Doha: The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) unveiled on Sunday the details of the Rawda Award for Excellence in Social Work.
According to Qatar News Agency, this announcement was made during a press conference attended by national leaders, representatives from public agencies, civil society institutions, and media professionals focused on social affairs. The Award is the first official national Qatari award dedicated to recognizing individuals, families, institutions, and key figures who have made significant contributions through innovative, sustainable initiatives benefiting the Qatari community.
The award operates within an MSDF-led institutional framework, embodying values such as magnanimity, social responsibility, and active citizenship in Qatar. As a national initiative, it aims to foster a culture of excellence in social work by recognizing, encouraging, and motivating participants through a transparent and credible evaluation system, as stated by CEO of the Award Abdulaziz Ibrahim Al Ishaq.
Al Ishaq noted that HE Minister of Social Development and Family Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi issued a ministerial decision appointing the Award’s vice-chair and members of the Board of Trustees, in line with Amiri Decision No. 16 of 2025. This decision designated Khalifa Essa Al Kubaisi as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees and appointed representatives from relevant government entities including Nasser Abdulaziz Al Mugaisib from MSDF, Najla Faisal Al-Thani from the Ministry of Culture, and others from various ministries and government offices.
Al Ishaq further explained the inclusion of independent members with expertise in the award’s programs, such as Dr. Sharifa Noaman Al Emadi, in an effort to enhance strategic direction and consolidate governance principles. This decision reflects the legal and institutional framework of the award, promoting institutional integration among national entities to ensure governance and oversight.
The award includes five main categories: individuals, families, non-profit organizations, the private sector, and media, with an annual prize pool of QAR 2.7 million. Al Ishaq detailed that the nomination process involves experts in social work, community initiatives, corporate social responsibility, and community media, who will nominate eligible candidates based on their professional insights.
The Board of Trustees will receive nomination lists with detailed reports and retains the authority to request supporting materials or reject nominations not meeting the criteria. Al Ishaq emphasized the award’s role as a national platform to honor generosity and build partnerships across sectors.
Following the conference, the award’s executive team will collaborate with nomination experts to submit candidates for the first cycle of 2025. Al Ishaq highlighted the award’s focus on responsible institutional practices, with partnerships with the private sector and media as crucial elements in its success. MSDF oversees the award’s vision, policies, and alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.
The Ministry’s role includes strengthening partnerships with government entities and promoting a culture of excellence and social responsibility. The Rawda Award forms part of the MSDF’s national initiatives, supporting institutional social work and empowering contributions to community development.
The event concluded with a reaffirmation of the Award’s role in building a national system that promotes excellence in social work, enhancing Qatar’s leadership in sustainable development and social solidarity.