This initiative aims to promote in the Emirati society the concept of honouring, establish in the people of the UAE a love of the number 1 position, and promote their passion to discover new areas hitherto not ventured by any one else. The initiative also sheds light on the first pioneers of the UAE who have served faithfully since the founding of the UAE to strengthen the Union and raise the nation's flag at all levels.
Yes, this initiative is an annual event that will be organised as part of the UAE National Day celebrations.
All UAE citizens can nominate themselves or other people who are pioneers in various fields such as education, health, economy, military, sports, innovations and inventions, and initiatives of excellence in all levels in the UAE.
The public can nominate through the website (uaepioneers.gov.ae) by following the instructions.
The UAE Pioneers will be given special medals by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The 'UAE Pioneers' initiative was launched in November 2014, and announced through Tweets posted on the official social media accounts of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The hashtag #uae_pioneers recorded huge interaction from followers, and nominations were received from all segments of the society, including people who contributed their efforts and innovations to the service of the country in various fields. After two weeks of launching the initiative, the nominations reached more than 137,000.
The Organising Committee of the 'UAE Pioneers' initiative sorts the names and nominations and shortlists them after reviewing them with the government authorities concerned.
The list of the UAE Pioneers for 2014 is available here