ABU DHABI // Men and woman who have helped to put the UAE on the world map have been honoured by Sheikh Khalifa, who yesterday announced the winners of the second President Merit Award.
The President honoured Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and the Ruler of Dubai, for distinguished development initiatives and community service. He received The Zayed Order.
The Ruler of Sharjah, Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, also received The Zayed Order, in recognition of his role in the fields of culture and art.
During the ceremony at Diyafa Palace in Mushrif, Sheikh Mohammed presented the President with two pens used to sign the declaration of the Union in 1971.
Other winners included Hamad Suhail Al Khaili and Judge Ibrahim Mohammed Boumelha (for charity work), Dr Jamila Al Suwaidi (science) and Abdulla Sultan Al Aryani (sports).
Mr Al Aryani won the UAE’s first Paralympic Games gold medal in London this year, in the mixed R6-50m Rifle Prone-SH1 category.
The only female nominee, Dr Al Suwaidi, is a consultant medical physicist and director of clinical support affairs at Dubai Health Authority.
Posthumous winners of the award for supporting the value of giving included Sheikh Majran bin Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Kindi Al Marar and Masbah bin Ali Al Kindi Boumelha Al Marar.
Sheikh Khalifa said the winners underscored the achievements made by the UAE and the values of the country.
“It is our duty to appreciate the deeds of those who exert utmost efforts for this dear country,” he said, according to the state news agency Wam.
Sheikh Mohammed thanked Sheikh Khalifa for the honour, describing it as a “kind gesture from the leader of the union, whose spirits galvanise Emiratis”.
He pledged to continue his work to sustain the prosperity of the UAE.
Dr Sheikh Sultan said the honour was "a fresh mandate to continue the path outlined by the wise leadership, and the same course chalked out by the founder and builder of the renaissance of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed, so that the UAE remains the model of cohesion and sense of national belonging".
