FAQ - DCD Awards

Who can I contact for more information?
You can send an email to the award team at damj@addcd.gov.ae for assistance.
How can I stay updated on the award news?
You can follow the news and updates of the award on the award's web page within the website of the Department of Community Development www.addcd.gov.ae, and on the social media platforms of the Abu Dhabi Media Office and the Department of Community Development.
Who is responsible for the Abu Dhabi Excellence Award for People of Determination Inclusion?
The entity responsible for the award is the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi.

What are the services that can apply to the “Inclusive Services Pillar” awards?
You can participate in any of the services within the following five areas:

Best Inclusive Health Service, dedicated to the private sector.

Best Inclusive Education Service – Government Sector.

Best Inclusive Education Service – Private Sector.

Best Inclusive Tourism/Entertainment Service, dedicated to the private sector.

Best Inclusive Transport and Mobility Service, where the three sectors (government, private, and third) compete.

Best Inclusive Service in the Third Sector, exclusively for the third sector.
Are there specific requirements related to the size or type of the applying entity?
No, there are no requirements related to the size or type of the applying entity.
Can we apply for more than one category of the award?
Yes, you can apply for up to two categories, as long as each category belongs to a different award pillar. Please note that applying for two categories within the same pillar is not allowed.
What is meant by the category of Inclusive Services?
The "Inclusive Services Pillar" recognize the entities that provide innovative inclusive services which enhance the quality of life for people of determination across various industries. It includes six awards targeting the government sector, private sector, and third sector.
What is meant by the category of Accessibility?
The "Inclusive Environment Pillar" recognizes the best entity that provide comprehensive accessibility to facilities, services, and information for POD in Abu Dhabi, It includes two awards, one for the government sector and the other for the private sector.
What is meant by the pillar of Inclusive Employment?
The "Inclusive Employment Pillar" recognizes the best entity in providing inclusive employment in Abu Dhabi and creating an accessible work environment that meets the requirements of people of determination and provides them with equal opportunities as other employees. It includes two awards, one for the government sector and the other for the private sector.
What are the award categories/pillars?
The award includes three categories/pillars: Inclusive Services, Accessibility, Inclusive Employment

Are there any references that we can use to help us meet the award criteria?
The award offers numerous international and local references on the award webpage on the Department of Community Development website, www.addcd.gov.ae, which entities can utilize when applying the requirements for the award categories.
Are there specific criteria that must be met for each of the three categories of awards: Inclusive Employment, Accessibility, Inclusive Services?
Each pillar has specific criteria that you can find in detail by visiting the Award's webpage on the Department of Community Development website www.addcd.gov.ae
What is meant by free and informed consent?
You can find the official definition by visiting the award's webpage on the Department of Community Development website www.addcd.gov.ae
What is meant by reasonable accommodation?
You can find the official definition by visiting the award's webpage on the Department of Community Development website www.addcd.gov.ae
What do we mean by accessibility?
You can find the official definition by visiting the award's webpage on the Department of Community Development website www.addcd.gov.ae
In the pillar of Inclusive Employment, does employment refer only to people of determination who face physical disabilities, or does it include all other types of disabilities?
The category covers the employment of people of determination with all types of disabilities.
Who are the people of determination?
You can find the official definition by visiting the award's webpage on the Department of Community Development website www.addcd.gov.ae

Are there any requirements for participating in the Accessibility awards?
Yes, All participations are subject to an eligibility study, excluding those who do not meet the requirements. These requirements can be summarized as follows:

The entity must be operating within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The entity must have been established for a minimum of two years within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

A valid commercial license is required for private sector entities operating in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Are there any requirements for participating in the Inclusive Services awards?
Yes, all participations are subject to an eligibility study, excluding those who do not meet the requirements. These requirements can be summarized as follows:

The entity must be operating within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The entity must have been established for a minimum of two years within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

A valid commercial license is required for private sector entities operating in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The service participating in the award must be delivered within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

If the service is health-related, it must not include specialized medical rehabilitation services for people of determination.

If the service is educational, the educational institution (school, nursery, etc.) must have a minimum grade of "Good" in the following standards mentioned in the school inspection framework (4.2, 5.2).
Are there any requirements for participating in the Inclusive Employment awards?
Yes, All participations are subject to an eligibility study, excluding those who do not meet the requirements. These requirements can be summarized as follows:

The entity must be operating within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The entity must have been established for a minimum of two years within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

A valid commercial license is required for private sector entities operating in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The government entity must employ at least 2% of people of determination from its total number of employees.
Who are the entities that can apply to participate in the Best Inclusive Health Service award?
Entities from the private sector operating in Abu Dhabi can participate in this award and nominate one of their services provided in:

Private hospitals

Private medical centers

Entities that provide specialized medical rehabilitation services for people of determination are excluded.
Who are the entities that can apply to participate in the Best Inclusive Tourism/Entertainment Service award?
Any private sector entity operating in Abu Dhabi and involved in the tourism or entertainment sector may nominate one of its services provided in the following areas to participate in this award:

Parks and recreational parks.

Tourist attractions.

Events and festivals.

Museums and art exhibitions.

Tourist trips and travel.

. Cultural events and parties.

Nature and adventure trips.

Cultural and religious festivals.

Cinemas, malls, and theatres.

Entertainment cities, restaurants, and coffee shops.
Will there be technical support available if we encounter any technical difficulties during the application process?
Yes, the award team provides technical support when there are technical obstacles, where you can contact us via email damj@addce.gov.ae to help in solving their problems.
Who are the entities that can apply to participate in the Best Inclusive Education Service award?
Any school, nursery, university, or educational institutions operating in Abu Dhabi from the government or private sector can submit one of its services to participate in this award.
Will all submitted applications participate in the award?
All submitted applications will be verified for compliance with the award eligibility requirements announced on the award's website. If they meet the requirements, they will proceed to the award assessment stages.
Can individuals apply for the award?
No, the award is not open for individuals for this cycle.
When does the application period begin, when can we apply for the award?
The application will open at the beginning of July and close on 31 of August.
How can I apply?
Applications are submitted through the official electronic assessment portal that will be announced soon, within the award website
Are there application fees?
No, the application is completely free.
If the entity is semi-governmental, should it apply as a private or governmental entity for the award categories?
Semi-governmental entities are considered private sector entities and can apply for the categories specified for them.
How to participate in the award?
Entities can submit a "nomination application" through the award's assessment platform in the award website, and the eligibility of this nomination will be studied based on the announced eligibility criteria. Applications that do not meet the conditions will be excluded and the eligible entities will be notified.

How are applications assessed?
Applications are assessed through a multi-stage assessment process, which begins with an initial online assessment of the applications (desktop assessment). Followed by a site visit assessment for the Entities that successfully pass the initial stage.

Does the award provide feedback or comments to participating entities?
Yes, all entities that progress the second assessment stage and undergo the site visit assessment will receive a comprehensive feedback report that highlights strengths and areas for improvement.
If I do not win, can I reapply in the upcoming award cycles?
Yes, entities that did not win in the current cycle can reapply in the upcoming award cycles under conditions for reapplication
Are there financial awards for the winning entities?
Financial incentives are limited to winners from the third sector only.
What do the winning entities receive?
The senior leadership of the winners will be honored with a trophy at the award ceremony, while the winners from the third sector will additionally receive a financial incentive.
How and when will the winners be announced?
The official announcement of the award winners will take place during the award ceremony in January 2026. The ceremony will be broadcast, and the names of the winners will be published later on social media.