Abu Dhabi recently hosted its inaugural Damj Awards, an event dedicated to honoring organizations that have successfully integrated People of Determination into the fabric of daily life. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ceremony highlighted tangible improvements across the emirate, ranging from automated office entrances and accessible campus navigation to real-time transport tracking for students. These initiatives represent a shift toward systemic change, as officials noted that the emirate’s inclusion strategy has already driven a 12.5 per cent boost in the quality of life for these individuals and their families since 2020.

The awards recognized diverse leaders across the public and private sectors, including Adnoc Group, e&, and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, for embedding inclusivity into their long-term operational policies. During the event, the Department of Community Development also launched the "Damj Coin," a special initiative designed to fund future projects that support the community. With over 300 applications assessed for this first cycle, the focus remained on measurable impact and structural transformation. Looking ahead, the next edition of the awards in 2027 plans to scale up nationwide, with a specific interest in leveraging artificial intelligence and assistive technologies to further remove barriers for People of Determination.