The opening of nominations for the Isa Award for Service to Humanity 2023/24 has been announced by Ali Abdullah Khalifa, Secretary General of the award.

Launched in 2009 in memory of the late Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the award reflects the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s commitment to support humanitarian work. The award honours individuals and organisations that provide exceptional services to humanity.

Secretary General Khalifa pointed out that Isa is the first Arab award which globally recognises initiatives that serve humanity, adding that it enjoys international momentum and acclaim. He stated that Bahrain has become a major supporter of pioneering global initiatives towards the service of humanity by establishing the award.

“We honour individuals who provide outstanding services to humanity regardless of ethnicity, religion, geography or nationality,” he said, adding, “Anyone who seeks to serve humanity and alleviate the suffering of the needy wherever they are, is encouraged to apply.”

Individuals, organisations, research centres and pioneers who fund humanitarian projects from anywhere in the world can nominate themselves for the award. Their humanitarian work must benefit a large number of people without discrimination and be non-political and non-profitable. The award committee conducts field studies to identify other eligible humanitarian projects too.

Isa award is granted every two years in several fields, including disaster response and relief, education, community service; promotion of dialogue among civilisations, promotion of human tolerance, promotion of social peace, urban development, climate change and environment protection, scientific achievement, and alleviation of poverty and destitution.

Earlier this year, ophthalmologist Dr Sanduk Ruit was honoured as the fifth recipient of the award in a royal ceremony at the Isa Cultural Centre, Manama, Bahrain. The award committee recognised Dr Ruit’s immense contribution to humanity through his work on blindness prevention.

According to the award committee, a jury of experts from around the world will judge the nominees’ work. The winner will be presented with a royal certificate of appreciation, a medal made of pure gold, and $1 million at a ceremony in Bahrain in June 2025.

Nominations for the sixth edition of the award will close at the end of January 2024.