08/29/2009 10:55 PM
Abu Dhabi: Starting today, residents will be able to nominate society's good Samaritans whose selfless acts could put them in a position to win at the Abu Dhabi Awards 2009.
Initiated in 2005 by the Abu Dhabi government, the awards are conferred on citizens and residents who better the community through their selfless contributions and good deeds.
"By nominating, we have the opportunity to give thanks to those amongst us whose work may otherwise go unnoticed. And through the act of expressing our appreciation, we can also inspire others to share their goodwill," said Mariam Amiri, organising committee member for the awards.
The awards has been bestowed upon 37 people so far. The awards are presented on the basis of merit, which means every single nomination is considered. The awards are open to all members of the public regardless of age, gender or nationality.
Urging residents to nominate, she said: "As in previous years, the success of the Abu Dhabi Awards relies on the participation of the general public, so we invite everyone to get involved in recognising those amongst us who contribute to the well being of our community."
The nomination period closes on September 27. It is followed by an elaborate judging process undertaken by senior government officials who choose the winners.
Finally, the recipients will be announced and receive the awards at a ceremony scheduled for December.
The awards' committee received 8,000 nominations in the inaugural year of the event in 2005. However, over 47,000 nominations were received in 2008, with around 10,000 individuals being nominated - something that reflected the popularity of the initiative.
The awards do not specify any particular category, so any one act of goodness exhibited by anyone can be filed - from the healthcare field to environmental protection, from animal welfare to education, and from sports to volunteering.
The awards are a result of the commitment of the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to preserve the legacy of the nation's father Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
How to nominate
Nominations are open from August 30 to September 27 this year. There are five ways to cast a nomination:
- Visit one of the 124 nomination stations located in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region.
- Visit the website: www.abudhabiawards.ae
- Stop at a roving nomination station when you see one - look out for the Abu Dhabi Awards Smart Cars.
- Fax a completed nomination form to 800 33300.
- Post a completed nomination form to 44442 Abu Dhabi.
