Abu Dhabi Launches New Government Excellence Award Model

Under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council, the Abu Dhabi Government has officially launched a revamped model for the Abu Dhabi Award for Excellence in Government Performance (ADAEP).

The newly introduced model is designed to strengthen a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement across government entities. It aims to enhance collaboration, integration, and coordination within a unified and agile government system, ultimately driving sustainable development and improving the quality of life for residents.

The updated ADAEP framework introduces a comprehensive, multi-stage evaluation process that rigorously assesses participating entities’ initiatives, projects, and programmes. This structured approach ensures transparency and reinforces the award’s role as a key platform for advancing institutional performance and public sector excellence.

Built on years of accumulated expertise, research, and advanced studies, the model enables government entities to elevate their operational standards. It encourages the adoption of modern technologies and fosters a collaborative environment to deliver long-term, positive community impact.

In line with Abu Dhabi’s digital transformation vision, the current ADAEP cycle integrates artificial intelligence across all evaluation stages. This includes the use of advanced tools such as the AI Consultant, AI Juror, and AI Grand Jury Assistant, which provide accurate data analysis and objective insights to support decision-making.

Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Office of the Crown Prince, emphasised that excellence remains a core pillar of Abu Dhabi’s governance model. He highlighted that the award framework promotes accountability, encourages continuous improvement, and strengthens collaboration across government entities to deliver tangible value to society.

In the current cycle, 37 government entities and 103 initiatives are being evaluated by more than 90 local and international experts. A distinguished grand jury comprising leaders from both public and private sectors oversees the final selection process.

The awards are divided into two main tracks, featuring six categories. These include three excellence awards for top-performing entities, and three initiative-based awards recognising strategic impact, digital and AI innovation, and community and family contributions.

The selection process follows a multi-layered evaluation framework, beginning with independent expert assessments supported by AI tools to ensure accuracy and consistency. The results are then reviewed by quality assurance teams and evaluation committees before final approval by the grand jury, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment.

The official ADAEP awards ceremony is scheduled for April 2026, where winning entities and initiatives will be honoured for their contributions to enhancing Abu Dhabi’s government ecosystem and public service excellence.