H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, honoured 34 winners of the 5th Minister of Foreign Affairs Excellence Award, during a ceremony held on Tuesday evening at the ministry's headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

The ceremony was attended by Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State; Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State; Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State; Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs; along with several officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), as well as representatives of foreign missions accredited to the UAE

Eighteen accredited foreign missions and nine departments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were awarded the main category of the prize. Additionally, seven ministry employees received medals for their significant contributions to advancing the ministry's vision and objectives, fostering innovation, adaptability, and forward-thinking, and instilling a sense of initiative and accountability.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Abdullah said, "Institutional excellence is not just a goal we seek to achieve, but rather a sustainable strategic approach that reflects our vision to build a bright future based on efficiency and creativity. This embodies the UAE's vision of achieving the highest standards of excellence and innovation in all areas of government and diplomatic work."

His Highness congratulated all the winners, praising their pioneering initiatives, creative ideas, and commitment to excellence and innovation in their work. He also valued the efforts of the award's jury members.

In 2014, the first edition of the Award was launched as the first excellence award to be internally applied in ministries at both federal and regional levels. The award is considered a driving force for developing the institutional and functional performance of MoFA. It enables the ministry to provide excellent services to all its customers and beneficiaries.

The award winners will participate in the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Government Excellence Award as part of the Sheikh Khalifa Government Excellence Programme.