At the 10th edition of the Abu Dhabi Awards, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, awarded 12 outstanding individuals in an exclusive ceremony at Qasr Al Hosn. On Friday, the winners were declared in a broadcast that aired on Abu Dhabi and Al Emarat TV channels.

According to Sheikh Mohamed, "The UAE's ideals continue to embody Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, our Founding Father, who trusted in the goodness, compassion, and kindness of people. And today, we honor 12 exceptional people who choose to live out these ideals every day through their noble and charitable work, strengthening our nation and communities."

The 12 honorees come from a variety of backgrounds and include Emiratis and expatriates from various walks of life. They were recognized for their contributions in the fields of healthcare, community service, and volunteering, charitable work, as well as history, heritage, and environmental conservation.

Among them is retired Lt. General Obaid Mohammed Al Kaabi, known as one of the UAE Armed Forces and Abu Dhabi Defence Force's founding fathers. Al Kaabi contributed to the social growth of Al Ain, helping to raise awareness of important topics in the city, in addition to five decades of exemplary service to the country.

Dr. Fatima Al Refaeli, a leader in her profession, was recognized for her significant contributions to the growth of the UAE's nursing sector over the past three generations Dr. Al Refaei, as the founder of the Emirates Nursing Association in 2003, has played a pivotal role in developing the field of nursing. Mohammed Bin Ahmed Al Murr was honored for his significant contributions to the UAE's cultural and literary movements. Mohammed has made significant contributions to the fields of literature, music, poetry, Arabic calligraphy, and the arts as one of the UAE's most influential cultural and political figures.

Dr. Essam El Shammaa, a British citizen, was honored for his more than 40 years of service to the UAE's healthcare sector, including his critical support to the growth of the radiology department at Abu Dhabi's Corniche Hospital. Dr. El Shammaa, a renowned gynecology and obstetrics specialist, is attributed to the establishment of a variety of main facilities at the hospital and serving as a reliable resource of knowledge in the area of obstetrics and gynecology.

Zaafarana Ahmed Khamis was also honored for her unwavering commitment to supporting and caring for People of Determination. Zafarana, who has more than 12 years of volunteer work, was acknowledged for her efforts to help determined athletes at national and international sporting events, including the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019.

Hussain Abdulrahman Khansaheb, a leader in the field of construction, is recognized as one of the UAE's most prolific entrepreneurs, having made significant contributions to the country's infrastructure during its initial stages of growth Khansaheb earned recognition for his humanitarian efforts. Dr. Abdulmajeed Al Zubaidi, a renowned cardiologist and main contributor to Abu Dhabi's healthcare sector, was awarded for his work in the field of cardiovascular diseases.

Faraj Bin Hamoodah Al Dhaheri devoted his life to social responsibility and philanthropy, motivated by late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan's vision and values. Faraj founded the "Bin Hamoodah Endowed Chair in Public Health," which is the foundation of Zayed University's Endowment Fund, which supports advanced research and academic studies.

Ghubaisha Rubaya Al Ketbi was recognized for her humanitarian work and active charitable activities. During Ramadan and beyond, Ghubaisha selflessly prepared and delivered regular meals to assist police personnel at the Al Shuwaib checkpoint.

Yusuf Ali Muslim, an Indian businessman, was also honored for his extensive sponsorship of UAE national programs and activities, involving sports, culture, charitable, and community-based ventures. His participation in numerous national and international initiatives supported many communities.

Mohammad Bin Bakhit Al Ketbi was honored for his excellent success in the UAE Armed Forces, his numerous community sacrifices, and his unwavering national pride and commitment to the preservation of Emirati sovereignty. Jacques Renaud, a French conservationist, was honored for his contributions to the UAE's efforts to protect the Houbara bird species. Renaud started a captive breeding program for the endangered Houbara bustard bird.

Since their establishment in 2005, the Abu Dhabi Awards have awarded 92 brave people from 16 different nationalities, making them the Emirate's highest civilian honor. President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan created the Abu Dhabi Awards to honor the late Sheikh Zayed's legacy of selfless kindness and empathy.