DUBAI, NOV. 20, 2000 (WAM)--Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finance and Industry, today gave away prizes and certificates to 10 winners of Dubai International Award for Best Practices, DIABP. Present at the ceremony were Paul Taylor, Head of the Urban Secretariat at the United Nations Centre for Human Settelments (UNCHS), Abdul Aziz Al Adasani, Secretary General of the Arab Towns Organisation, officials of the UN, international organisations, and members of the diplomatic corps in the country. Qasim Sultan, Director General of Dubai Municipality and Chairman of DIABP Board of Trustees, said that the award got a humanitarian touch to it for being the only one given to cities, governments, and NGOs, who are concerned with improving the living standard of the people. "This is evident from the increase of the number of nations coming forward to make their submissions of the award year after year," he said in an opening speech. He added that the number of sumbissions this year reached 740 from 115 countries compared to 470 submissions in the previous cycle. He said that the competition was tough and the international jury deserves applause for commendable job in selecting the 10 winners out of the 740. Some of the winners received the windtower of barjeel trophy. WAM/BG