The UAE has officially launched the 2026 evaluation cycle for the Mohammed Bin Rashid Award for Governmental Excellence, an initiative that reflects the nation’s commitment to delivering exceptional governmental performance. This prestigious award aims to establish a framework for achieving global excellence in governance, emphasizing future readiness and integration across various governmental sectors. The new assessment period is designed to create a holistic approach grounded in a comprehensive model of governmental management, informed by inclusive and integrated evaluation principles.
A Comprehensive Assessment Framework
The latest cycle introduces a robust evaluation model centered around the “Proactive Performance System” initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in the previous year. This system focuses on the integration of governmental bodies, transitioning from an individual agency performance perspective to a comprehensive governmental excellence framework. Key elements include leveraging artificial intelligence, fostering innovation, and ensuring institutional readiness for future challenges.
This year’s evaluation will also recognize new institutional categories, such as the awards for the best application of artificial intelligence and the best agency in proactive future readiness.
New Categories and Recognition
Notably, two new categories have been introduced under the Prime Minister’s Awards: Best CEO in Artificial Intelligence and Best Employee in Future Readiness. Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, emphasized that Sheikh Mohammed’s vision has transformed excellence into a defining trait in the UAE’s governmental approach, inspiring numerous governments worldwide to adopt similar models for innovating and developing public administration.
Since its inception in 2009, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Award for Governmental Excellence has reinforced the importance of serving humanity and the community as the foundation of governmental work. Al Gergawi stated that the upcoming phase of excellence will necessitate enhanced efforts and collaboration among government entities to develop impactful ideas and innovations that can significantly benefit society.
Future-Oriented Government Strategies
The UAE government is increasingly focused on future readiness initiatives and the extensive integration of artificial intelligence into its operations. This shift involves moving away from evaluating entities in isolation to assessing their cumulative impact and transitioning toward a cohesive sectoral performance model aligned with national policies and strategies. The primary objective remains clear: to elevate performance standards and foster a culture of institutional excellence throughout government sectors.
The new assessment framework not only serves to enhance governmental excellence but also contributes to achieving Vision 2031 by promoting full integration from institutional to sectoral performance. It emphasizes connecting evaluation outcomes with central systemic frameworks within the federal government, allocating 80% of the evaluation weight to measure actual outcomes and impacts.
Highlighting Key Features of the Award
This year’s edition of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Award for Governmental Excellence features 29 awards distributed among several primary categories. These include the leading federal entity, the pioneering sustainability in excellence entity, and the most improved performance entity. Additionally, seven sub-categories recognize contributions to state leadership, adopting innovative solutions, and partnerships aimed at achieving national competitiveness.
The awards also encompass 16 categories under the Prime Minister’s Honors, recognizing outstanding individuals in various fields, including diplomacy, education, and health. This extensive range of awards reflects the UAE’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence across all sectors of public service.
By integrating existing central systems and ensuring high transparency and objectivity, the modified assessment approach enhances the UAE’s capabilities in evaluating government performance effectively. The ongoing commitment to a 360-degree evaluation model, focusing on outcomes from the perspectives of the government, society, customers, and employees, encapsulates a holistic progress toward achieving government excellence and establishing a model for others to follow.