Damj Award Expands Across UAE After Strong First Cycle Success

The Board of Trustees of the Abu Dhabi Excellence Award for Inclusion of People of Determination – Damj held its second meeting of 2026 under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Damj Award.

The meeting was attended by Board members Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, Sana Mohamed Suhail, Mohamed Taj El Din Al Qadi, Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda, and Dr. Layla Al Hyas.

During the meeting, the board praised the organisations that won the award during its first cycle. Members recognised their efforts in promoting excellence in inclusion and creating more supportive environments for People of Determination. The board noted that these achievements reflect Abu Dhabi’s commitment to improving quality of life and increasing participation opportunities for all members of society.

Strong Participation in the First Award Cycle

The Board reviewed the key outcomes of the award's inaugural cycle, highlighting the strong participation from government organisations, private sector companies, and third-sector entities.

Members also examined how the award helped increase institutional awareness about the importance of inclusion. According to the review, the initiative encouraged organisations to strengthen inclusive policies and improve services, employment opportunities, and accessibility for People of Determination.

Award to Expand Across All UAE Emirates

The Board approved several strategic decisions for the second cycle of the Damj Award. One of the most significant changes is expanding participation to organisations from all seven emirates, making the award a nationwide initiative.

The Board also approved enhancements to the award's pillars and categories so they better reflect national priorities and emerging developments in inclusion, innovation, and institutional excellence. In addition, members endorsed improvements to the award's operational framework and approved its budget.

These developments are intended to strengthen the Damj Award as a leading national platform that promotes excellence in inclusion while ensuring its long-term impact.

Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Highlights National Vision

His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan said the continued growth of the Damj Award and its expansion across the UAE demonstrate a strong commitment to increasing its institutional and social impact.

He said the award plays an important role in encouraging organisations to adopt more inclusive policies and practices, supporting the vision of the UAE's leadership to empower People of Determination and enhance their participation in every aspect of life.

His Highness added that the achievements of the award's first cycle represent an important step towards making inclusion a sustainable institutional practice based on equal opportunities, high-quality services, and accessibility.

He further stated that future efforts will focus on encouraging innovation and developing solutions that respond to the changing needs of People of Determination and their families while helping create a more inclusive and connected society.

His Highness also praised the work of institutions that continue to improve the quality of life for People of Determination and their families. He stressed that these efforts strengthen collaboration across sectors and help transform the principles of inclusion into lasting institutional practices.

Department of Community Development Supports Expansion

His Excellency Shams Ali Al Dhaheri, Chairman of the Department of Community Development – Abu Dhabi, said the continued development of the Damj Award represents an important step in advancing the social sector and turning inclusion into measurable and sustainable institutional practices.

He said expanding the award to the national level reflects a forward-looking approach that supports future developments while creating more responsive solutions to meet the needs of People of Determination and their families. He added that these efforts help improve independence and accessibility.

Al Dhaheri also said the Department of Community Development continues working closely with partners to promote an impact-based approach supported by evidence, innovation, and collaboration between government, private sector, and third-sector organisations.

He emphasised that building an inclusive society requires continuous institutional cooperation, supported by data, innovation, and partnerships that place people at the centre of development.

Board Thanks Partners and Participants

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Board expressed appreciation to the award's working teams, partners, and all participating organisations for contributing to the success of the first cycle.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation across sectors and promoting inclusion as a shared responsibility and a sustainable institutional practice that supports the development of a more inclusive, cohesive, and prosperous society.