Damj Award First Edition Attracts 372 Submissions Across Abu Dhabi Emirate

The first edition of the Abu Dhabi Excellence Award for People of Determination Inclusion – Damj – has attracted 372 entries, signalling strong engagement from organisations across the Emirate. The response from government, private sector and third-sector entities indicates that inclusion is now embedded as a core value in Abu Dhabi’s institutional culture.

The Damj Award seeks to position Abu Dhabi as a global reference point for inclusive development. It does this by applying international standards and encouraging programmes, policies and practices that enhance accessibility, expand equal opportunity, and raise overall social well-being for all community members, including People of Determination and their families.

The initiative is led by the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development and operates under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The award supports broader government efforts to deliver an integrated and inclusive social system.

The design of the Damj Award builds directly on the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination. It highlights and rewards collaborative institutional action that strengthens quality of life for People of Determination, while encouraging further projects that help this community participate fully in economic, social and cultural life across the Emirate.

Entries in this first cycle came from a wide mix of organisations in Abu Dhabi, split across three defined award categories: Inclusive Services, Inclusive Employment, and Accessibility in both physical and digital environments. These categories reflect priority areas where daily access and participation for People of Determination can be strengthened.

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The wide uptake from institutions is viewed as evidence that Abu Dhabi’s vision of inclusion across services, workplaces and community spaces is gaining practical traction. This joint momentum reinforces the Emirate’s goal of being a leading city for empowering People of Determination and embedding inclusive practice across all sectors.

Dr. Layla Al Hyas, Executive Director of the Family & Child Welfare Sector at DCD, said, "The large number of entries in the first edition of the Damj Award reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing awareness and strong commitment to the inclusion and empowerment of People of Determination."

Dr. Layla Al Hyas linked this outcome to national leadership and coordinated institutional work, stating, "This achievement is the result of the wisdom and vision of the UAE leadership and the combined and supporting efforts of various entities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to promote inclusion across services, employment, and community engagement."The Damj Award will serve as a clear platform from which to recognise these efforts and showcase inspiring examples that help build a more inclusive and cohesive community."

Responding to the high level of participation, Dr. Layla Al Hyas noted that it demonstrates the success of Abu Dhabi’s policy direction in placing inclusion at the centre of organisational values. This, according to Dr. Layla Al Hyas, directly strengthens the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination and supports its long-term objectives.

Dr. Layla Al Hyas also acknowledged the operational work behind the scenes, saying, "We truly value the tremendous efforts made by the Award’s team through the awareness workshops and follow-up activities that have promoted the award to government, private, and third-sector entities. These efforts have played a significant role in raising awareness about the submission criteria and participation requirements."

As the first cycle moves forward, the strong response, leadership backing and structured criteria indicate that Damj is becoming an important platform within Abu Dhabi’s wider inclusion agenda. The award is expected to continue encouraging measurable action that advances accessibility, participation and opportunity for People of Determination across all sectors in the Emirate.

With inputs from WAM