The Ministry of Social Development and Family (MSDF) today officially announced the details of the "Rawda Award for Excellence in Social Work." The announcement was made during a formal press conference held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the Ministry’s headquarters, attended by national leaders, government representatives, civil society organizations, media professionals, and social influencers.

The Rawda Award is the first official Qatari national award dedicated to honoring individuals, families, and institutions that have contributed qualitative, innovative, and sustainable initiatives to Qatari society. Led by MSDF, the award embodies the values of giving, social responsibility, and active citizenship that define the State of Qatar.

Leadership and Governance

Mr. Abdulaziz Ibrahim Al-Ishaq, CEO of the Award, explained that the initiative aims to build a culture of excellence in social work based on appreciation and motivation, supported by a rigorous evaluation system that ensures transparency and credibility.

He further announced that Her Excellency Buthaina bint Ali Al Jabr Al Nuaimi, Minister of MSDF, has issued a ministerial decision appointing the Vice Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees for the Rawda Award. This follows Amiri Decree No. (16) of 2025 regarding the award's establishment.

The Board of Trustees includes:

• Vice Chairman: Mr. Khalifa Issa Al-Kubaissi.
• Government Representatives:
  • MSDF: Mr. Nasser Abdulaziz Al-Mughaisib.
  • Ministry of Culture: Ms. Najla Faisal Al Thani.
  • Ministry of Sports and Youth: Mr. Fawaz Abdullah Al-Musaifiri.
  • Ministry of Education and Higher Education: Ms. Maryam Abdullah Al-Muhannadi.
  • General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers: Ms. Najla Majid Al-Khulaifi.
  • Government Communications Office (GCO): Mr. Saud Ahmed Al-Buainain.
  • State Audit Bureau: Ms. Rana Madi Al-Hajri.
  • Administrative Control and Transparency Authority: Ms. Alanoud Ali Al Thani.
• Independent Experts: Dr. Sharifa Noaman Al-Emadi, Mr. Abdulaziz Ibrahim Al-Ishaq, and Mr. Fahad Mohammed Al-Attiyah.

Award Categories and Value

The award features five main categories:

1. Individuals
2. Families
3. Non-Profit Organizations
4. Private Sector
5. Media

The total annual prize pool is QAR 2.7 million, awarded to the most impactful and sustainable social initiatives.

Nomination Mechanism

The CEO detailed the approved nomination process, noting that a select group of specialized experts and entities in social work, community responsibility, and social media will be invited to nominate eligible candidates. These "Nomination Experts" will submit lists to the Board of Trustees accompanied by explanatory reports justifying the selections. The Board retains the right to request supporting documentation or reject nominations that do not meet the strict criteria.

Strategic Role of MSDF

MSDF plays a central role in launching and supervising the Rawda Award. The initiative aligns with the Ministry’s leadership in developing Qatar’s social work ecosystem and its commitment to Qatar National Vision 2030, particularly the pillars of Human and Social Development.

The Ministry’s oversight ensures:

• Policy Alignment: Transitioning society from "care to empowerment."
• Robust Governance: Supervising the Board of Trustees and executive, scientific, selection, media, and administrative sub-committees.
• Strategic Partnerships: Expanding the award’s impact through collaboration with the private sector and media to encourage sustainable social investment.

The conference concluded with a message of gratitude to all supporting partners, emphasizing that the "Rawda Award" will serve as a national platform to highlight Qatar’s leading role in sustainable development and community solidarity.