Abu Dhabi Launches Damj Award for Inclusion

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

The Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi has started a new award called the Damj Award. This award is for helping People of Determination, which means people who have disabilities. The award is started under the care of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

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This award wants to make Abu Dhabi a better place for everyone, where all people get equal chances. It supports smart and kind ideas that help people with disabilities live better and feel part of the community.

At the event where the award was shared, many important people were there. Hamad Al Dhaheri, who works at the Department of Community Development, and Dr Layla Al Hyas, who helps lead the department, both came. Media people and internet creators were also there to listen and share the news.

The award has 10 parts. These parts are grouped into 3 big ideas. The first big idea is about giving better services to People of Determination. These services include health care, schools, fun places like parks, transportation, and help from charity groups. To join this award, the group must be in Abu Dhabi and working for at least 2 years. Private companies need a business license. Health centers that only do special medical recovery can’t join. Schools need to have a rating of “Good” or better to be part of this.

The second big idea is about jobs. The award will go to places that give jobs to People of Determination and treat them well at work. These places must let the workers do jobs that match their skills and make sure they feel welcome. Public and private companies can join. To apply, they must be in Abu Dhabi, working for 2 years or more, and have a business license. Government offices must have at least 2 out of every 100 workers be People of Determination.

The third big idea is about accessibility. This means how easy it is for People of Determination to enter buildings or use websites and mobile apps. The award will go to places that make their offices, shops, and online tools easy to use for people with disabilities. These places must be in Abu Dhabi, working for 2 years or more, have a business license, and have a building certificate that is less than 5 years old.

Dr Layla Al Hyas said this award is part of Abu Dhabi’s big plan to help People of Determination. She said the award is not only to say “thank you” but also to keep good work going in the future. She said the award helps people think of better ways to give support, jobs, and care to People of Determination.

This award is expected to help over 80 groups in Abu Dhabi give more jobs to People of Determination. It will also help more than 600 groups become more open and friendly to everyone. The award also hopes to help people with disabilities and their families live more freely and take part in the community.

The winning groups will be celebrated in a big event in the first part of the year 2026.

The Department of Community Development will also give training classes to help groups learn how to apply for the award. These classes will be on 23 and 24 April 2025. The class will explain the award rules, how to apply, and how groups will be judged.

Also, every week from February to August, there will be free learning sessions in Arabic and English. Any group can join to learn more. If a group wants personal help, they can ask for one-on-one time with the award team.

This award shows that Abu Dhabi wants to be a kind place where all people are treated with care and respect, no matter their ability.