FAQs
General questions
1. What are the Abu Dhabi Awards?
The Abu Dhabi Awards honour and recognize individuals who have contributed in building a greater sense of community and social welfare within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The Abu Dhabi Awards were established in 2005 under the guidance and auspices of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
2. When were they established?
2005 was the inaugural year of the event.
3. Who set them up?
The Awards are a result of the commitment of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to preserve the legacy of our nation's late father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The award process falls under the guidance and auspices of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
4. How often do they occur?
The Awards ceremony took place annually from 2005-2009 inclusive. As of 2011, the Awards became a biennial event.
5. Why has the Abu Dhabi Awards become a biennial event?
The Abu Dhabi Awards occur every two years to allow more time for individuals to perform quality deeds, ensuring a consistent pool of potential recipients for consideration.
Nomination process
1. Are there categories to nominate in?
There are no nomination categories within the Abu Dhabi Awards. Each year, the Awards recognize a diverse array of contributions in areas such as healthcare, education, environment, social welfare, community services, sport, volunteer work... and the list goes on.
2.When can I nominate?
The 2011 nomination period is open from the 21st of August until the 24th of September.
3. How long does it take to nominate?
The nomination process is simple and designed to take no more than a few minutes.
4. How many people can I nominate?
You can nominate as many people as you like. However you do need to use different nomination forms for each person. Remember, one nomination is all it takes!
5. Will my nomination be made public?
No, all information contained in a nomination form is private and confidential.
6. How many nominations have the Awards received in previous years?
Since the inception of the Abu Dhabi Awards campaign in 2005, more than 193,500 nominations have been received from the public.
In 2005, the inaugural year of the Abu Dhabi Awards, more than 8,000 nominations were received.
In 2006, the campaign generated over 50,000 nominations.
In 2007, over 34,000 were received with 9,500 individual residents nominated.
In 2008, more than 42,500 nominations were received and more than 10,000 individual nominations.
In 2009, over 31,000 nominations were received and more than 16,000 individual nominations.
In 2011, over 28,000 nominations were received and more than 22,000 individual nominations.
7. I am not sure whom to nominate - can you help me with this?
Of course, you should nominate anyone you feel has made a significant contribution to build and support the community of Abu Dhabi. Go to the recipients section on the website to learn more about past recipients of the Awards and the kind of deeds they have performed that received recognition.
8. Where can I get more information?
You can browse the website or call Abu Dhabi Awards call center on 800 3331 or visit one of our 10 manned booths located across the Emirate where a member of our team can personally assist you and answer any questions you may have.
Judging process
1. How are the recipients chosen?
The process is exhaustive. All nominations are reviewed individually and then reported to the Review Committee. The work of the review committee is then evaluated by a Higher Review Committee made up of Abu Dhabi’s leading dignitaries, government officials and industry directors.
2. Who are the judges?
The judges sitting on the Higher Review Committee consist of Abu Dhabi’s leading dignitaries, government officials and industry directors.
3. How are the judges selected?
The judges are selected by His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
5. Do the public vote for a recipient?
No, the awards are not about casting votes. The recipients are selected solely on the merit of their actions, not on the number of nominations they received. One nomination is enough to receive an award.
6. How many recipients will be chosen?
The merit of those people nominated will determine the final number of awards given.
Awards ceremony
1. When is the Awards ceremony?
The date of the 2011 Abu Dhabi Awards ceremony will be announced in December.
2. Where is the ceremony held?
The 2011 Abu Dhabi Awards ceremony will take place at the Emirates Palace Hotel.
3. Is the ceremony open to the public?
No. The ceremony will be attended by the recipients, their families and friends, government and business leaders from across the United Arab Emirates and past recipients of the Awards.
4. Will the ceremony be televised?
Yes, the event will be televised on Abu Dhabi Al Oula the following day.
5. Who will present the Awards?
The 2011 Abu Dhabi Awards ceremony will be presided over by His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. He will present each recipient with their award.
