His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized that generosity, giving, and dedication to serving the nation are noble values deeply ingrained in the hearts of the people of the UAE. These qualities are evident in their contributions, reflecting their strong sense of belonging to their country and their commitment to ensuring the welfare of everyone living on its soil. This statement was made during the honoring of the winners of the "Dubai Appreciation Award for Community Service," in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, and Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, along with His Excellency Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai, and Chairman of the Award's Board of Trustees, today (Tuesday) at Expo 2020 Dubai.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the efforts and contributions of all those honored by this award, considering them as inspiring examples of belonging and giving in service to the community, as well as their participation in meeting the needs of its individuals. He emphasized the importance of contributing to the advancement of society, acknowledging the significant positive impact of giving in reinforcing social cohesion and affirming values of solidarity and mutual support, which empower community members and provide them with equal opportunities to cross into the desired future.
The honoring ceremony commenced with a speech by His Excellency Retired Major General Mohammed Saeed Al Merri, Secretary-General of the Dubai Police Community Advisory Council, who stated that the honor bestowed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum upon a group of pioneers in charitable and service work in Dubai represents a strong impetus for community work and a significant motivation for further generosity and giving, following the footsteps of dedicated national role models who selflessly served their country and community.
**Seven Honorees**
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum honored individuals with the "Community Service Medal," including Khalaf Al Habtoor, the late Saeed bin Ahmed bin Nasser Al Lutah (with his son Saleh Saeed Lutah accepting the award), and Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Ghurair (with his son Abdulaziz Al Ghurair accepting on his behalf). The honorees in the individual category also included Khalfan bin Lahij, who received the Community Service Medal, and Ahmed Mukhtar Ahmed Al Balushi, who was awarded the Community Service Medal. He also honored the "Community Service Shield" in the "Institutional Category" to "Index Holding," received by Dr. Abdulsalam Al Madani, the company's president, and "Al Ansari Exchange," with the award accepted by Mohammed Al Ansari, Chairman of the company.
Present at the honoring were His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group, His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and several ministers and directors of government departments in Dubai.
His Excellency Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Chairman of the Dubai Appreciation Award for Community Service, expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his support of the award and for honoring this session with the recognition of the winners, noting the significance of this kind gesture in highlighting the leadership's commitment to celebrating the efforts of Emirati figures who have consistently strived for a tangible role in community service. He also praised the contributions of all those honored today, as well as anyone who follows the same path of giving, affirming that they set an example for future generations on how to contribute to the advancement of society through projects, initiatives, programs, and services affecting numerous vital sectors such as education, healthcare, and social welfare, all while selflessly striving without any aspirations for personal gain.
It is worth mentioning that the "Dubai Appreciation Award for Community Service" was established in 2013 by a decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aiming to honor individuals and private companies and institutions that provide significant services to the community through programs, initiatives, and works that benefit its members across various key sectors, without seeking to achieve material profit from their efforts.
