The Department of Community Development (DCD) has announced the official opening of submissions for the Abu Dhabi Excellence Award for People of Determination Inclusion – Damj.
Submissions are open through the official award website from 1-30 September 2025: https://damj.gov.ae/
The award calls on government, private, and third-sector entities to submit outstanding initiatives that support the full inclusion of People of Determination across society.
Launched as a cornerstone of the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination, the Damj Award embodies the emirate’s enduring commitment to building a community where inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity drive institutional progress. Participants are encouraged to submit initiatives across three core pillars: Inclusive Services, Inclusive Employment, and Accessibility.
By spotlighting institutions that embed inclusive practices into their strategies and services, the award aims to promote innovation, foster long-term impact, and set new standards for inclusion across Abu Dhabi.
Her Excellency Dr Layla Al Hyas, Executive Director of the Family and Child Welfare Sector at the Department of Community Development, said: “The Damj Award is a powerful force for advancing a society that values potential over limitations. We strive to cultivate an institutional culture that recognises inclusion as a collective responsibility—one that requires clear vision, active collaboration, and genuine commitment to meaningful change. Through this award, we shine a spotlight on initiatives that move beyond partial solutions, championing empowerment to achieve lasting, comprehensive inclusion within policies and institutional practices.
“Through this award, we seek to foster a spirit of institutional innovation and highlight successful models that can be scaled and replicated across the emirate. We believe that recognition is not merely about achievement, but a means to inspire positive change and enhance cross-sector collaboration in building a more inclusive and equitable future for all members of society.”
To strengthen their applications, participating entities are encouraged to align their initiatives clearly with the award’s pillars and provide strong evidence of the impact, sustainability, and institutional integration. Submissions should reflect accessible practices and demonstrate how efforts can be scaled or sustained over time.
By participating, Damj Award offers organisations the chance to enhance their reputation, demonstrate commitment to inclusion, and align with Abu Dhabi’s vision for a more accessible society. The award opens doors to recognition, collaboration, and long-term impact across sectors.
Entities are encouraged to participate and take this opportunity to showcase their role in building a more inclusive Abu Dhabi.
