emirates7 - The Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi held a press conference today to unveil the details of the Abu Dhabi Excellence Award for People of Determination Inclusion, titled “Damj.” The award is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council.
The “Damj” Award is designed to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s global leadership in inclusive development by embracing both local and international standards for disability inclusion. It promotes the implementation of creative initiatives that guarantee equal opportunities and enhance the well-being of all members of society.
Attending the press conference were Hamad Al Dhaheri, Under-Secretary of the DCD, and Dr. Layla Al Hyas, Executive Director of the Social Development Sector, along with the award implementation team, media professionals, and content creators.
The event featured a comprehensive presentation on the award, which consists of ten categories grouped under three main pillars. Among the most significant is the Inclusive Services Pillar, which rewards outstanding contributions from public, private, and third-sector organisations that offer innovative and inclusive services for people of determination across sectors like healthcare, education, tourism, transport, and non-profit services. To be eligible, entities must be based in Abu Dhabi, in operation for at least two years, and—if in the private sector—hold a valid commercial licence. Health-focused applications exclude specialised medical rehabilitation, and schools applying under the education category must meet a minimum “Good” rating in relevant inclusion standards.
Another key component is the Inclusive Employment Pillar, which highlights organisations fostering inclusive workplaces that support employees of determination in fulfilling their roles effectively. This pillar features two categories for the most inclusive workplaces in the public and private sectors. Eligible applicants must be Abu Dhabi-based, active for at least two years, and in the case of private entities, possess a valid commercial licence. Public sector organisations must employ people of determination who make up at least 2% of their workforce.
The Accessibility Pillar recognises entities that excel in creating accessible physical and digital environments. This includes ensuring barrier-free access to buildings, facilities, websites, and mobile apps in accordance with global accessibility standards. Recognition is given to the most accessible public and private entities. Criteria for entry include being based in Abu Dhabi, operating for a minimum of two years, and holding a valid occupancy certificate issued within the last five years by the Department of Municipalities and Transport.
Dr. Layla Al Hyas emphasized that the “Damj” Award is a flagship initiative under the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination. It serves to celebrate the achievements of leading organisations and maintain momentum in inclusion efforts even after the strategy’s initial implementation phase concludes.
She stressed that the award is more than just a recognition platform—it is a driver of innovation and sustainability in inclusive service delivery and workplace environments, ultimately empowering people of determination to participate more fully in social and economic life.
The award is expected to significantly boost the involvement of people of determination in Abu Dhabi’s workforce and economy, engaging more than 80 entities directly and encouraging over 600 others to adopt more inclusive and accessible practices. It also aims to enhance the financial independence and community involvement of people of determination and their families.
A formal award ceremony will take place in the first quarter of next year to honour the top-performing organisations from various sectors.
The Department also announced that it will hold training workshops on April 23 and 24 to assist organisations interested in applying for the “Damj” Award. These one-day workshops will provide detailed guidance on the award’s pillars, categories, eligibility criteria, and evaluation process, with opportunities for participants to ask questions.
Furthermore, weekly awareness sessions will be offered in both Arabic and English throughout the first award cycle, running from February to the end of August. Entities may also schedule individual sessions with the award team for personalised support during the application process.
The “Damj” Award underscores the Department of Community Development’s steadfast commitment to fostering an inclusive and cohesive society—one that embraces diversity and sees individual differences as sources of strength and growth.
The “Damj” Award is designed to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s global leadership in inclusive development by embracing both local and international standards for disability inclusion. It promotes the implementation of creative initiatives that guarantee equal opportunities and enhance the well-being of all members of society.
Attending the press conference were Hamad Al Dhaheri, Under-Secretary of the DCD, and Dr. Layla Al Hyas, Executive Director of the Social Development Sector, along with the award implementation team, media professionals, and content creators.
The event featured a comprehensive presentation on the award, which consists of ten categories grouped under three main pillars. Among the most significant is the Inclusive Services Pillar, which rewards outstanding contributions from public, private, and third-sector organisations that offer innovative and inclusive services for people of determination across sectors like healthcare, education, tourism, transport, and non-profit services. To be eligible, entities must be based in Abu Dhabi, in operation for at least two years, and—if in the private sector—hold a valid commercial licence. Health-focused applications exclude specialised medical rehabilitation, and schools applying under the education category must meet a minimum “Good” rating in relevant inclusion standards.
Another key component is the Inclusive Employment Pillar, which highlights organisations fostering inclusive workplaces that support employees of determination in fulfilling their roles effectively. This pillar features two categories for the most inclusive workplaces in the public and private sectors. Eligible applicants must be Abu Dhabi-based, active for at least two years, and in the case of private entities, possess a valid commercial licence. Public sector organisations must employ people of determination who make up at least 2% of their workforce.
The Accessibility Pillar recognises entities that excel in creating accessible physical and digital environments. This includes ensuring barrier-free access to buildings, facilities, websites, and mobile apps in accordance with global accessibility standards. Recognition is given to the most accessible public and private entities. Criteria for entry include being based in Abu Dhabi, operating for a minimum of two years, and holding a valid occupancy certificate issued within the last five years by the Department of Municipalities and Transport.
Dr. Layla Al Hyas emphasized that the “Damj” Award is a flagship initiative under the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination. It serves to celebrate the achievements of leading organisations and maintain momentum in inclusion efforts even after the strategy’s initial implementation phase concludes.
She stressed that the award is more than just a recognition platform—it is a driver of innovation and sustainability in inclusive service delivery and workplace environments, ultimately empowering people of determination to participate more fully in social and economic life.
The award is expected to significantly boost the involvement of people of determination in Abu Dhabi’s workforce and economy, engaging more than 80 entities directly and encouraging over 600 others to adopt more inclusive and accessible practices. It also aims to enhance the financial independence and community involvement of people of determination and their families.
A formal award ceremony will take place in the first quarter of next year to honour the top-performing organisations from various sectors.
The Department also announced that it will hold training workshops on April 23 and 24 to assist organisations interested in applying for the “Damj” Award. These one-day workshops will provide detailed guidance on the award’s pillars, categories, eligibility criteria, and evaluation process, with opportunities for participants to ask questions.
Furthermore, weekly awareness sessions will be offered in both Arabic and English throughout the first award cycle, running from February to the end of August. Entities may also schedule individual sessions with the award team for personalised support during the application process.
The “Damj” Award underscores the Department of Community Development’s steadfast commitment to fostering an inclusive and cohesive society—one that embraces diversity and sees individual differences as sources of strength and growth.