The Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development announced that the Board of Trustees of the The Abu Dhabi Excellence Award for People of Determination Inclusion – Damj has approved the formation of the award’s jury committee. The decision reflects DCD's commitment to applying the highest standards of neutrality, transparency, and credibility in evaluating inclusive institutional policies and practices submitted for the award across Abu Dhabi.
The award serves as a leading national platform honouring excellence in the inclusion and empowerment of People of Determination, by highlighting inspiring institutional policies and practices in inclusive services, inclusive employment, and accessibility. It embodies Abu Dhabi’s vision to build a cohesive, inclusive community that empowers all its members, in line with the Year of Community 2025 and Abu Dhabi’s Strategy for People of Determination, which aims to promote equity and equal opportunity.
H.E. Dr Layla Abdulaziz Al Hyas, Executive Director of the Family and Child Welfare Sector at DCD, stated that establishing the Jury committee is a key pillar in reinforcing neutrality and transparency within the award’s governance framework. She emphasised that the award reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision of building an inclusive community that empowers People of Determination and recognises policies and practices that create a tangible positive impact on their quality of life and enhance their active participation across all areas of life, thereby strengthening the values of equity, equality, and equal opportunity. She added that Abu Dhabi continues to cement its position as a leading regional and global model for inclusion and empowerment by developing a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable system.
Dr Layla added that the “Damj” Award aligns with Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to promoting justice and fostering a societal culture based on respect, acceptance, and appreciation of everyone’s abilities. She explained that through the award, DCD aims to encourage entities and organizations to adopt inclusive and sustainable practices that translate Abu Dhabi’s commitment to empowering People of Determination and providing them with equal and meaningful opportunities to participate in community development.
The committee includes a distinguished group of experts and specialists from within the UAE and abroad, with extensive experience in inclusive policies, service quality, social innovation, excellence and awards systems, impact assessment, evidence-based solutions, and leadership of inclusive community initiatives. The committee is chaired by Dr Ola Abu Al-Ghaith, Director of United Nation Global Disability Fund (UN GDF). It includes members, His Excellency Abdullah Al Humaidan, Dr Iman Gad, Mr Musabbah Saeed Al Neyadi, Mr Mike Adams, and Ms Hanan Al Hashimi, with Mr Talal Al Gailani serving as Committee Rapporteur.
This composition reflects the diversity of expertise and fields, ensuring a professional and impartial evaluation focused on the real impact of nominated applications and their contribution to advancing inclusion and empowering People of Determination at both institutional and community levels.
The committee will review the final list of shortlisted nominees and the related reports submitted by the Steering Committee, reach consensus on the winning entries, and ensure that winners are selected based on fair, consensus-driven criteria. The committee will also determine winners across all categories and submit the final results, including the full list of award recipients, to the Board of Trustees.