Dubai rewards “anonymous soldiers” and government departments

Winners included several government entities and individual employees, including the “Anonymous Soldiers” category. The awards ceremony, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, was followed by an iftar for the winners, officials and guests.

The winners were selected after a comprehensive performance evaluation process that evaluated 30 government entities in Dubai across 12 institutional categories and eight functional categories based on which they were conferred with the Dubai Medals of Excellence. The awards underline Dubai’s strong belief in fostering excellence and innovation within the government sector, thereby amplifying its global stature as an example of progressive governance.

Khalifa Al Shaiba, a 25-year-old electromechanical engineer at Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, who won the Youth Employee Award, said the country’s youth play an important role. “The United Arab Emirates gives us many opportunities and we must take advantage of them to work for our country. “This is a great honor and it is just the beginning for me.”

He added that it was a proud moment for his mother and two sisters, especially that his twin sister was present. “Shaikha is my twin and she works at DWTC.”

Majed Saeed Al Kaabi, a first lieutenant who works at Dubai Police’s Customer Happiness Center, said the award reflects the UAE’s efforts to empower people. “This is one of the most prestigious government awards and I am very happy and proud to be the winner,” said Al Kaabi, accompanied by his mother and other family members.

Indian expatriate Fakir Hassan, a clerk in the Department of Finance, was among the “Anonymous Soldiers” who were honored. “I have lived in Dubai for 16 years and do the same job. My happiness today knows no limits. There are more than 200 people from my town who live here. I don’t think any of them were lucky enough to see Sheikh Mohammed in person. I am happy to have received this honor from him. Whatever benefit I get from this, I will first use it to perform Umrah and also support those in need.”

Another winner, Samira Ibrahim Ali Mohammad, receptionist at Dubai Culture, said: “While working at Al Shindagha Museum, I went beyond my duties and created a Happiness Team and organized many activities for colleagues. I have been blessed with five children, including one with Down syndrome. “I am proud of today’s recognition and I want my children to be proud of me and be inspired.”