Doha: The inaugural edition of the Rawda Award for Excellence in Social Work, held under the patronage of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, has marked a significant milestone in promoting social development within Qatar. The ceremony, which honored 11 winners for their innovative community initiatives, spanned various categories, including individuals, families, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
According to Qatar News Agency, Al-Watan newspaper highlighted that the award, named after Sheikha Rawda, reflects the longstanding history of social work in Qatari society and aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030. The Editor-in-Chief of Al-Watan, in an editorial titled "The Rawda Brothers: A Journey of Glory and Giving," emphasized the importance of transitioning from individual efforts to organized institutional work to manage social work effectively. The first edition of the Rawda Award signifies this transition, aiming to promote a culture of social work through structured recognition and competition.
In 2025, an Amiri Decision No. 16 established the Rawda Award for Excellence in Social Work, intending to encourage societal values and motivate private sector participation in community initiatives. Al-Watan noted HH the Amir's pride in launching the award, paying homage to Sheikha Rawda's noble social legacy and congratulating the winners on their contributions to social development in line with Qatar's national vision.
Al-Arab newspaper, in its editorial titled "Supporting the Social Work System," underscored the significance of HH the Amir's patronage in enhancing community participation. The award is seen as the first official national initiative dedicated to honoring contributions to Qatari society within an institutional framework led by the Ministry of Social Development and Family. The paper praised the ministry's role in fully overseeing the award and enhancing community engagement in Qatar.
The Peninsula added in its editorial "Redefining Social Work" that the Rawda Award represents more than a ceremonial event; it signifies a deeper shift towards institutionalizing compassion in Qatar. The editorial highlighted the award's role in promoting a culture of excellence and social responsibility, with HH the Amir's patronage sending a clear message about the centrality of social impact to national progress. The legacy of Sheikha Rawda ties modern initiatives to historical roots, reinforcing social responsibility as a core aspect of Qatari identity.