011) - two of the 92 unsung heroes who have been recognised since the Abu Dhabi Awards were established in 2005.
Zaafarana Ahmed Khamis, a mother of 11 including Special Olympics champions, Hamda and Maryam, was recognised in 2019 for her commitment and energy to assist people of determination, including as a support team member at the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.
Abdul Muqeet Abdul Mannan, the youngest recipient to receive the award at 10 years-old, was recognised for his environmental campaign to create 100% recycled carry bags using discarded newspapers, and distributing the bags throughout the Abu Dhabi community.
The Abu Dhabi Awards recognises contributions from anyone committed to improving UAE society, regardless of their age, gender, nationality or place of residency. The single and only criterion that nominees must fulfill is to have made a positive contribution to the UAE community. The nomination period takes place from 21 April 2022 to 16 June 2022.
Nominations can be submitted any time by visiting the Abu Dhabi Awards website www.abudhabiawards.ae.