Dubai UAE: Marking the Innovation Week, and in line with the UAE’s leaders’ vision, the Dubai Quality Group has launched the Medical Excellence MENA Award and the Artificial
Intelligence MENA Award, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum,
President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group.

The awards aim to promote a culture of innovation and business excellence across all sectors, focusing on the healthcare and technology. They also catalyze both government and private organizations to adopt the most effective artificial intelligence practices, thereby
enhancing their overall performance while maintaining resilience and sustainability.
The launch was announced during a press conference in the presence of Sheikha Dr. Alia Al Qasimi, the Head of the Medical Excellence Subgroup, Dr. Ahmed Al
Zarouni, the Head of the Artificial Intelligence Subgroup, Dr. Rami Shaheen, the Secretary General of the Artificial Intelligence Award, Dr. Adel Sajwani, the
Head of Jury, and Mrs. Samira Mohammed, the Managing Director of Dubai Quality Group.

The press conference was inaugurated by Mrs. Samira Mohammed, Managing Director of the Dubai Quality Group, stated that “the new awards are the latest addition to Dubai Quality Group Awards, aiming at improving the competitiveness of the Government & private sectors, in line with the vision and the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
President of the UAE, and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. DQG worked relentlessly, since its inception in 1994, to develop and promote quality and business excellence practices in the
private and government sectors within UAE, and the region.”

Ms. Samira has proudly announced the launch of
new awards, will be added to the DQG’s qualitative
awards, which include the UAE Innovation Award,
the Emirates Women Award, the Ideas Arabia
International Award, the Global Continuous
Improvement Award, and the UAE Ideas Award, all
DQG’s awards align with the UAE’s vision and strategy
for innovation. These awards aim to enhance innovation
the main key for sustainable development in the UAE.
The ultimate goal is to strengthen the UAE’s
competitive position among the most innovative
countries in the world and establish its position as a

global hub for innovation in the Global Innovation
Index.
The two-awards target government and private sector
entities in various sectors such as Healthcare and
Wellbeing, Education & Learning, Technology &
Communication, Transport, Social & Community
Development, Retail & Consumer Goods, Financial
Services, Heritage, Art & Culture, Sports & Recreation,
Real Estate & Construction, Manufacturing, Tourism &
Hospitality, and Professional Services.” Added by
Samira Mohamed the MD.
“The winners will be classified into categories of
platinum, gold, silver, and bronze, according to the
points achieved, and the results of site visits along with
the desktop assessment. DQG is always keen to provide
all its capabilities and expertise to ensure the
transparency of the assessment, relying on approved
assessment methods in accordance with international
standards.” Added by Samira Mohamed.
Sheikha Dr. Alia Al Qasimi, the head of the Medical
Excellence Subgroup, stated “that she believes the
Medical Excellence Award will revolutionize the
healthcare sector. The award’s standards offer a
comprehensive framework that links quality, safety,
health promotion, disease prevention, and competition.

This approach will attract investments and foster
growth and innovation in healthcare. She is confident
that the award will support both government and private
sector companies by promoting a culture of innovation
and excellence, leading to sustainable development.”
Dr. Adel Sajwani, the Head of the Jury, has stated
that the Medical Excellence Award framework and
criteria align with international standards and guidelines
for hospitals and clinics. The award model has been
designed in a simplified manner for ease of adaptation
and compatibility with participants. The award aims to
recognize best practices in patient safety and promote a
culture of happiness in the healthcare sector. We will
accept the submissions from March 2024, and
participants will have 3 months to prepare and meet the
award criteria. The assessment will take place in May
2024, followed by desk assessment and site visits to
qualified companies. The winners will be announced
and honoured by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al
Maktoum at the DQG’s annual awards ceremony in
November 2024.
Mr. Ahmed Al Zarouni, head of the Artificial
Intelligence Sub-Group, has emphasized that
“artificial intelligence, innovation, and business
excellence have become essential conditions for
companies to sustain their operations across all sectors,

improve their services and products, and stay ahead of
new transformations and variables in the labour market.
He urged government and private sector companies in
the UAE, and MENA region to participate in the
Award. This initiative will have a positive impact on
participants’ work environments by spreading
excellence & innovative concepts and practices. It
adopts a framework and standards for innovation and
involves work teams, projects to excel in this field.
Also, the applicants can develop a roadmap that enables
them to move confidently towards implementing
innovation and deepening the confidence of customers
dealing with their services.”
At the end of the conference, Dr. Rami Shaheen,
Secretary General of the Artificial Intelligence
Subgroup, stated that the goal of launching the
Artificial Intelligence Award is to recognize
government and private entities in the UAE, and
MENA, that provide their services through AI-
supported solutions. The award aims to measure the
level of AI maturity in these organizations and highlight
their achievements in the field of artificial intelligence.