Meet The Inspirational

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. Since that time, he has served the community through his dedication and expertise in the field of neurology, with a particular focus on multiple sclerosis, including helping to establish the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City.

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 clinical work, peer outreach, and educational initiatives. Through patient care, collaboration with fellow medical professionals, and the organization of lectures and workshops, Dr. Shatila is dedicated to sharing knowledge and enhancing awareness and understanding of multiple sclerosis, its varied symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis.

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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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 nationally 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.

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.

After sustaining injuries in a traffic accident in 1990, Klaithem triumphed over adversity, recording remarkable achievements at both national 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.

Klaithem has also served as 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, and was a founding member of the Club's girls' section.

Saeed Naseeb Al Mansoori was born in Liwa in 1933, and was taught to read and write at the age of 13.

As a result of his passion for education and spreading knowledge, he founded a school for memorizing the Qur’an in the Al Wathba area during the 1980s. Through his persistent efforts and support, and robust commitment to educational advancement, the school gained recognition from the Ministry of Education. At the same time, he actively promoted education among desert communities, advocating for children's enrolment 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.

John Sexton is renowned for his exceptional dedication to supporting and enhancing education through his extensive experience in the academic field. His combination of energy and expertise has not only made him a role model and a highly impactful leader in his field, 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 educational excellence, both locally and internationally.

Through his unwavering motivation and steadfast support of students, and his significant impact in the field of higher education, John has had a positive impact on the lives of many.

Mezna Matar Al Mansoori enjoyed a highly successful career in the education sector, ultimately retiring as the Principal of Al Selaa School, in the Western Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. She was instrumental in advancing educational outcomes 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 in the area. Described as a caring and inspiring figure by those who know her, Mezna is revered for her tireless dedication and the lasting impact of her contributions to the national educational sector.

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Lieutenant General (Rtd.) Obaid Mohammed Al Kaabi played a central and significant role in the development of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces.

Born in 1947, Al Kaabi grew up in the Al Jimi area of Al Ain city. He started his military career in 1963 at the Industrial School of Trucial States/Arabian Gulf, after which he was promoted to the rank of Officer Candidate in the Abu Dhabi Defense Force in 1968. His illustrious military career saw Al Kaabi serve as Deputy Chief of Staff of the UAE Armed Forces before serving in the position of Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense.

In recognition of his extensive contributions to the UAE Armed Forces, since its formation, Lieutenant General (Rtd.) Al Kaabi has been awarded numerous honours and awards.

He was also a leading figure in the development of the Al Ain community, where he would host lectures on various topics relevant to families and youth. His patriotism and dedication to civic duty have made him an esteemed member of the community and an inspirational role model of service to the country.

A pioneer in her field, Dr. Fatima Al Refaei is part of the first generation of nursing professionals in the United Arab Emirates, who played an instrumental role in developing the country’s nursing expertise – now an essential and high-quality component of the UAE’s healthcare system.

With dedication and commitment, Dr. Fatima Al Refaei’s contributions in the field of nursing included supporting with the establishment of the nursing department at the Ministry of Health and Prevention. She has also played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Emirates Nursing Association in 2003, which continues to provide holistic support to the nursing community and encourages UAE citizens to pursue a professional career in nursing.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Al Refaei has shared her insights and expertise at key industry events and conferences, as well as advised foundations and committees nationally, regionally and internationally. Notably, in 2017, Dr. Fatima Al Refaei was elected as a member of the Board of Directors for the International Council of Nurses (ICN) for the Middle East region. Dr. Al Refaei has also served as an Advisor for Nursing Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention.

A powerful example of the value of lifelong learning, Dr. Fatima Al Refaei earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Texas Women’s University (1979), a Master of Science in Nursing from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio (1989), and a PhD in Nursing from McMaster University, Canada (2008).

H.E. Mohammed Al Murr is revered as one of the UAE’s most influential political and cultural innovators, and an invaluable custodian and resource of UAE culture and heritage.

He served in several key positions such as Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation and Speaker of the Federal National Council.

With years of experience and study in literature, culture, poetry, Arabic calligraphy and art in its various forms, H.E. Mohammed Al Murr significantly contributed to the success of pioneering cultural projects such as the Etihad Museum, Dubai Opera, Sheikh Zayed Book Award, the Culture and Scientific Association and Huroof Arabiya, a magazine that focuses on Arabic calligraphy.

His work has been instrumental in shaping and showcasing UAE talent and heritage, and developing global platforms that unite worldwide communities and perspectives. His contributions also include several publications focused on Emirati writers, as well as documenting Emirati dialect, capturing the cultural nuance and history of the country.

H.E. Mohammed Al Murr has published more than 10 books and novels, several of which have been translated into English and Hindi, including “The Wink of the Mona Lisa, and and “Dubai Tales.” In addition, two of his books were incorporated into the curricula of several UAE universities.

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’.

Born in Abu Dhabi in 1945, Zaafarana Ahmed Khamis is a mother of eleven - including two Special Olympics champions, Hamda and Maryam - but to the community she is best known as the “mother for People of Determination”.

Zaafarana Ahmed Khamis started her volunteer work in 2007 at the Abu Dhabi Sports Club for People of Determination, affiliated with the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination. As a volunteer for more than 15 years, she has been devoted to supporting People of Determination, particularly during national and international sporting events, such as the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

Zaafarana Ahmed Khamis’s notable devotion and commitment to volunteering have earned her the trust and gratitude of many, and distinguished her as an inspiring role model of service to the community.

Since the 1930s, Hussain Abdulrahman Khansaheb and his family have been pioneers in the economic, and construction and infrastructure sectors, responsible for building some of the country’s most significant landmarks and contributing to the sustainable prosperity of the United Arab Emirates.

Established in 1935, the Khansaheb company – with Hussain Khansaheb at its helm since 1954 – has helped create thriving communities through its expertise in constructing and managing roads, hospitals, airports, schools, sporting venues, hotels and corporate headquarters.

Hussain Abdulrahman Khansaheb is also known for his dedication to charity and humanitarian work, benefiting people in the UAE and beyond, including constructing orphanages and homes for families in need, and providing medical equipment, medicines, and school supplies. He has also been a longstanding advocate for People of Determination both nationally and internationally.

Hussain Abdulrahman Khansaheb has been the recipient of numerous distinctions and awards for his humanitarian and charitable contributions, including “Dubai Appreciation Award for Community Service” in 2019, the “UAE Pioneers Award” in 2017, as well as the “Sharjah Award for Excellence in Education” in 2002.

Born in Al Ain in 1947, H.E. Faraj Ali Binhamoodah regularly accompanied and supported the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in his role as President of the United Arab Emirates.

Inspired by the vision and values of the late Sheikh Zayed, H.E. Faraj dedicated his time and energy to social responsibility and philanthropic work.

In 2010, H.E. Faraj established the ‘Bin Hamoodah Endowed Chair in Public Health’, becoming the cornerstone of Zayed University's Endowment Fund, which encourages advanced research and academic studies of benefit to the UAE. His sense of civic duty also motivated him to contribute to the preservation of various forms of UAE heritage, including the Bedouin traditions of camel farming and racing.

Furthermore, H.E. Faraj has served the UAE community through his service as a member of the Federal National Council, and his membership of various boards, including the Board of Directors of Zakat Fund and the Board of Trustees of UAE University. In 2015, he was also recognized by the Emirates Red Crescent for his generosity in support of the organisation’s humanitarian work.

Ghubaisha Rubaya Al Ketbi is well-known, especially in the city of Al Ain, for her humanitarian work and passion for volunteering in initiatives that serve the community. Her avid volunteerism and dedication stem from an inherent belief in giving back, embodying the model of a selfless Emirati.

In 2020, in alignment with the measures introduced to keep UAE citizens and residents safe against the COVID-19 pandemic, Ghubaisha Al Ketbi provided police personnel at the Al Shuwaib checkpoint with daily meals during and after the month of Ramadan.

Ghubaisha Al Ketbi’s generosity exemplifies the values of empathy and compassion, which the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan held in high regard.

In 2020, Ghubaisha Al Ketbi was honoured with a Community Service Medal by the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters in recognition of her distinguished efforts for selflessly serving the community.

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 national 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.

The late Mohammad Bakhit Al Ketbi joined the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces at the age of 16 and progressed through the military ranks until his retirement 35 years later. Widely recognised for his loyalty and commitment, Al Ketbi was also considered a pioneer in his field.

During his distinguished service in the UAE Armed Forces, Al Ketbi carried out his national duty with dedication, earning him various medals of recognition for his longstanding service.

Al Ketbi is one of the founders of the Special Operations Command. Through his role in the Armed Forces, Al Ketbi participated in several international peacekeeping missions, including in Lebanon, Somalia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kuwait and Afghanistan.

Al Ketbi was also a positive role model in the community. By convening ‘majlis’ lectures on preserving the UAE’s national identity and strengthening the sense of belonging to the nation, he motivated young people and their families to cherish and practice their culture. He also honoured outstanding highschool students as means of motivation.

The late Mohammad Bakhit Al Ketbi passed away in 2020 at the age of 64.

Dr. Abdulmajeed Al Zubaidi’s work and expertise have improved the quality and effectiveness of medical services in the field of cardiovascular disease, contributing to the UAE’s commitment to providing a robust and high-quality healthcare offering.

In 2013, Dr. Abdulmajeed Al Zubaidi developed a methodology for rapid intervention in the treatment of the most critical type of heart attack: The ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarctions (STEMI). This work was essential in supporting the establishment of a specific database that samples Abu Dhabi patients suffering from myocardial infarctions, and has also been used in medical research and studies that aim to raise awareness and treatment of heart diseases among Abu Dhabi’s community.

As a physician, Dr. Abdulmajeed Al Zubaidi has gone above and beyond for the welfare of his patients and serves as a mentor to his medical colleagues, generously sharing his expertise and experience.

Dr. Abdulmajeed Al Zubaidi holds a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Cairo, and completed his residency and fellowship programs at the University of British Columbia, Canada. He is Canadian Board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiology, and American Board certified in Internal Medicine and Cardiovascular Diseases.

Known for his passion for wildlife and falconry, Jacques Renaud played a key role in supporting the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, who actively advocated sustainable wildlife practices.

With the support of Jacques Renaud’s expertise, the UAE established a captive breeding program for the Houbara bustard, successfully bolstering the population of this endangered species. With increased numbers of the Houbara bustard assured through these efforts, the important Bedouin tradition of falconry can be practiced in a sustainable manner.

Jacques Renaud helped establish a mechanism to track the Houbara bustard using satellite-tracking devices, supporting the research efforts of avian experts in the UAE.

His notable list of accomplishments also includes supporting the establishment of the Emirates Centre for Wildlife Propagation in the Kingdom of Morocco in 1995, and the development of the National Avian Research Center in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi.

The late Sheikh Mubarak bin Qarran Al Mansoori was born in 1939 in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi. In his youth, he accompanied the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, where he witnessed the work and dedication of the visionary leader. He was also able to document the traditions and values of the late Sheikh Zayed, which continue to form the foundation of this modern country.

Over the course of his life, the late Sheikh Mubarak served in several positions through which he served the community, including as Chairman of the Western Region Judicial Department’s Conciliation Committee, and as a member of the National Consultative Council.

The late Sheikh Mubarak passed away in 2018, at the age of 79.

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.

Farah also actively used social media platforms, and participated in various seminars and discussion sessions nationally to raise awareness, and share her experience with the stuttering.

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.

Dr. George Mathew, known as “Matyous”, was one of the first doctors who came to Abu Dhabi five decades ago, and the first to work in a public hospital in Al Ain.

Born in 1940 in Kerala, India, Dr. Mathew moved to Abu Dhabi in 1967. Beginning his service as a physician in Al Ain, he went on to hold several key positions in the medical field, including as the Medical Director of the Al Ain in 1972, and later as a Consultant at the Health Authority in 2001. He is widely recognized for his direct and impactful role in spreading modern medical knowledge, expanding its reach, and mentoring medical professionals.

Dr. Mathew is regarded with deep admiration and as a trusted medical reference in the local healthcare field, and especially in Al Ain where he served the community for decades.

The late Ibrahim Al Abed, formerly an Advisor to the National Media Council, was one of the most prominent and influential figures in the country’s media sector.

Dr. Al Abed was the Founder and the Director General of the Emirates News Agency (WAM), which was established in 1977 as a multilingual news agency and the official source of UAE news globally.

Throughout his career, Al Abed he played a vital role in shaping understanding of the country both nationally and internationally. His efforts in developing national media talent made him a mentor and role model to generations of journalists and other media professionals.

A graduate of the American University of Beirut with a major in Political Science and General Management, Al Abed received numerous accolades during his lifetime, including the Taryam Omran Journalism Award, and being honored as the Media Personality of the Year by the Arab Journalism Award.

Ibrahim Al Abed passed away in 2020 at the age of 78, having played a key role in the establishment of the UAE’s media sector.

Recognized as the youngest Emirati inventor in 2015, Fatima has had a passion for creativity and innovation since she was seven years old. Her love of science was immediately recognized by her parents, who nurtured her fondness for experimenting and chasing her dreams. To this end, they provided her with the support needed to develop her talent, and enrolled her in summer camps.

Fatima has been actively involved in community initiatives, and has made significant efforts in the field of innovation, dedicating her time and energy to creating value for society, especially among youth. Through her various contributions to promoting a culture of innovation, she has conducted numerous training workshops and lectures to students over the years. She has also represented the UAE both locally and internationally, serving as an inspiring role model for ambitious and creative Emirati youth, as they contribute to the building of the nation.

Fatima has received several awards, including the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoom Award for Distinguished Academic Performance, the UAE Pioneer Award as UAE’s youngest inventor in 2015, the Arab Award for the Best 10 Inventors and Innovators, and the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak International Award for Arab Youth.

Dr. Jayanti Maitra is a distinguished historian and researcher from the Republic of India, recognized for her prominent contributions in the field of history, particularly the history of the UAE.

She arrived in the UAE in 1982, and began her professional career as a freelance researcher in 1986. She later joined the National Library and Archives in 1996, where she has played a key role in documenting and sharing UAE history through various projects and publications.

Dr. Jayanti contributed to the authorship of the book “Qasr Al Hosn: The History of the Rulers of Abu Dhabi” alongside Ms. Afra Al Hajji. She also authored the book “Zayed: From Challenges to Union”.

She has been actively involved in preserving and documenting history, delivering numerous academic papers and lectures both nationally and internationally. Dr. Jayanti is regarded as a reliable reference on the history the UAE.

Born in 1930, Ali Al Ahbabi is recognized for his passion for education and his impactful support of national initiatives. In recognition of his contributions, he received the “Ideal Parent” award from the Education and Knowledge Department (formerly known as Al Ain Educational Zone). He also served as the Chairman of the Parents Council at Zayed Secondary School in Al Ain for nearly a decade.

Al Ahbabi has played a key role in advancing human capital development, including establishing the Ibn Battuta International Training Center, which provided free training opportunities for People of Determination. Over the years, he has also regularly visited schools across the region, engaging with students, parents, and educators to share his experiences and offer support.

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.

The late Dr. Azzam Al Zoebie made significant contributions to Abu Dhabi’s medical sector as Consultant and Division Head of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), which he also played a key role in establishing.

Dr. Azzam was highly respected for his dedication to both clinical treatment and raising public awareness of blood diseases, as well as the compassion and commitment that he demonstrated in his unwavering support for young cancer patients and their families.

Throughout his years of service, Dr. Azzam always focused on the patient – and all their human qualities and personal concerns – supporting those with cancer, and assisting their families coping with the illness of a loved one. He established cancer support groups that included the “Mothers Support Group”, the “Siblings Support Group” and the “Parent Support Group”, addressing the individual needs of the community.

Dr. Azzam passed away in 2017, at the age of 51, following a courageous battle with cancer.

The late Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Culture and Heritage Affairs Advisor at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court, was considered a foremost expert and a highly-regarded source of information related to the culture and heritage of the United Arab Emirates.

Al Mazrouei was instrumental in forming policies and initiatives to preserve the country’s national culture and heritage, and perhaps most significantly served as an effective and influential bridge for younger generations of Emiratis to genuinely connect with their history.

Al Mazrouie’s most significant achievements include the registration of falconry as a living human heritage on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. He was also an active contributor to ‘KALIMA’, the translation project at Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage; the Sheikh Zayed Book Award; the Million’s Poet TV show; the Baynounah satellite TV channel; and the ‘Shawati’ Magazine, a bi-lingual arts and culture publication based in Abu Dhabi.

Throughout his professional journey, Al Mazrouei showcased the nation’s culture and heritage through major cultural events, such as the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), the International Festival of Falconry, Liwa Date Festival, Al Dhafra Camel Festival and the Baynounah Camel Beauty Competition.

Al Mazrouei passed away in 2014 at the age of 48.

British national Susan Hillyard was considered an observer and recorder of social history in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi before the discovery of oil, creating a valuable and singular source of information about the nature of social life and civil society in the emirate of Abu Dhabi at that time.

Mrs Hillyard arrived in the United Arab Emirates in 1954 with her husband who was then an oil company executive.

Journaling her day-to-day observations of life over four years, Mrs Hillyard later assembled these reflections into a book, entitled ‘Before the Oil: A Personal Memoir of Abu Dhabi 1954-1958’, published in 2002. ‘Before the Oil’ was a rare and transparent snapshot into the nature and social conditions of life in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi before the discovery of oil, providing the reader with vivid insights and detailed images.

Susan will always be remembered for capturing a rare photo of the late Sheikha Salama bint Butti Al Qubaisi (mother of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan), which is the only photo documented of her.

Susan Hillyard passed away in 2014 at the age of 87.

Staff Col Dr Aysha Sultan Al Dhaheri, Commander of the joint medical evacuation at Zayed Military Hospital, continues to use her medical expertise for humanitarian and relief missions.

Dr. Al Dhaheri has participated and volunteered in several official relief missions, in some of world’s most conflict-ridden areas.

Dr. Al Dhaheri has led female medical teams as well as participated in relief missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan, providing emergency medical services to the sick and wounded, and indispensable healthcare examinations to the broader communities there. She also undertook missions in Yemen and Eretria, delivering healthcare and humanitarian assistance to the Yemeni refugees and the local Eritrean people in the wartorn areas.

Dr. Al Dhaheri’s role in the Operation Restoring Hope in Yemen has been significant, volunteering to help ensure the success of this operation.

Dr Lihadh Al Gazali, a British researcher, is a pioneer in genetics research in the Arab world. With a Bachelor of Medicine from Baghdad University, Dr Al Gazali earned an M.Sc. in Human Genetics from Edinburgh University, and went on to train in the field of medical research in genetics in Leeds, UK from 1986 to 1990.

Dr. Al Gazali moved to Al Ain with her husband in the 1990s, when there was very little knowledge or understanding of genetics in the United Arab Emirates.

Throughout her long and distinguished career as a Professor and Senior Consultant in Clinical Genetics and Pediatrics at the United Arab Emirates University, Dr Al Ghazali led public awareness campaigns, developed collaborations with international research organizations and helped establish the first gene registry in the UAE.

Dr. Al Gazali has dedicated her life to identifying and characterizing genetic conditions and abnormalities unique to families in the region. Among her many breakthrough discoveries was a genetic disease in the UAE, now named the Al Gazali Syndrome. Furthermore, she launched a Clinical Genetics Service, supported by cytogenetic and DNA laboratories, for the entire UAE population. Moreover, she offers counselling, education and support for families affected by genetic diseases.

Her work has seen her bestowed with countless domestic and international awards, including the globally-recognized honor, L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science.

Dr. Ayesha Al Memari is the first Emirati physician to specialize in emergency medicine. She is highly-regarded for undertaking numerous initiatives, including volunteer work in Saudi Arabia, where she provided emergency medical care to Emirati soldiers serving in the Coalition Forces – the first female civilian doctor to do so under the supervision of the Health Authority–Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Al Memari earned a Medical Degree from the Arabian Gulf University in Bahrain in 2002. She practiced for a year at the UAE University. In 2014, Dr. Ayesha received a MSc Quality and Safety in Healthcare from the Irish Royal College of Surgeons in Dubai. In February 2016, Dr. Ayesha received another MSc in Organ Donation and Transplantation Management from the University of Barcelona, Spain.

Dr. Al Memari oversees the expansion and advancement of emergency medical capabilities at Mafraq Hospital, where she is Consultant Emergency Medicine and Critical, EM Programme Director. Dr. Ayesha is also head of the Abu Dhabi branch of the Emirati Medical Association since 2012. Her involvement has contributed to the mobilization of the branch.

Also, Dr. Ayesha is co-founder of the EMA-Mini Medical School, a programme open to the public to help develop their medical knowledge to improve their daily lives; and General Secretary of the Emirates Society of Emergency Medicine, a non-profit organisation that brings together physicians and nurses working in emergency medicine.

HE Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash the Diplomatic advisor to the UAE President and former UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

He was educated at George Washington University in the United States where he received a BSc of Political Sciences in 1981 and MSc in 1984. Dr. Gargash earned a PhD from Kings College, Cambridge, UK in 1990.

Since 2006, HE Dr. Gargash has played a critical role in fostering the country’s parliamentary structure based on President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s vision of developing the UAE’s participatory political system. In addition, HE contributed to the knowledge enrichment of parliamentary work for the citizens of the United Arab Emirates during his time at the Federal National Council, as well as ensuring the increase of women’s participation in the political sector.

Dr. Gargash looks at the education of future generations as a personal commitment. As such, he continues to play a pivotal role in advancing educational opportunities for young Emirati leaders, contributing to the establishment of the Emirates Academy of Diplomacy for knowledge exchange, nurturing youth and preparing them for future leadership roles.

The late Dr. Adnan Al Pachachi, was a politician and diplomat, who played a pivotal role in the formation of the UAE’s political structure, laying the foundations of the country’s foreign policy during the rule of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Dr. Al Pachachi moved to the United Arab Emirates in 1968 and undertook work as a legal consultant for the late Sheikh Zayed. During the formation of the UAE, he served as Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Advisor to the late Sheikh Zayed. He went on to contribute to the UAE through several influential government positions and was on the board of directors of some of Abu Dhabi’s most important entities.

Dr. Al Pachachi arrived in the UAE with extensive political experience, a crucial asset as the United Arab Emirates became a nation. Dr. Al Pachachi was part of the UAE mission team that secured the country’s acceptance into the United Nations. Subsequently, the UAE became the first country to address the UN General Assembly in Arabic in 1972.

His list of achievements is immense – including his contribution to formulating the UAE constitution, helping to lay the groundwork of Sheikh Zayed’s early foreign policy and serving as a member of the first Executive Council of Abu Dhabi.

Described as a sincere and hard-working man, Dr. Al Pachachi was considered a source of valuable information for the UAE.

Jordanian national Dr. Ghassan Al Hasan is one of the region’s most prominent researchers in the field of poetry and an expert in Nabati poetry.

Dr. Al Hasan has spent more than 40 years in the United Arab Emirates and is currently a cultural consultant in the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee, an affiliate of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority. He oversaw numerous projects to preserve Emirati cultural heritage and revive the traditional Nabati Poetry in the United Arab Emirates.

As the only person in the world to have earned a Doctorate in Nabati Poetry, his expertise and perspective have added immense value to the documentation and authentication of this type of poetry.

Dr. Al Hassan also used his expertise to make valuable contributions to Nabati poetry and provide a broader academic perspective on its collection, analysis and documentation.

Dr. Hassan has authored several books on the subject, most importantly: Nabati Poetry During the Procession of Sheikh Zayed, Collection of the Taghrooda UAE Poems: an academic study of the Tghrooda in the UAE folklore.

He also played an active role in the nomination of Al-Ayyala and Al-Taghrooda on the UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Dr. Falih Handhal, from the Republic of Iraq,is a historian, author and co-writer of more than 35 books on the history and culture of the UAE as well as the region. He came to Abu Dhabi more than 40 years ago, and in 1977 began working in the oil and gas industry where he developed a unique interest in capturing the UAE’s local dialects and poetry. His hobby became a passion and led to one of the UAE’s most important historical works, ‘A Dictionary for the Arabic Dialect and Spoken Words of the UAE,’ which preserved the linguistic riches of Bedouin oral culture. Even as the traditional ways of life and reliance on the spoken word continue to change, the vibrant expressions and poems of the past have a way to live on through his invaluable research.

Dominik Vugrinec, from the Republic of Croatia, was a 14-year old student at Al Raha International School who developed and led a public service campaign that screened students for scoliosis, a spinal curvature that typically arises during adolescence and can cause severe deformities if left unchecked. Motivated by his own positive diagnosis in 2012, Dominik’s initial efforts revealed 14 students from his school who showed the early signs of this spinal curvature. By drawing attention to the importance of early diagnosis, Dominik’s screening campaign was soon adopted by other schools, and now hundreds of other children have been screened—a meaningful example of a simple idea being carried forward by one brave individual.

The late Mouza bint Mroshed Al Subousi, fromthe United Arab Emirates, was a beloved member of her community, and a respected healer who used traditional herbal remedies to soothe and cure hundreds who came to her for relief, free of charge. A true pioneer, Moza was an Emirati women who lived through the end of the pre-oil era and independently provided for her family after the death of her husband. She earned the respect of her entire community, serving as a role model for women of her generation and those to come in Emirati society. Her son, Khadem Al Romaithi received the award on her behalf.

Peter Hellyer,a UAE National originally from the UK, is the author of many books on the fragile ecology and rich archaeological legacy of the UAE, and has lived in the UAE for 40 years as a journalist, a historian as well as an advisor to the petroleum industry. A passionate amateur archaeologist, Peter co-founded and led the Abu Dhabi Islands Archaeology Survey (ADIAS), which has since uncovered some of the most significant historical sites in the region, revealing the UAE’s forgotten past. He was intimately involved in the excavation of the 1400-year old monastery on Sir Bani Yas Island, which received global recognition for its historical importance. A self-taught jack-of-all-trades, Peter’s devotion to this land and its people is expressed through his commitment to protecting the country’s fragile ecosystems and history in a time of rapid development.

Jumaa Manea Al Ghuwais,from the United Arab Emirates, is one of the UAE’s most well-known poets, beloved by the nation for his exceptional poems that warmly capture the nation’s patriotism. Recited by all people - young and old alike - as part of the UAE’s National Day celebrations, ‘This is our Country,’ and ‘Zayed’s Home’ reflect the national pride of this country’s people. His poems, which have had a significant impact on Emirati culture, commemorate the values and vision held by late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, and honour his spirit of the union.

The late Roger Upton, from the United Kingdom, is an author and passionate falconer who has pursued the sport for more than 50 years, both in the UK and the Arabian Peninsula, where he hunted with his friend, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Roger’s travels across the Middle East in search of the best trappers, hunters and artisans in the field led to his book, ‘Arab Falconry: History of a Way of Life’. As Bedouin traditions continue to fade, Roger’s book preserves an essential Bedouin custom that is not only a craft or a sport but a way of life that bridges cultural divides between Arab and Western falconers. Mark Upton received the Award on behalf of his father.

The late Roger Upton passed away in October 2017, at the age of 80.

The late Abdulla Mohamed Al Masaood, from the United Arab Emirates, is recognised for his tireless charitable efforts in the Emirates, and for his long-standing service to the government of the UAE in the field of foreign service. He has been a committed advisor to the UAE government in his position as Chairman of the National Consultative Council, an important bridge between the public and the country’s leadership, and has deepened valued relationships with other countries through his support of cultural, social and business initiatives, both abroad and at home in the UAE. His Excellency’s own charitable activities have particularly benefited the country in hard times, as well as, its children with countless initiatives devoted to education. He was the Chairman of Abdulla Al-Masaood and Sons, one of the UAE’s oldest and most respected family businesses. Masaood Ahmed Al Masaood received the Award on behalf of his uncle.

H.E. Prof. Maha Barakat grew up in Abu Dhabi. She completed her education in the UK, receiving a PhD from Cambridge University in 1994 specializing in endocrinology and diabetes. In early 2013, she was appointed as the Director General of the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi

H.E. Prof. Maha is a doctor known to care not only for the health of her patients, but for the well-being of the community. H.E. Prof. Maha treats countless people outside of her regular practice, and continues to tackle the broader public health challenges that affect Abu Dhabi and the UAE.

She continues to dedicate her time to initiating educational campaigns to raise awareness of diabetes and the need for a healthy lifestyle, sharing the message of improved dietary habits and regular exercise. Amongst the notable campaigns H.E. Prof. Maha has been involved with are the 2007 ‘Diabetes-Knowledge-Action’ initiative, the 2010 ‘I Eat Healthy’ campaign in cooperation with the Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, and the ‘Walk Together’ marathon. Recognising that the UAE has the world’s second largest incidence of diabetes, H.E. Prof. Maha soon realised the need for a systemic treatment centre for those suffering from this disease. She led the quest to establish the Imperial College London Diabetes Centre in Abu Dhabi in 2006 – a state-of-the-art facility specializing in diabetes treatment, research, training and public health - the first of its kind in the UAE.

H.E. Prof. Maha also continues to lead the implementation of new treatment management programs to improve the lives of patients, including those most in need.

Supporting the development and expertise of the Centre, H.E. Prof. Maha shares her advice and guidance. She has also written a number of articles about diabetes in the UAE. She was awarded the British OBE for her services to medical research shared between the UK and the UAE. In addition to her work at the Centre, H.E. Prof. Maha represents the Advisory Council for the Middle East and North Africa in the International Federation of Diabetes, and is a representative member on the board of the Health Authority Abu Dhabi.

Born in Paris, the late Alain’s long-standing relationship with Abu Dhabi began in 1969 on his first visit to the United Arab Emirates. Throughout the decades, Alain has played an important role in capturing and documenting the visual history of the Emirate through his collection of photography and film.

And generously, Alain bequeathed the gift of more than 2,000 still images; half of which were of Abu Dhabi, to a number of entities in the UAE. Alain also donated his video footage, which captured many significant moments and exchanges of an Emirate in a nascent stage of development.

Throughout the decades, Alain’s loyalty to and love for the UAE is seen through the people and scenes that his lenses have captured throughout his lifelong career – essentially Alain’s work has documented this country’s history.

Returning to Abu Dhabi on an almost annual basis throughout the 1970’s and 1980’s, he spent much of each year capturing the development of the Emirate on film before sharing his work – through lectures and film screenings - across the world.

Over the years, Alain produced two films about the UAE entitled ‘United Emirates Gulf’ and ‘Masterpieces of Arab Kingdoms’ respectively.

Alain’s time in the Emirates has also inspired him to write a number of books about his experiences that have been translated into numerous languages and are available in libraries across the world. Alain also chose to follow a mission of spreading his love for the country, touring the world giving lectures and screening his films and photography. His aim was to inform and educate people about the countries he has visited, including the UAE.

This historically important collection of photography and film captures the progress of the Emirate over more than 40 years.

Dr. Taisser completed his education and trained as a doctor in the USA. Moving to Abu Dhabi in 2008, he is currently the Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Al Mafraq Hospital. In 2013, Dr. Atrak received the Medical Volunteer Award during the 2nd Abu Dhabi Medical Distinction Award (ADMDA).

As a pediatrician, Dr. Atrak is well-known across Abu Dhabi for his concern for the continued safety and wellbeing of all children, not just those who he sees in his medical practice.

He developed an awareness campaign on the safety of children in traffic, at home and at school, which has operated since 2008. This program provides participants with training for basic first aid (PedFACTS), CPR for families and the fundamentals of child car safety. Dr. Taisser continues to volunteer his time and personally fund the training of caregivers of children such as parents, teachers, nannies and bus drivers on child safety – including first aid. A number of families have benefitted from Dr. Taisser’s campaigns and workshops, which helped them in saving their children’s lives at unexpected incidents which needed quick aid response. His workshops and lectures are free to attend, and many parents, school teachers, nannies and school bus drivers have benefited from his advice and training. In particular, he has provided first aid and safety training for more than 100 nannies and maids in Abu Dhabi, giving the necessary books and study materials free of charge to all participants.

Dr. Atrak also worked on the introduction of a range of programs and health initiatives on child safety in 2008, which includes the head cooling system for newborns and the Early Hearing Detection & Intervention.

Dr. Taisser works tirelessly to spread awareness of systems for the safety and protection of thousands of children across the Emirate.

Salem is an example of humanitarian goodwill and serves as a role model to many.

Privately, and without recognition, Salem continually looks for ways to help the needy across the community – whether this assistance is delivered in the form of financial support, his time or other resources. Most importantly, the recipient of Salem’s benevolence is treated with respect and dignity.

Opening the doors of his Majlis, he assists those struggling to meet their financial obligations, often eliminating their debts completely.

In a busy life, Salem makes regular hospital visits to the sick and needy and supports charities across the UAE and internationally.

Completing his education in the USA in late 1970’s, Salem returned to Abu Dhabi where he works in Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. His work focuses on developing and preparing Emirati leaders of the future through work and scholarships.

His own happiness lies in the ability to put smiles on the faces of those who come to him.

Abdul Muqeet has demonstrated his commitment to saving the environment in Abu Dhabi and beyond since he was 10 years old.

Inspired by the 2010 campaign “UAE Free of Plastic Bags”, Abdul Muqeet, a student at the Abu Dhabi Indian School, applied his own initiative and imagination to create 100% recycled carry bags using discarded newspapers. He then set out to distribute these bags throughout the Abu Dhabi community, replacing plastic bags that take hundreds of years to biodegrade.

What began as a daily hobby has become a much larger community campaign. During the first year of his campaign, Abdul Muqeet created and donated more than 4,000 paper bags in Abu Dhabi. Since then, he has also led workshops at schools, companies and government entities, demonstrating how to create paper bags using old newspapers. He has also partnered with grocery stores in his local area to distribute the bags. His school along with a number of companies in Abu Dhabi adopted his idea by exchanging their plastic bags for paper bags.

In 2011, Abdul Muqeet was selected to attend the United Nation’s Tunza conference in Indonesia where he was able to demonstrate his commitment for a cleaner environment through his paper bag initiative. He has also represented the UAE at a number of conferences in, and outside, the UAE.

Abdulmuqeet participated in a number of campaigns, for example the ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ campaign organized by the Center for Waste Management – Abu Dhabi across Abu Dhabi and the Western Region.

Supported throughout by his mother and father, older brother and sister, this young boy is an inspiring example to all. Through his early awareness and love for the land in which he lives, he has turned a simple idea into an opportunity for the entire community.

Born around 1920 in Al Ain, the late Aqeeda Ali Al Muhairi was independent from a young age due to the passing of his parents. As a young man, he tried his hand at a number of jobs such as pearl diving and agriculture, before deciding on the profession of traditional medicine, at the age of 20.

In the past, without the option of hospitals and general healthcare, even the simplest diseases were capable of destroying people’s lives. At that time, the need for traditional folk medicine was of paramount importance.

Learning the art of traditional medicine from his grandmother, he has since dedicated the last 70 years to healing people from across the community. Significantly, he always offered his services for free, only accepting donations from those who could afford to do so.

Over the years, Aqeeda formed an intimate knowledge of treatments for more than 50 different diseases, and he has cared for thousands patients in that time.

Aqeeda was also considered to have a wide knowledge of the sciences, culture and society. In particular, he was well recognized for his foremost knowledge of the familial and tribal roots of the Emirates and the geography of the land of Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai.

Entrusted by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Aqeeda also did a great deal to support the discovery and maintenance of the local Falajs, providing a reliable source of water for communities and for irrigation in Al Ain.

He continued to treat people, sharing his experience with researchers and doctors of mainstream modern medicine, including his own grandson, Essa, who has been able to bring this grandfather’s experience to bear in the treatment of his own patients.

Born in Al Ain in 1932, H.E. Sultan has dedicated his life to doing good deeds and helping those less fortunate.

Through his continuous commitment and drive to support youngsters through education, H.E. Sultan believes that his charitable work is an important part of giving back to the country where he was born, raised and educated.

H.E. Sultan has devoted his life to giving to, and supporting education in the Emirate and beyond. Many people remain unaware of his various initiatives to support the education of young people. Each year, he provides financial support to numerous students, funding their tuition for school and university.

Amongst his many achievements, including supporting orphans and the construction of Mosques, H.E. Sultan oversaw the establishment of a professorship for Islamic Finance at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi. He also donated one million US dollars towards the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program, which is an outreach program organized by Masdar Institute, to support young leaders to acquire special workplace skills, leadership qualities and professional training.

His contribution to supporting education opportunities also extend beyond the UAE. In particular, he has supported the construction of the Azhari Institute in Mokattam and Wadi Natrun in Egypt. Each location has a capacity for up to 1,200 students. H.E. Sultan also provides support for the education of hundreds of students in India, and is involved in education initiatives in Africa, Jordan and Syria.

Born in 1959, H.E. Dr. Al Suwaidi lived a normal childhood alongside his peers, failing to recognize what fate had in store for him. Little did he know that he would come to be highly regarded in the UAE’s cultural and academic communities.

H.E. Dr. Al Suwaidi studied for his PhD in political science at the University of Wisconsin in the USA, returning to Abu Dhabi in 1991. As a professor of political science at UAE University, his work led him to develop an interest in the early studies of the political and economic development of the UAE.

He has since made significant contributions to the enrichment of cultural and academic life at both local and regional levels. Additionally, through his articles and writings he has sought to address many of the issues challenging the local and Arab world.

With his contribution to the establishment of the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) in 1994, H.E. Dr. Al Suwaidi supported Abu Dhabi’s presence at regional and global levels, developing the UAE’s international relationships.

Under his guidance and management, the ECSSR has contributed to the development of Abu Dhabi as a center for political and economic research. As well, H.E. Dr. Al Suwaidi has contributed to the promotion of a culture of research and academic study in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Throughout his life, H.E. Dr. Al Suwaidi has made an invaluable contribution to building partnerships. He holds a number of notable board-level positions with institutions including the Emirates Institute of Diplomacy and Zayed University. He is a member of the advisory board of the Faculty of Policy and International Affairs at the University of Maine, USA, as well as a member of the UAE Platform of Friendship, and the Swiss-Arab House, amongst others. In particular, he has played an instrumental role in the strengthening of bilateral relations between the UAE and France, receiving the French Order of Merit of The First Degree in recognition of his efforts and excellence.

The Late Alsayed Abdulla Alsayed Al Hashemi, also known as Al Sayed Al Oud, (or the Senior Sayed), is a remarkable example of a man who committed his life to working with dedication, honesty and modesty.

In his role as an advisor to the Rulers of the Emirate, the late Al Sayed Abdulla has witnessed the various stages of Abu Dhabi’s development since the discovery of oil, firstly for the late Sheikh Shakhboot bin Sultan Al Nahyan and later for the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Upon the late Sheikh Zayed’s succession, Alsayed Abdulla worked as a personal advisor to the Ruler. Appointed Director of Sheikh Zayed’s Private Department, he oversaw the financial and administrative operations of the late Sheikh Zayed’s palaces, farms, personnel, procurement and employee salaries, as well as supervising a number of construction and development projects funded by Sheikh Zayed including Hajj and Umrah.

Throughout his lifetime of loyal and dedicated service, Alsayed Abdulla worked silently with honesty, sincerity, determination, commitment and initiative.

Alsayed Abdulla was educated and raised in a family of religious scholars, with his father Alsayed Mohamed Alsayed Al Hashimi being a judge and religious scholar.

The late Sheikh Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al Mubarak was born into a family of religious and judicial scholars. He went on to play an important role in the formation of Abu Dhabi’s judicial system. Taught by his father, a well-known judicial scholar and confident of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, known as Zayed The First, Sheikh Ahmed was well known as a judge in the region.

Combining teaching with a career in the judiciary, in 1969 he was appointed by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Chairman of the Shari’a Judicial Department in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

As Chairman, he played a crucial role in the establishment of the Shari’a court system in the Emirate, in addition to overseeing the construction of the court complex. Following the establishment of the UAE Union, Sheikh Ahmed was appointed Shari’a advisor to the State, contributing to the development of Islamic and Shari’a sciences in the country.

Through his sermons and television broadcasts, his education, and his writings in many books on Islamic and the judicial sciences, Sheikh Ahmed played a critical role in raising awareness and culture.

Representing the UAE internationally on many occasions, notably at conferences on the dialogue between religions, he was a member of a number of global organisations and significant research linked to Islamic civilization. His work continued up until his death in 1988. He has left behind a positive legacy that presents a balanced picture of the true spirit of Islam: Peace and Tolerance.

The late Mohammed bin Rashid Al Tamimi spent much of his early life travelling in pursuit of his own education. He studied primary school in Bahrain, secondary school in Jordan and finally in Saudi Arabia, he pursued his undergraduate studies at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah. Upon graduation he worked in the Saudi Arabian city of Dhahran. In 1953 he joined the Saudi Arabian Department of Education, who sent him to California, USA, to further develop his English-language skills. His life was to change course following an invitation from the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to teach the children of Al Ain. Being the only teacher in Al Ain, he founded the first ‘formal” school in the city in 1955, where the roll call rose quickly to 40 students, to whom he taught the principles of mathematics, Arabic language and the Holy Quran. He also laid the foundations for the formation of a Scouts organisation at the school. Mr. Al Tamimi oversaw the education of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and many other notable figures including His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President’s Representative, and His Excellency Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed. Invited to work in the Diwan of His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, he rose to become Secretary of the Private Department of His Highness the Ruler and His Highness the Crown Prince. Retirement did not stop Mr. Al Tamimi from continuing to promote the value of education and in 1997 he was awarded the Sheikh Khalifa Award for Education. Known for his modesty and love of teaching, Mr. Al Tamimi continued to offer support and guidance to all those who contacted him until his death in 2009.

Already committed to helping others, the late Latife Yunus Tabrizi moved to the city of Al Ain from Turkey in 1970. After exploring many ways of working to help others, Latife began working with the disabled on a voluntary basis - working full time and free of charge at the Centre for Rehabilitation for the Disabled in Al Ain. Over time Latife began to train Centre employees in a range of handicrafts, using recycled materials for the creations. She worked to establish a volunteer programme that enabled the disabled to integrate fully into the community. Her work not only raises community awareness about the disabled but has also builds the confidence of the disabled people she worked with.

In particular, she used her creative craft skills to train groups of disabled people, and educate them on the importance of environmental awareness through recycled handicrafts. Through Latife’s work, the disabled community act as ambassadors for environmental awareness and recycling in Al Ain. Latife’s work has also benefitted many schools in the Al Ain area, where she has lent her skills to a range of educational programmes and activities. Today, Latife continues to act as a source of inspiration for many of the voluntary initiatives and environmental awareness schemes across the Emirates.

The late Latife Yunus Tabrizi passed away in 2018.

Saleh Al Ya’rabi came to Abu Dhabi from Oman in 1975. Confined to a wheelchair following an unfortunate accident at the age of 18 that left him paralyzed, Saleh dedicated his life to serving the community and helping others. After finishing high school and financing his university studies - graduating with honors, Saleh worked for the national newspapers Al Ittihad and Al Khaleej writing articles and reports that emphasized his life experiences. Saleh eventually began to write a series of books through which he hoped to inspire readers to revive hope and open their eyes to overcoming challenges and difficulties. His works include: “Disability: NO, Determination: YES”, “Reflections”, “Outpouring of Emotions”, “Sunrise, a New Start”, “My Journey With Patience” and “Miracles and Achievements”. Saleh delivered his inspirational messages in lectures at renowned institutions including UAE University, Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi and Al Hosn University. Touring schools across the Emirate, Saleh spoke with students about his experiences and motivates them to build their knowledge and strive to achieve their ambitions. Helping the elderly and encouraging people with special needs to believe in their abilities and ambitions, Saleh was also knows for his volunteer work with organizations and charities including the UAE Red Crescent.

The late Dr. Abdul Rahman Hassanein Makhlouf has always been linked to the city of Abu Dhabi’s masterplan. Upon completion of his doctoral studies in Germany, Dr Makhlouf returned to the Arab World where he worked with the United Nations in the development of urban planning.

In 1959, he was able to draw on his studies of the restoration and renovation of historical buildings, when he was involved in the development plans for the city of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. Between 1964 and 1968, Dr Makhlouf joined the faculty at Cairo University, where his work came to the attention of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed invited Dr Makhlouf to Abu Dhabi to participate in the founding of the Department of City Planning for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

He managed the Department until 1976 and was directly responsible for the planning of Abu Dhabi city centre, taking the time to train many of the departments’ workers and engineers in the process. Lecturing at universities across the region on the realities and mechanisms involved in Arab World urban planning, Dr Makhlouf conducted a number of studies into the future development of the city of Abu Dhabi. Between 1983 and 1985 Dr Makhlouf moved to UAE University as a lecturer in urban planning in the university’s Department of Architecture.

Dr Makhlouf worked in the Arab Office for Planning and Architecture and devoted his time to keeping in touch with his many former students, in addition to working on his book “Trip of a Lifetime”, which details his life experiences. Dr Makhlouf was involved in a number of high profile projects including the surroundings of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the courthouse in the city of Abu Dhabi and the old central market in the city of Al Ain, in addition to numerous other mosques and schools across the Emirate.

An advocate of environmental protection and awareness, Manal Mahmoud Hamad is a science teacher in Abu Dhabi. After graduating from Kuwait University with an undergraduate degree in Microbiology and Zoology and working as a teacher, Manal studied at the Amman Arab University for Graduate Studies, where she completed a Master’s degree in Educational Psychology. As a teacher, Manal adopted methods of applied learning, in particular, organizing annual school projects focusing on environmental issues. Over time, these projects have helped to seed positive environmental behavior in students of all ages, by combining classroom and extra-curricular activities. Issues that Manal has raised awareness for include pollution, global warming and desertification and their impacts on daily life. As a teacher, Manal is committed to developing students with initiative, who have problem solving capabilities - encouraging them to expand their ability to think outside of the box and find practical solutions to evolving issues. Over the last decade, Manal’s work and dedication have been recognized with a number of awards from both the education and environmental fields. She was presented with the Distinguished Environmental Teacher Award, the Hamdan bin Rashid Award for Teaching Excellence and the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work in the environmental field.

Born in 1940, the late Hamouda bin Ali bin Ghamin bin Hamouda dedicated his life to the service of his country. In 1958, at the age of 18 he joined the Abu Dhabi Police Force. Studying at the Police College in Kuwait, he graduated in 1961 with the rank of Second Lieutenant and returned to Abu Dhabi where he worked as a criminal investigator. Committed to his work, Mr. Bin Hamouda became Assistant Chief of Police and later Deputy Chief of Police and Security in 1969, followed by his appointment as Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior in the Government of Abu Dhabi in 1971. In 1972 he was appointed Minister of State for Internal Affairs in the Federal Government. In 1990, Mr. Bin Hamouda was appointed Interior Minister, a post he held until 1992. Throughout his career, Mr. Bin Hamouda participated in high-level ministerial committees and represented the Emirate at a number of regional and international conferences. He chaired the sixth meeting of the Interior Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council and was awarded the Order of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in recognition of his efforts to unify the security policies of the GCC countries. Appointed by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as his Advisor, a position he held until his death in 2001, he was also presented with a the Medal of Dedicated Service in honour of his life-long commitment to his country. Throughout his career, Mr. Bin Hamouda combined his practical experience with academic knowledge in order to achieve the State’s vision of peace and security for all residents and citizens. His leadership within the Police Force and in the Ministry of Interior has left a lasting legacy of modernisation of working practices.

The late Poet Ousha bint Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Suwaidi was born into a household that loved literature. As a youngster she had the opportunity to meet many poets and listen to their poetry. Ousha recited poetry by the age of 15 and quickly received recognition for her abilities within the poetry community; a huge achievement considering that poetry was primarily male dominated at that time. Writing many poems in a short space of time, Ousha gained the nickname “Gulf Laureate Poet”. Keen to develop her talents, Ousha read classical poetry by Al Mutannabi, Abu Tammam and Al Ma’ari, alongside the work of local poets, including Al Majidi bin Thahir, Rashid Al Khalawi, Saleem bin Abdul Hai and Mohsin Hazzani. An inspiration to the women’s poetry movement in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, with Ousha’s encouragement, the poetic voice of women became strong and essential to the cultural scene across the Emirates. The Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan recognized her role in highlighting the local vocabulary and identity of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE through her work. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai named Ousha the “Arab Laureate Poetess” following her participation in a series of poetry recitals with him. Many of her poems have become the basis of song lyrics sung by local artists. Through the songs, her words made a further contribution, highlighting the role of the feminine literary movement in local cultural projects. Her poetry has covered a variety of themes including love, wisdom, nostalgia, praise and patriotic feelings. Her poems are written in Classical Arabic, the most important of which was written in praise of the Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him. Her vocabulary and style draws heavily on the environment in which she has lived, portraying intimate pictures of the local environment - land and sea, past and present - in the UAE.

The late Ousha Al Suwaidi passed away in 2018 at the age of 98.

Raised in a family where philanthropy and volunteering were central features, Isabelle left her home country of Mauritius to study at the University Dauphine in Paris, France, where she graduated in Economics and studied for a Master’s degree in the Philosophy of Economics. In 1999, Isabelle’s strong affection for charitable work led her to Bangladesh. Volunteering with banks established to help the poor, Isabelle helped to establish a project offering ‘soft loans’ to the needy. In that same year, she collaborated with people in her native Mauritius to set up a centre for people with special needs. Upon arriving in the United Arab Emirates with her family in 2005, Isabelle began to volunteer full-time at the Special Care Centre in Abu Dhabi, a centre for children with special needs. Touched by her experiences, she established the “Good Heart Foundation” to raise funds for the Centre. Additionally, the non-profit organization “Nahtam” was founded by Isabelle to provide support a variety of local organizations in their humanitarian fund raising campaigns. Isabelle was also a principal organizer in the “Donate a Brick” campaign, which collects donations to build a modern and fully equipped school for children with special needs in Abu Dhabi. Once complete, the school will be the largest of its kind in the Emirate, accommodating 300 students across more than 22,000 square meters. Isabelle’s work however, has not come to an end. She continues to contribute to future projects, including collaborating with international charities to develop awareness campaigns that will enable successful integration of people with special needs into the community.

His Excellency Mohammed Habroosh Al Suwaidi has been a central figure in the establishment of many key public projects of Abu Dhabi. In 1969, Mr Al Suwaidi was appointed Vice Chairman of the Amiri Diwan. He was then appointed Chairman of the Department of Finance in 1970, where he led work to develop the administrative and financial systems of the Emirates with a focus on transparency and the protection of public finances. In 1971 it was Mr Al Suwaidi who took the honour of registering the United Arab Emirates with the Arab League in Cairo. During his career, he contributed to the founding of the Abu Dhabi National Drilling Company and the Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company, and has chaired the Board of Directors of the National Bank of Abu Dhabi. In 1971, he was appointed Minister of State for Finance and Industry and went on to assist in the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), which today has grown into a premier global institutional investor. Throughout his career, Mr Al Suwaidi has been committed to Emiratisation, ensuring a consistent policy across the national institutions of state. His commitment and hard work were recognised by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, who appointed him to the position of Special Advisor. He continues in his role as a member of the Supreme Council for Petroleum and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

A British explorer who famously lived with the Bedouins for five years, the late Sir Wilfred Thesiger photographed and told the story of Abu Dhabi and its people during the pre-oil era of the mid 20th century. In spite of cultural differences and difficult living conditions, Thesiger lived the life of a true Bedouin to experience the culture first hand, and was embraced as an equal. Known by the locals as Mubarak bin Landan, his writings give a unique account of the life of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the sheikhs and tribes of Abu Dhabi, and the history of a time that would have otherwise been lost. Over the years he photographed an incredible 35,000 images of Abu Dhabi and the surrounding areas, including those of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Thesiger crossed the Empty Quarter twice in his life, in 1946 and 1948. Thesiger’s celebrated works include: Crossing the Sands (Dedicated to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan), The Life of the Great Explorer, My Life and Travels, Arabian Sands, and The Last Nomad.

Rashid Mohamed Al Dhaheri has been working to increase literacy among Al Ain’s elderly women since 1995 when he built the Istiqama Mosque that initially took on 20 women. In 2002, Rashid built the only free education center ever established by an individual citizen called Istiqama Center. The Centre, which contains eleven classrooms, two libraries and a nursery, aims to reduce female illiteracy by teaching Arabic, and Islamic Studies. Rashid focuses on spreading educational and social values through numerous projects, events and competition supported by the Islamic Affairs Authority both at the Center and at other locations. Rashid’s efforts have positively impacted more than 650 women and have given many the gift of reading and writing.

The late Darwish bin Karam was born in Abu Dhabi and spent his childhood as a pearl diver. At the age of 12 he attended school in Dubai where he realized his passion for education. As a result, he left pearl diving to dedicate his life to educating others. He began teaching at the very young age of 13 in 1932 and went on to build the first brick school in Abu Dhabi. Also known as The Darwish, the Al Ahlia School was founded to educate those from low income families in Arabic, English, Maths and Islamic studies. In addition to teaching, Darwish worked in the Masheekha Diwan where he was the official correspondent to oil companies and recorded the oil flow on Das Island. Darwish was also entrusted with issuing passports and the distribution of police salaries. Darwish was a member of the flood relief committee, which provided support and food supplies to Abu Dhabi residents affected by floods in 1957.

Dr Thabit and his wife Dr Maleeha are both doctors that provided medical treatment for the people of Al Ain for a period of 39 years. They have helped thousands of people – initially, in the 1950s, with very limited tools at their disposal. In addition to treating the ill at their clinic, they performed house calls at all hours of the day, including those made to Bedouin tents in the desert. As much of the sickness was a result of poor nutrition, the couple introduced equipment for irrigation and seed planting in order to help improve the diet of the community. They also introduced a communal water pump that they placed next to their clinic. As a gynecologist Dr. Maleeha delivered thousands of babies during her years of service, whilst Dr. Thabit provided extensive and broad medical and dental care.

With the support of his parents, Cameron Oliver was the driving force behind the creation of a national community awareness campaign to prevent camels being injured by littering in the desert. Many residents were unaware of the number of camels dying as a result of ingesting plastic litter left behind by campers in deserts. A passionate animal lover, Cameron’s mission started with a class project presented to his peers and teachers at his school, which evolved into an integrated awareness campaign that aimed at the wider community. His campaign consisted of a website, flyers, stickers, T-shirts, and caps. Many national and international media took an interest in Cameron’s campaign thus receiving wide-spread media coverage. Cameron continues to raise awareness of the camels’ plight through presentations and media interviews.

An innovative graphic designer, Fahad Jaber Abdulla initiated a project to revolutionize the use of mobile phones for the deaf and hearing-impaired. Due to their disability, many of the hearing-impaired are not able to learn how to read and write - Fahad came up with an idea to integrate the deaf and mute community into the SMS revolution by using visual hand signals in a program that can be used on mobile phones.

H.E. Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi, who was previously President and Speaker of the UAE Federal National Council, is an architect who has taken a personal interest in preserving the architectural heritage of the United Arab Emirates. H.E. Dr. Al Qubaisi has documented over 350 historical sites in the past 15 years. As a result of this process, she has been responsible for saving many sites that would have otherwise suffered neglect, or might have been renovated improperly. Through her work with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO, locations such as Al Jahili, Al Muwej’ee and Al Hosn Forts are now protected by national and international law. H.E. Dr. Al Qubaisi is renowned in the fields of engineering and the preservation of heritage and historic monuments, and is a member of several international organizations such as the World Heritage Centre (WHC), the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM). H.E. Dr. Amal is currently working on the consolidation of her records into a unique encyclopedia on historical sites in the UAE.

Dr. Muller is a veterinarian and the Director of the Falcon Hospital in Abu Dhabi - the world’s leading Falcon Hospital. Dr. Muller has dedicated her life to the care of Falcons - in addition to her duties at the hospital she performs emergency surgeries at all times of the day and night, saving countless birds in the process. Dr. Muller’s research in Abu Dhabi led her to find a cure for a disease found in falcons called Brotzul, which is now registered by the World Health Organization. She was also instrumental in preventing the spread of Avian Flu within the UAE. She has accompanied numerous delegations to countries including Iran, Kazakhstan and Pakistan to oversee the release of falcons into the wild. Dr. Muller specializes in over 20 medical procedures and has published dozens of books and articles. She also dedicates her time to working with falconers, teaching them how to best look after their animals. In raising awareness through her published articles, participation in conferences and by offering guided tours of the hospital, Dr. Muller hopes to create greater understanding of the Falcon’s important role in Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage.

A social activist and volunteer for a range of organizations including the Red Crescent Society and the Women’s Union, Mrs. Siddiqui has been giving back to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi for more than 25 years. Her activities include helping labourers, teaching the values of Islam to children, and giving succor to the sick and ailing.

From a personal and public policy perspective, protection of the environment and sustainable development are two of H.E. Al Bowardi’s highest priorities. He has made a significant contribution to the conservation of a range of endangered species in the UAE and wider region, including the Houbara Bustard, Saker Falcon, Arabian Oryx, dugong and sea turtle.

Personal interpreter and advisor for the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, H.E. Zaki is also a long-time patron of the arts. He began his career as a journalist, editor and broadcaster, before becoming the Director of Information for Abu Dhabi and later the UAE Government. Fluent in seven languages, H.E. Nusseibeh went on to become Advisor to the Presidential Court (now known as the Ministry of Presidential Affairs), and is currently the cultural adviser to the President of the UAE. In 2012, H.E was granted the Arab-European Culture Prize of the European Cultural Foundation based in Basel, and the International Prize for Tolerance and Dialogue of Civilizations of the International Academy of Sciences and Arts based in Salzburg.

Presently the Executive Advisor to the General Manager of ADCO, Mr. Al Qemzi started as a support team member at the early age of 13, before working his way up to become Deputy General Manager of ADCO. He is considered one of the leading technical experts on the operations of on-shore oil fields in Abu Dhabi.

A pioneer in female education, Mrs. Al Suwaidi began as a schoolteacher in 1973 and was the first female UAE national principal (of Zubeidah School) in the 70s. She was an inspirational role model during a period that lacked female leaders in education, and was also heavily involved in establishing the Women's Union.

A pioneer of women in the military, Dr. Al Mughairi was the first female UAE national to join the military in the 1970s. Dr. Al Mughairi began her military career as a dentist in the Al Nahyan Camp. She was ranked 1st lieutenant in 1976 and retired in 2007 as Brigadier. She retired in the same year as vice president of the Medical Services Directorate but is currently an advisor at the Zayed Military Hospital.

Mr. Saad has been responsible for spearheading environmental awareness programs in schools and other educational institutions. As an active member of several NGOs in the country and wider region, Mr. Saad has published articles on environmental awareness in publications such as Al Fajr and also initiated a community newsletter called ‘The Young Environmentalist’ which is published by Abu Dhabi Municipality and is distributed in schools. He’s the founder and chief editor of the first agricultural magazine in the UAE. He is also the founder and director of the first environmental awareness program for children in the Emirates titled (the junior environmental). Emad provided tens of training courses in the environmental field in the UAE and the Arab world. He also carried out activities and environmental events directed to people with special needs.

Considered to be one of the foremost experts on Abu Dhabi tribes and pre-union history, Dr. Heard-Bey has written numerous journals and books in various languages, her most famous being From Trucial States to the United Arab Emirates. After arriving in Abu Dhabi in 1967, Dr. Heard-Bey’s achievements also included helping to establish the Centre for Documentation and Research.

Dr. Frauke also contributed to the Qasr Al Hosn Festival 2013, where she spoke at ‘Muntada Qasr Al Hosn’ on the memories and tales of the fort based on her 29 years of experience with the fort.

A well-known businessman, the late Omeir bin Youssef contributed tirelessly to charity since before the union of the UAE and throughout his lifetime. His contributions included building houses, sponsoring residents, supporting citizens by covering medical expenses and pilgrimages to Mecca. He also personally oversaw regular and mass distribution of food, water and supplies in the Emirate. Award recieved by his son HE Yousuf bin Omeir.

Wahida Ibrahim made valuable contributions to the education sector by providing free Arabic lessons to students. In order to support her school and these free classes, she organized many fund raising activities.

Shamsa Hazeim Al Muhairi was an active member of the Abu Dhabi Women Development Association and created awareness on the importance of women’s education and other social problems facing today’s community. She also launched a health program in the Emirate in cooperation with UNICEF. Additionally, she was a key member in the establishment of the UAE Women Affairs Bureau in 1991. Award received by her son on her behalf.

The late Sheikh Salem Bin Musaalam Bin Ham Al Ameri's contributions to the protection and welfare of the nation, both before and after the union, were exceptional. He also contributed to the social development in Abu Dhabi through the National Consultative Council.

One of the first UAE women graduates, and a leader in supporting education, she has dedicated her time to focus on educating women and helping them excel in their communities and businesses. Her efforts have promoted the principles of equality and ethics among her students. Award received by her daughter Sheikha Noora Al Qassimi on her behalf.

Her dedicated efforts have helped support people with special needs, women in the Emirate and autistic children. Furthermore, she contributed to the establishment of the General Women’s Union and the Abu Dhabi Women’s Development Association.

H.E. Ahmad Khalifa Al-Suwaidi dedicated his life and money to the welfare of the local community. He also played an important role in the union of the U.A.E and was a personal advisor to the Nation’s late father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Hamad Al Darmaki was one of the first hearing impaired to graduate overseas with a Diploma in Information Technology. Hamad set up a football team in Al Ain for disabled children and teenagers to meet and share their love of football. He then enrolled them into local tournaments as a means to introduce them to the society and befriend “normal” children to boost their confidence and self-esteem. This also helped break stereotypes and misunderstandings the society had about the disabled.

The Late Dr. Azzedine Ibrahim Mustafa was responsible for establishing several cultural and social associations, including the Women’s Union in the UAE.

In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Municipality, Mr. Kareem contributed to developing several important infrastructure projects in the Emirate, including the establishment of the current industrial area.

A social activist that regularly delivers seminar to promote loyalty to the country and charitable causes. Created a platform for parents, teachers and children to better use their time and better understand each others needs.

Sally Benge is recognised for her efforts in helping a group of children from the Central Hospital, by negotiating housing for them at the Future Centre. She looked after the children all day, every day in return for the Future Centre taking them in and giving them homes. She has since adopted and sponsored other children.

The Late Lieutenant General Al Romeithi served Abu Dhabi for 45 years and occupied many military posts from the day he joined the Trucial Oman Scouts. He also founded the Amiri Guards, which earned him the UAE first-class medal.

The late Drs. Pat & Marian Kennedy were responsible for establishing the first hospital in Al Ain and their efforts significantly contributed to the reduction of mortality rates, particularly among infants, and raised the birth rates during the many years they spent in Abu Dhabi. At least 4,000 babies came to life by virtue of their efforts.

H.E. Huda Kanoo is a philanthropist dedicated to inspiring and enabling artists to innovate, generations to create, and communities to unite and prosper.

As the Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), H.E. Huda has been pioneering arts education and community arts in the UAE. In 1996, ADMAF was the first non-profit-making organisation in Abu Dhabi dedicated to the advancement of music, education, culture and creativity. Today, it reaches nearly 40,000 children, young people and adults through its annual programmes and the Abu Dhabi Festival, an annual event of world-class caliber, of which Huda is also the Founder & Artistic Director. Since 2004, the Festival has sought to broaden cultural understanding globally while inculcating a renewed passion and interest in the arts and heritage of the United Arab Emirates.

In 2005, she was the first woman from the GCC to speak at the World Forum on Music by the UNESCO-affiliated International Music Council. She was also the first Guest of Honour from the GCC to attend the Ludwig Van Beethoven Festival in Warsaw, Poland. In 2012, she became the first Arab woman to give a plenary speech at the Edinburgh International Culture Summit at the Scottish Parliament.

In addition to advocating music, arts, culture and creativity, H.E. Huda devotes her spare time to spearheading awareness initiatives for health and welfare issues close to her heart.

H.E. Huda sits on the International Advisory Board of the Edinburgh International Festival; the Applied Media Program Advisory Committee of Higher Colleges of Technology (Abu Dhabi Women’s College); and is also an Advisor to the Board of Directors of Ewa’a Shelters for Women & Children, an Abu Dhabi-based organisation that supports victims of domestic abuse and human trafficking.

Before the establishment of the Special Guards in 1971, Lieutenant General Al Khaili was the military escort to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He underwent many training courses and was promoted up the military ranks till he received the rank of Major General - A sleepless soldier, man of strength, and a careful protector of the safety of the Father of the Nation.

The late Colonel Edward Wilson supervised and trained the first defense battalions between 1964 and 1968, which eventually evolved into the UAE Armed Forces. He also established the Royal Stables, whose first cornerstones were laid by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

In 1982, Mrs. Amira Al Shaibani spearheaded a project to build a sports centre for children with special needs in the Emirate. She also launched many sports programmes for children with special needs.

The late Abdul Jaleel Al Fahim's desire to help others led him into the trading business to allow him the means and resources to fulfill his selfless goals. His activities and generosity contributed to the economic backbone of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Chairwoman of the Gulf Business Committee and a member of the board of directors of the UAE Red Crescent, the late Dr. Al Muttawa also established the Abu Dhabi Business Women Council. She was a strong supporter of national businesswomen and an inspirational personality to all.