Abu Dhabi Awards Hits New Heights In 2013

A record total of 117 different nationalities across the entire Emirate of Abu Dhabi has helped drive Abu Dhabi Awards to another successful nomination campaign.

With the six week nomination period now over, the organising committee is going through the 29,600 nominations that have been made, as part of the next phase of the Awards.

A review process will then determine who will receive an Abu Dhabi Award from His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, during a ceremony at the end of the year.

In addition to expatriates from the Middle East, Europe and North America, representing some of the 117 different nationalities, there was an involvement from those originating from more unusual countries such as Eritrea, Vietnam and the Falkland Islands. In 2011, when the last Abu Dhabi Awards took place, there were 62 nationalities who nominated their local heroes.

“Abu Dhabi is a truly multicultural society and we were determined to reach out to as many communities as possible through Abu Dhabi Awards 2013,” said the Abu Dhabi Awards organising committee in a statement.

“It is very pleasing to see so many different nationalities taking part and it has brought a fresh and exciting feel to the nominations we received this year.”

Nominations submitted by women were also a major factor during the campaign, totalling around 6,500, more than double the number in 2011.

Involving all individuals from the entire Emirate was a further achievement with the Western Region’s participation rising by 150% this year.

And finally the youth also helped drive the nomination figure with participation taking a 12% share of the total – a 10% increase from 2011.

“In the past, a significant number of the older generations made nominations for Abu Dhabi Awards and the youth of Abu Dhabi were not as involved as they could be,” the statement added.

“But we are seeing thousands of young people – really taking the time to make a thoughtful nomination about someone they admire and who has done something good for society.

“We also placed Abu Dhabi Awards lounges in universities across the Emirate, where students mingled and learned about the awards and how they could get involved.”

The role of social media in bringing to life Abu Dhabi Awards 2013 was a significant factor in the campaign’s success, with decision makers, local sport stars and individuals with large digital followings all helping to keep a lively online conversation going throughout the six weeks. This contributed to a significant increase in online nominations by more than a double.

People can stay up to date on Abu Dhabi Awards 2013 until and through the ceremony at the end of the year at www.abudhabiawards.ae.