In keeping with the initiative launched by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the annual ceremony to honour sports personalities and outstanding athletes for 2011 was held here this evening. It was attended by H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Under the initiative, 505 athletes received cash awards totaling AED 23.1 million in recognition of their achievements in the fields of sports.

Present were H.H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the President’s Advisor, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation & Head of the UAE Olympic Committee, H.H. Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Foundation, Sheikh Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, President’s Advisor and Chairman of the UAE Camel Racing Association, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Public Works, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Bowling Association, Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, Sheikhs, senior officials and heads of sports associations.

Among the honoured wereH.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak who was recognised for her contribution to the development of women sports in the UAE.

Also honoured were H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, H.H. Sheikha Maitha bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.H. Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan was also honoured for his contributions.