Lead:
The annual Mohamed bin Rashid Government Excellence Award ceremony recognised winning entities across federal and local government categories on November 13, 2026. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, presided over the awards honouring institutional achievement in performance improvement and excellence sustainability. The event also conferred ceremonial recognition on Sheikh Surour bin Mohamed Al Nahyan for his contributions to UAE state-building and national service.
Details:
The Ministry of Finance secured the top federal honour as Leading Federal Entity in Excellence Sustainability, according to reporting from Al Khaleej. State Minister for Financial Affairs Mohamed Al Husseini stated the award validates the ministry's integrated strategic approach to institutional development and reinforces innovation and flexibility across federal financial sectors.
The Ministry of Education and Human Development also received recognition as Best Performing Federal Entity, with Education Minister Sarah Al Amiri emphasising the award as motivation to sustain tangible service improvements affecting community quality of life. Two school administrators under that portfolio—Maimounah Al Johari from Al Barsha Educational Complex in Dubai and Iman Al Khouri from Al Riyada School in Abu Dhabi—received Prime Minister's medals for school leadership and teaching excellence respectively.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship and Customs also won two awards, with agency director Muhammed Al Marri confirming results reflected collective team effort across the year. Sharjah Police Command secured two international prizes from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, including research leadership recognition and an under-40 leadership honour for Captain Mohamed Ahmed Abdullah Al Naqbi, validating the force's integration of scientific research and innovation in security development.
Watch For:
First, the timing of institutional awards cycles relative to government restructuring or policy reforms—watch whether next year's winners indicate shifts in priority sectors. Second, the scale of performance metrics used by judging panels and whether measurement methodologies shift to reflect new UAE strategic goals in AI adoption or climate adaptation. Third, whether award ceremonies prompt budget reallocation or staffing changes within winning entities, signalling long-term commitment to recognised programmes.