Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences

Dubai, UAE, 6 October 2025:  Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences hosted a celebration today at the Dubai Officers Club in honor of World Teachers’ Day 2025, observed globally under the UNESCO-declared theme “Recasting teaching as a collaborative profession”. The event brought together a distinguished group of educators and educational leaders from across the UAE, reaffirming the central role of teachers as the cornerstone of human development and national progress—while advancing the Foundation’s mission to support education and honor the educators who shape future generations.

H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, inaugurated the event with a profound tribute to educators, underscoring their indispensable role in shaping minds, fostering hope, and guiding the journey of successive generations.

“Education is the highest form of giving—it nurtures intellect, illuminates pathways, and instills hope,” His Excellency stated, as he paid homage to the visionary leadership of the UAE’s founding fathers, foremost among them the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and their enduring commitment to the values of knowledge, scholarship, and the noble stature of the teaching profession.

His Excellency further noted: “From our founding leaders, we learned that education is not merely a mechanism for development, but a national imperative entrusted to those who shoulder the profound responsibility of elevating individuals and advancing society.”

In closing, H.E. Al Qatami reflected on the principles upon which the Foundation was established: “Today’s gathering stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum—may he rest in peace—whose pioneering initiatives laid the groundwork for empowering teachers and enhancing educational excellence. At the Hamdan Foundation, we hold steadfast to the belief that education is not simply a profession, but a noble mission to build nations and shape futures. You, our teachers, are the foundation of values, the pillars of progress, and the catalysts of innovation. Together, let us uphold the banner of gratitude and commitment to our educators, and affirm that no nation can prosper without the guiding hands of its teachers, and no civilization can flourish without a shared dedication to the mission of education.”

Dr. Amal Al Qahtani, Director of School Development and Support Department at the Ministry of Education, delivered a keynote address in which she expressed the Ministry’s deep appreciation for the teaching profession.

Dr. Amal emphasized the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to improving the educational environment and equipping teachers with the tools and support needed to fulfill their vital mission. “World Teachers’ Day is an annual occasion to renew our appreciation for this noble profession—one that crafts futures and uplifts society,” she said.

The event featured a special visual presentation honoring educators across disciplines. The video included powerful messages of gratitude, highlighted the deep impact teachers have on national development, and portrayed the emotional and humanistic side of teaching—showing that appreciation extends beyond formal recognition to genuine celebration of their invaluable contributions.

A digital conference titled “A Teacher Inspires… and Artificial Intelligence Contributes” was also held during the event. It explored the synergies between the educator’s mission and emerging AI technologies, shedding light on how AI tools can enrich teaching practices and help educators deliver more interactive, engaging, and effective learning experiences.

The day concluded with a professional training workshop titled “AI Strategies in Education”, led by Professor Fadi Al-Najjar, Director of the AI Laboratory at UAE University’s College of Information Technology. The workshop provided teachers with practical strategies for integrating AI in the classroom—from designing interactive activities to using data-driven assessment tools.

H.E Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Foundation, remarked: “This celebration reflects the Foundation’s deep-rooted commitment to education and to educators. Every educational milestone is a platform to build capacity and ensure the sustainability of learning.”

Dr. Khalifa noted that since its inception, the Foundation has placed teachers at the heart of its strategy to drive academic excellence and societal advancement. Through its role in the UNESCO International Task Force on Teachers, the Foundation actively supports global efforts to improve the status of teachers and closely monitors international reports to provide decision-makers with valuable insights for educational reform. He also highlighted the Hamdan–UNESCO Prize for Outstanding Practice and Performance in Enhancing the Effectiveness of Teachers, which honors exceptional teachers from various world regions and serves as a tool to elevate the teaching profession and highlight its crucial role in advancing educational quality.

The event was attended by members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, senior officials from the Ministry of Education, and representatives from key educational institutions.

Participation reached new heights, with eligible teams increasing by 70% compared to last year.

Dubai, UAE, September 28, 2025: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, has announced the commencement of the judging process for the eighth edition of the “Innovators 2025” competition, which continues its mission of fostering a culture of innovation and encouraging young people to transform their creative ideas into practical projects that benefit society and advance sustainability.

The judging sessions have begun with the participation of a distinguished panel of experts and specialists. This year’s competition has seen exceptional interest, with 160 teams registering in the preliminary stage, 80 of which met the participation criteria—representing a 70% increase compared to the previous edition. The pool of participants includes both university students and professionals, reflecting growing awareness of innovation as a national and societal value.

Commenting on the occasion, H.E. Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Hamdan Foundation of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, said: “The Innovators competition has become a well-established national platform for discovering talent and refining the creative abilities of young people. It represents a complete journey—from shaping an idea to developing it into a practical, applicable project. The rising numbers of participants year after year highlight the community’s confidence in the Foundation and its mission. We remain committed to providing all forms of support to young innovators, enabling them to play an active role in building the knowledge economy and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovation.”

The judging process comprises several stages designed to evaluate projects against rigorous criteria, including creativity, feasibility, and societal impact. This phase will culminate in the announcement of the teams advancing to the finals, leading up to the official awards ceremony to be held early next year, which will also feature an exhibition showcasing the most outstanding projects.

Through initiatives such as “Innovators 2025”, Hamdan Foundation continues its efforts to nurture creative minds and establish an educational environment that inspires innovation, reaffirming its commitment to empowering new generations to contribute to a more sustainable and innovative future.

Dubai, UAE, September 15, 2025: The World Giftedness Centre, affiliated with the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, has concluded its specialized digital workshop titled “Educating Twice-Exceptional Learners: Connecting Paradigms.” The workshop was organized as part of the Centre’s professional development program and attracted more than 200 educators, researchers, and specialists from around the world.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr Mariam Al Ghawi, Director of Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Giftedness and Innovation, said: “This workshop on twice-exceptional learners represents an important milestone within the World Giftedness Centre’s programs. We are committed to delivering high-quality academic and educational content grounded in the latest theories and practices for supporting students with exceptional abilities who also face learning challenges. This initiative reflects our dedication to building an inclusive educational ecosystem that enhances the quality of specialized services for this vital group, while also empowering educators to identify and engage with them effectively and professionally.”

The workshop was delivered by Dr. Claire E. Hughes, an international expert in twice-exceptional education, who presented the “Trellis and Blossom” educational model. This model integrates structural support with creative growth, emphasizing personalization and adaptive technologies. The workshop also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in creating inclusive learning environments that are responsive to the needs of twice-exceptional students.

Sessions focused on students who demonstrate advanced intellectual abilities and talents while also facing educational or behavioral challenges requiring precise interventions. These included multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and individualized learning pathways designed to enhance performance and remove psychological and cognitive barriers.

Participants discussed practical strategies for implementation across diverse educational settings. The workshop generated rich interaction, raising questions on inclusion policies, educational equity, ethics of adaptive assessment, and the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) that balance both strengths and challenges.

This workshop reflects the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to equip educators with the skills needed to support some of the most complex learner groups within educational systems, while providing professional learning opportunities aligned with international standards and research-based best practices in gifted and special education.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 12 September 2025:  Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences participated in the second edition of the Dubai Medical Research Forum (DMRF 2025), organized by Dubai Health Authority on September 12–13 at the Grand Hyatt Dubai. The event brought together leading researchers, healthcare executives, and policymakers from the UAE and abroad.

At its dedicated pavilion within the accompanying exhibition, the Foundation showcased key medical initiatives and community-focused research programs, with particular emphasis on its medical awards, studies, and scientific contributions. Dr. Salama Al Muhairi, Director of Medical Excellence at Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, also joined a panel discussion where she highlighted the Foundation’s efforts to promote excellence in medical education and research, underscoring initiatives designed to foster an innovative knowledge environment that enhances the quality of educational and healthcare services.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Salama Al Muhairi, Director of the Medical Excellence Department at Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, said: “This forum represents a vital strategic platform to showcase best practices, address shared challenges, and activate research partnerships among leading institutions regionally and internationally. At the Foundation, we believe that excellence in healthcare begins with a deep understanding of community needs and is realized through research that shapes flexible, world-class health policies. Our participation this year reaffirms our commitment to strengthening a culture of continuous learning and expanding collaboration with decision-makers, academics, and researchers in pursuit of a healthcare system that is more efficient, equitable, and innovative.”

The forum reflects growing momentum toward building a modern, integrated research ecosystem founded on ethical standards and smart regulations, aligned with the UAE’s vision to lead the healthcare sector regionally and globally. High-level discussions are expected to focus on patient-centered innovation, research governance, and stronger integration between healthcare institutions, universities, and scientific centers.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 8 September 2025:  Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have announced the opening of nominations for the 2025–2026 cycle of the UNESCO–Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development. The Prize, awarded every two years, recognizes innovative global practices that improve the quality of teaching and enhance teacher performance.

His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Hamdan Foundation, stated that the Prize continues to honor outstanding educators from across different regions of the world. He noted that the Prize has, over its previous cycles, successfully established itself as a global platform for the exchange of effective teaching practices and the promotion of educational innovation.

"Investing in teachers is an investment in the future, as they are the driving force behind the development of societies," Dr. Al Suwaidi said. "Past editions have shown that this Prize is not only a recognition of excellence, but also a catalyst for schools and educators to continuously develop teaching methods and design new solutions to global educational challenges. Through our partnership with UNESCO, we aim to build a growing international network of educators, experts, and institutions that advance the quality of education and reinforce its role in achieving sustainable development. At the Hamdan Foundation, we are committed to empowering teachers with the resources and skills they need to fulfill their mission effectively, ensuring a positive impact on future generations."

His Excellency further emphasized that the Prize reflects the UAE’s firm commitment to supporting education and teachers at the international level, underscoring that investing in teacher development is key to building more resilient and effective education systems. This, he said, is fully aligned with the Foundation’s vision of advancing educational excellence and highlighting the pivotal role of teachers in sustainable development.

Winners of the Prize are selected by an independent International Jury composed of five distinguished education experts appointed by the Director-General of UNESCO, with careful consideration to ensure representation across different global regions.

Hamdan Foundation and UNESCO called on educational and research institutions, as well as relevant governmental and non-governmental organizations, to submit nominations through the Prize’s online platform before the deadline of 31 October 2025 (midnight, Paris time).

The three laureates will be honored at an official ceremony to be held on World Teachers’ Day, 5 October 2026, at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

Established in 2008 with the generous support of the Hamdan Foundation, the UNESCO–Hamdan Prize contributes to UNESCO’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 4 on education, one of the organization’s global priorities. The Prize carries a total value of US$300,000, divided equally among the three winners, each of whom also receives an international certificate of recognition.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, September 13, 2025:  As part of its ongoing efforts, Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences announced the launch of the second phase of the evaluation process for the Local Awards. This phase includes conducting personal interviews with candidates across several award categories, scheduled for Saturday, September 13, at the Foundation’s headquarters, under the supervision of accredited judging panels and in line with a structured timetable.

Dr. Ali Al Kaabi, General Coordinator and Head of the Arbitration Committees, stated that this stage represents a pivotal step in the assessment process, as it enables the panels to directly engage with candidates and evaluate their achievements comprehensively. Dr. Al Kaabi stressed the committees’ commitment to applying the highest standards of accuracy and impartiality, ensuring credibility of the results and upholding the principle of equal opportunity. He also highlighted that, through such efforts, the Foundation continues to embed a culture of excellence and innovation within the educational community.

This phase covers 44 candidates for the Distinguished Student Award at the local level, in addition to two candidates for the Distinguished Undergraduate University Student Award, as well as four candidates competing for the Distinguished Educator Award at the local level. These interviews will be conducted according to comprehensive evaluation criteria that take into account academic merit, personal skills, and community contributions.

The Foundation explained that the evaluation process will continue throughout September, encompassing further personal interviews and field visits for other categories within both the local and Gulf awards. The final results will be announced in November, ahead of the official award ceremony.

This stage comes as part of the Foundation’s sustained efforts to foster an inspiring educational environment, recognize talent and distinction across various fields of education, and advance its mission of supporting and developing education at both the local and regional levels.