The inaugural edition of the Abu Dhabi Excellence Award for People of Determination Inclusion (Damj) has concluded its application cycle with a substantial response, receiving 372 submissions from various sectors across the emirate. Launched by the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD) under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the award aims to recognize and incentivize organizations that champion inclusive practices for People of Determination (PODs).
Announced on January 2, 2026, the volume of entries from government entities, private companies, and third-sector organizations underscores a widespread commitment to inclusion within Abu Dhabi’s corporate and public culture. The award’s framework is structured around three critical pillars: Inclusive Services, Inclusive Employment, and Accessibility, which encompasses both physical and digital environments.
Elevating Inclusion as a Global Standard
The Damj Award is a strategic initiative designed to establish Abu Dhabi as a global leader in inclusive development. By adopting globally-recognized standards and promoting innovative programs, the award seeks to accelerate the implementation of specialized policies and practices that enhance accessibility, ensure equal opportunities, and ultimately improve the social well-being of all community members.
This recognition program actively reinforces the objectives of the overarching Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination. By spotlighting successful collaborative institutional efforts, the Damj Award encourages continuous innovation aimed at enhancing the quality of life for the POD community and empowering individuals to participate fully and actively in all facets of society.
H.E. Dr. Layla Al Hyas, Executive Director of the Family & Child Welfare Sector at DCD, highlighted the significant participation rate as proof of the emirate’s deepening commitment to inclusion. She stated that the achievement reflects the strategic vision of the UAE leadership and the focused, cooperative efforts of diverse entities throughout Abu Dhabi to foster inclusion across service provision, career pathways, and community engagement.
“The substantial 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,” Her Excellency noted. She added that the award serves as a vital platform to celebrate these efforts and share inspiring examples that contribute to a more cohesive and welcoming community.
Commitment Across Sectors
The robust response from participating organizations indicates that inclusion has successfully permeated organizational culture, transforming from a peripheral concern into a core value across all sectors. This collective endeavor supports the broader Abu Dhabi Strategy for PODs, cementing the emirate’s position as an inclusive, pioneering city for empowering its People of Determination.
Participation in the first edition was significantly boosted by targeted outreach efforts. H.E. Dr. Al Hyas acknowledged the rigorous work of the awards team in conducting awareness workshops and follow-up activities. These efforts successfully educated prospective entrants—spanning government, private, and third-sector bodies—about the detailed submission criteria and participation requirements, ultimately leading to the outstanding influx of applications.
As the judging process commences, the awards will showcase exemplary models that can be scaled across the emirate, providing actionable takeaways for organizations looking to advance their own inclusion agendas. The first Damj Award is poised to accelerate Abu Dhabi’s journey toward becoming an international benchmark for maximizing accessibility and social participation for everyone.