Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation Announces the Results of the 2025 Educational Award at the Local and Gulf Levels
•
The Educational Award across the local, Gulf, Arab,
and international levels recorded 512 submissions in 2025, of which 71 were
selected as winners.
•
At the local level, the award received 189
submissions, resulting in 41 winners.
•
At the GCC level, the award recorded 105 submissions
with 22 winners in the 2025 cycle
Dubai, UAE, 29 November 2025:
Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for
Medical and Educational Sciences announced the winners of its 2025 Educational
Award at the local and GCC levels. The award recorded 189 submissions at the
local level and 105 submissions at the GCC level, resulting in 41 winners
across the local categories and 22 winners across the Gulf categories.
According to the award data,
local-level participation was comparable to the previous cycle, with the number
of winners remaining stable at 41. At the GCC level, the 2025 cycle saw strong
engagement, with 105 submissions and 22 winners. Saudi Arabia led the Gulf
participation with 70 submissions and 10 winners, followed by Qatar with 21
submissions and 6 winners, and Bahrain with 11 submissions and 4 winners.
Kuwait participated with 3 submissions, producing 2 winners. These figures
underscore the strong presence of Gulf educational institutions and
professionals, and the growing competitiveness and quality of submissions
across the award categories.
His Excellency Humaid
Mohammed Al Qutami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al
Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, stated: “The
announcement of the 2025 Hamdan Educational Award winners crowns the
Foundation’s ongoing efforts to advance educational excellence, elevate the
quality of learning, and motivate outstanding talent within our educational
systems. These awards have played an important role in encouraging educators
and institutions to present their most innovative initiatives and practices.
With its scientific standing and rigorous standards, the Hamdan Award has
become a trusted and respected platform for identifying inspiring models and
recognizing exceptional efforts that contribute to improving education and
enhancing its ability to meet future needs.”
His Excellency Humaid
Mohammed Al Qutami added: “Over more than two decades, the award has helped
embed a culture of excellence within educational institutions and fostered a
professional community that views innovation as a gateway to the future. It has
supported the development of performance and empowered teachers, students, and
institutions in their continuous professional and knowledge growth. The
Foundation remains committed to advancing pioneering educational practices,
nurturing creativity, and strengthening the role of education as a fundamental driver
of development, progress, and societal prosperity.”
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees also extended his
congratulations to the winners, commending their distinguished achievements and
well-deserved recognition.
On this occasion, His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Saud bin
Abdulaziz Al-Moqbel, Director General of the Arab Bureau of Education for the
Gulf States, stated: “The announcement of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award
results reaffirms that investing in education is the most profound investment
in the future of individuals and nations, and that honoring excellence is a
tribute to the values upon which nations thrive. The announcement of the 2025
winners at the GCC level marks an important milestone in the region’s
educational development and reflects the founding vision of these awards in
recognizing outstanding talent, highlighting advanced educational practices,
and promoting quality and innovation within educational institutions.”
His Excellency Dr. Al-Moqbel added: “We at the Arab Bureau of
Education for the Gulf States are proud of the award’s pioneering role in
supporting educational advancement across the GCC, embedding a culture of
excellence, and fostering positive competitiveness that raises performance and
keeps pace with global scientific and technological change. This demonstrates
the creative potential within our educational institutions and their ability to
contribute to a more vibrant and forward-looking educational landscape.”
His Excellency Dr. Al-Moqbel continued: “While we congratulate the winners on this
well-deserved achievement, we also value our strategic partnership with Hamdan
Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, which
has significantly contributed to developing education at both the Gulf and Arab
levels, showcasing exemplary models of excellence and innovation. We reaffirm
our commitment to continued collaboration to strengthen educational excellence,
empower talent, and build future-ready learning environments capable of meeting
the aspirations of our nations and our students. This partnership remains a key
driver of progress and a vital contributor to advancing education in a rapidly
evolving world.”
It is noted that the ceremony honoring the local and GCC-level
winners will take place in April.
Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and ALECSO Announce Winners of Hamdan–ALECSO Award for Distinguished Educational Research and Hamdan–ALECSO Award for Digital Innovations in Education
Dubai, UAE, 28 November 2025:
Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for
Medical and Educational Sciences, in collaboration with the Arab League
Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), announced today
(Friday, 28 November 2025) the winners of the Hamdan–ALECSO Award for
Distinguished Educational Research and the Hamdan–ALECSO Award for Digital
Innovations in Education for the 2025 cycle. This year’s edition received 116
educational research submissions from 13 Arab countries and 77 digital
innovations from 11 countries, resulting in two winning research papers in the
Distinguished Educational Research category and three winning projects in the
Digital Innovations in Education category.
This year’s cycle stood out
for the breadth and quality of Arab participation, with submissions reflecting
a wide range of research interests and emerging trends in digital education.
Entries across the Distinguished Educational Research and Digital Innovations
in Education categories provided a clear picture of the region’s growing
scientific and innovative momentum, setting the stage for selecting the winning
projects in each category.
His Excellency Humaid
Mohammed Al Qutami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al
Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, stated: “The
announcement of Hamdan–ALECSO Award results marks an important milestone in
advancing educational research and innovation across the Arab world. It
reflects the Foundation’s commitment to enhancing the quality of education and
empowering educational systems with talent capable of driving positive change.
Over its successive cycles, the award has firmly established itself as a
leading platform for identifying distinguished researchers and innovators,
supporting studies that contribute to the development of educational policies,
improving learning practices, and guiding efforts toward future priorities.”
The 2025 Hamdan–ALECSO Award
for Distinguished Educational Research recorded strong regional participation,
with 116 educational research submissions from 13 Arab countries, reflecting
the diversity of research interests and the depth of educational issues across
the region. Saudi Arabia topped the submissions with 41 research papers,
followed by Egypt with 16, Palestine with 13, and the United Arab Emirates with
10. Qatar submitted 9 papers, Jordan 7, while Syria, Oman, and Iraq each
submitted 5. In addition, Kuwait participated with 2 submissions, and Sudan,
Bahrain, and Yemen with one research paper each.
His Excellency Humaid
Mohammed Al Qutami added: “The strategic partnership between Hamdan Bin Rashid
Al Maktoum Foundation and the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific
Organization (ALECSO) reflects a shared vision centered on strengthening Arab
knowledge production, empowering researchers to propose innovative solutions to
educational challenges, and broadening the impact of Arab expertise in
advancing education. We congratulate the winners on this well-deserved
achievement and reaffirm the Foundation’s continued commitment to supporting
excellence and creativity, and to providing an enabling environment for
scientific research—contributing to the development of an educated, informed
generation capable of keeping pace with global transformations and actively
shaping the future.”
On this occasion, His
Excellency Professor Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of ALECSO, stated: “The
announcement of the winning research for the Hamdan–ALECSO Award for
Distinguished Educational Research represents an important scientific
milestone, reflecting the distinguished role the award plays in supporting Arab
educational research and enhancing the quality of knowledge production in this
vital field. The award—through its rigorous standards and forward-looking
vision—has contributed significantly to strengthening a culture of scientific
inquiry and encouraging researchers to produce innovative studies capable of
informing educational policy development and improving pedagogical practices
across the Arab world.”
His Excellency Professor
Mohamed Ould Amar added: “The longstanding partnership between ALECSO and
Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences
embodies a shared commitment to supporting educational research and directing
it toward priority issues within Arab education systems, thereby advancing
human capital development and raising the overall quality of education. We
congratulate the winners on this well-deserved scientific achievement and
reaffirm our continued collaboration with the Foundation to deepen the award’s
impact, broaden the community of benefiting researchers, and foster an Arab
research environment that keeps pace with global transformations and
contributes to shaping a more innovative and effective educational future.”
Commenting on the results of
Hamdan–ALECSO Award for Digital Innovations in Education, His Excellency
Professor Mohamed Ould Amar added: “The launch of Hamdan–ALECSO Award for
Digital Innovations in Education represents a strategic step and a significant
turning point in the development of education across the Arab world. The award
strengthens the regional shift toward supporting innovative digital solutions
and adopting advanced technologies—such as artificial intelligence, augmented
reality, and data analytics—to enhance teaching and learning processes. Since
the launch of its inaugural cycle in March of this year, the award has played
an essential role in reinforcing digital transformation within Arab education
systems, empowering teachers, students, and researchers to design initiatives
capable of building more efficient and sustainable learning environments that
keep pace with global developments.”
Following a rigorous
evaluation process based on stringent scientific criteria, two research papers
were selected as winners in this year’s cycle. The first, titled “Concurrent
and Longitudinal Predictions of Mathematics Anxiety, Science Anxiety, and Enrollment
in the Scientific Track in Secondary Education,” was authored by Prof. Dr.
Ahmed Mohamed Hamed Majriya and Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Emadi. The
second winning study, authored by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Magda El-Sayed Ali Bathish
Al-Kushki, is titled “The Inflation of Illusory Competence as a Mediating
Variable in the Relationship Between Cognitive Reliance on Generative
Artificial Intelligence and Distortion of Intellectual Identity Among Graduate
Students.” The winning research papers demonstrated strong scientific rigor,
clear relevance to contemporary educational issues, and a notable capacity to
contribute to the development of educational policies and the enhancement of
learning practices across Arab countries.
The 2025 Hamdan–ALECSO Award
for Digital Innovations in Education also witnessed strong regional
participation, with 77 digital innovations from 11 Arab countries, reflecting
the diversity of digital initiatives and the growing adoption of advanced technologies
in educational development. Algeria topped the submissions with 21 innovations,
followed by the United Arab Emirates with 16, Palestine with 10, Saudi Arabia
with 7, Iraq with 6, and Jordan with 5. Kuwait and Morocco each submitted 4
innovations, in addition to 2 innovations from Syria, and one submission each
from Oman and Qatar.
Following an evaluation
process based on criteria of innovation, educational impact, and applicability,
the judging committee selected three winning innovations in this inaugural
cycle, across both the institutional and individual categories. In the
institutional category, the winning project was Alef Pathways, submitted by
Alef Education from the United Arab Emirates.
In the individual category,
the winners were Hind Abdullah Ali Al Ateeqi Al Junaibi from the UAE for her
innovation TAIA: Teaching AI Assistant, and Nouf bint Abdulaziz bin Muqbil
Al-Jehani from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for her innovation Raseen Platform.
The winning projects
demonstrated exceptional ability in leveraging artificial intelligence and
digital solutions to enhance educational quality and build more efficient,
innovative learning environments.
Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, in partnership with the Arab
League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), reaffirms
its commitment to advancing educational research and promoting digital
innovation in education. Through its leading programs and awards, the
Foundation continues to empower researchers and innovators across the Arab
world and to provide platforms that support high-quality scientific and
technological contributions. Both institutions remain dedicated to expanding
the impact of these awards and strengthening their role in developing education
systems and building the capacities of future generations. The winners will be
honored on the sidelines of the Conference of Arab Ministers of Higher
Education and Scientific Research, to be held in Baghdad at the end of December
under the auspices of ALECSO.
Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation Announces the Winners of the World Giftedness Center Awards 2025
·
11
research papers from 10 countries compete for the International Applied
Research Award
·
7
initiatives from 5 countries shortlisted for the International School
Initiatives Award
·
World
Council for Gifted and Talented Children becomes an official partner of the
World Giftedness Center and its awards
This year’s cycle
witnessed a remarkable expansion in global participation. The Applied Research
Award attracted 11 research papers from 10 countries, while the School
Initiatives Award received 7 initiatives from 5 countries, reflecting the
growing international interest in research, innovation, and excellence in
gifted education.
His Excellency Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of
Trustees of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational
Sciences, said: “The World Giftedness Center Awards continue to consolidate
their global standing as a leading platform for scientific research and
educational innovation, and as a key indicator of the rapid international
progress in gifted education. The increasing number of submissions this year
reflects the confidence that researchers and educational institutions have in
the award’s rigorous scientific standards and its role in highlighting
pioneering initiatives that elevate the quality of education and empower gifted
students to realize their full potential.”
His Excellency Al Qatami added that this year’s cycle marks a major
milestone, with the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children (WCGTC)
formally approving a partnership with the Foundation under the World Giftedness
Center and its awards—an important step that enhances the awards’ global
profile and reinforces the trust of leading international specialized
institutions in their impact.
His Excellency Al Qatami continued: “We congratulate all the winners for
their distinguished contributions, and we reaffirm the Foundation’s commitment
to supporting talent and creativity, and to strengthening international
cooperation aimed at building innovative learning environments that meet future
needs and keep pace with scientific and technological advancements.”
His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the
Foundation, noted that the 2025 WGC Awards saw significant growth in
international participation. The International Applied Research Award received
11 submissions from 10 countries representing different regions, compared with
nine submissions in 2024. The award maintained one annual winner, which for
2025 was Jonathan Wai (USA) from the state of Arkansas, for his study published
in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications titled: The most successful
and influential Americans come from a surprisingly narrow range of ‘elite’
educational backgrounds.
The International School Initiatives Award attracted seven initiatives
from five countries, compared to only two initiatives last year. The 2025 award
was granted to Al Mutaqadimah for Smart Learning Schools (Saudi Arabia) for
their initiative titled: TEMpathy: Where Innovation Meets Humanity.
Dr. Al Suwaidi explained, “These results reflect the expanding global
reach of the awards and the rising quality of submissions, underscoring the
increasing international commitment to research and innovation in gifted
education.”
Dr. Al Suwaidi concluded
by emphasizing the Foundation’s ongoing dedication to advancing gifted
education regionally and globally. Through its high-level partnerships and
internationally recognized standards, the World Giftedness Center continues to
serve as a leading platform encouraging researchers and educational
institutions to develop innovative solutions that meet the needs of gifted
learners and support the creation of flexible, future-ready learning
environments. The Foundation remains committed to promoting a culture of
excellence, empowering talent, and contributing to a progressive and
sustainable global education system.
Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Celebrates the 54th Eid Al Etihad
Dubai, UAE, 26 November 2025: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for
Medical and Educational Sciences celebrated the UAE’s
54th Eid Al Etihad through a comprehensive national event inspired by the
spirit of its previous commemorations and reflecting the values of the Union
and the Emirati identity in their finest form.
The Foundation hosted
the celebration at its headquarters in Dubai, with the attendance of H.E.
Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; H.E. Dr. Khalifa
Al Suwaidi, the Foundation’s Executive Director; as well as a distinguished group
of educational and medical professionals and staff members.
The celebration
embodied the values of loyalty and pride in a nation that has achieved
exceptional milestones throughout its Union journey under the leadership of His
Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. It also
highlighted the remarkable progress made in the fields of education, science,
medical research, and human development—areas that form the core pillars of the
Foundation’s mission.
His Excellency Humaid
Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, said: “On the
occasion of the 54th National Day of the United Arab Emirates, we are honoured
to extend our warmest congratulations to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed
Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; to
Their Highnesses, Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates;
and to the Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers. We also extend our sincere
congratulations to H.H. Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Supreme
President of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and
Educational Sciences, as well as to the people of the UAE and all residents of
this cherished homeland.”
His
Excellency Al Qatami added: “Our beloved nation was founded through the great and sincere
efforts of the first generation of founding leaders, led by the late Sheikh
Zayed—may his soul rest in peace—and the late Sheikh Rashid—may his soul rest
in peace. With a visionary and exemplary modern outlook, they placed human
development, dignity, and empowerment at the forefront, advancing the values of
science and knowledge, and strengthening systems of education and medical
research. They believed deeply that progress is the foundation of renaissance
and sustainability. It is from this very legacy that Hamdan Foundation derives
its mission: to support national efforts aimed at elevating the value of
education and enhancing its quality; to advance scientific and medical
research; to nurture talented and innovative individuals; and to develop
educational professionals through programs, initiatives, and strategic
partnerships that bolster the UAE’s leadership in science, health, and
development.”
His Excellency Al
Qatami concluded: “On this cherished occasion, we at Hamdan bin Rashid Al
Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences reaffirm our commitment
to upholding the values of loyalty and belonging to our nation, and to
continuing our efforts to support the country’s progress, empower its future
generations, and strengthen its scientific, medical, and educational capacities
in line with the aspirations of our wise leadership for a more advanced and
prosperous future.”
His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Foundation, stated: “Eid Al Etihad is a deeply rooted national occasion that
reaffirms our pride in the Union’s journey, led by the wisdom of the founding
father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan—may his soul rest in
peace—and his fellow founding leaders. Over the past 54 years, the UAE has
succeeded in building a world-class development model centered on investing
first and foremost in people, and on education and scientific research as the
primary drivers of innovation and progress.”
His
Excellency Al Suwaidi added: “On this occasion, we take pride in reaffirming
the Foundation’s commitment to its pioneering role in supporting international,
regional, and local partnerships that foster educational and medical
initiatives, promote a culture of excellence and creativity, and empower
national talent—ensuring the sustainability of knowledge systems and aligning
with the nation’s vision for an innovative, knowledge-based economy.”
Dr.
Al Suwaidi emphasized that the Foundation’s programs and partnerships enhance
the UAE’s presence in international forums and contribute meaningfully to
advancing educational awareness across many global communities, encouraging
active engagement in providing innovative solutions across sectors and in
shaping a prosperous future.”
Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Announces the Winners of the 2025 Medical Awards
Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Concludes 3rd World Giftedness Center International Conference
Experts call for leveraging artificial intelligence to advance gifted education and strengthen international research collaboration.
Dubai, UAE, 23 October 2025: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences concluded today the 3rd World Giftedness Center International Conference – On Educating the Gifted in the Era of Prosperous Artificial Intelligence (AI), following four days of scientific discussions and interactive sessions that showcased the latest research and applications in gifted education in the age of artificial intelligence.
The conference brought together more than 5000 experts, researchers, and academics from 75 countries, reaffirming its status as a leading global platform for the exchange of knowledge and expertise in gifted education and talent development.
Held under the theme “On Educating the Gifted in the Era of Prosperous Artificial Intelligence (AI)”, the conference featured outstanding case studies on integrating smart technologies into education and examined their impact on human creativity and the nurturing of exceptional minds. The interactive sessions were marked by rich questions and insightful contributions from participants, reflecting a spirit of collaboration and constructive dialogue among specialists from diverse disciplines.
A Platform for Global Dialogue and Shared Vision
The closing sessions presented the main outcomes of the conference discussions, which addressed specialized topics such as integrating AI technologies into educational curricula, fostering creativity in digital learning environments, supporting the mental well-being of gifted learners in smart education contexts, and exploring neuroscience applications in talent education. Participants also reviewed research experiences shared by leading universities and international institutions.
Experts emphasized that the future of gifted education depends on the synergy between technology, human intellect, and individual creativity. They called for empowering teachers through continuous training and access to modern technological tools, enabling them to design stimulating and adaptive learning environments that respond to the unique capacities of gifted learners. The sessions also highlighted the importance of enhancing collaboration between academic institutions and giftedness centers to develop knowledge frameworks that improve the quality of education and research in this field.
In his closing remarks, His Excellency Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, commended the conference’s success in achieving its scientific and educational objectives. He noted that the in-depth discussions throughout the sessions underscored the need to build dynamic educational systems that keep pace with advances in artificial intelligence and meet the requirements of the future.
His Excellency Al Qatami added that Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation will continue to lead initiatives that connect scientific research with educational practice to develop innovative tools for gifted education and promote academic excellence across the region and the world.
For his part, His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Foundation, stated that the conference marked the beginning of a new phase of international collaboration in the field of gifted education. He affirmed that the recommendations emerging from the sessions, particularly those focused on integrating AI in gifted education, will be translated into concrete research programs and projects under the World Giftedness Center’s upcoming plans.
Dr. Al Suwaidi also noted that the Foundation will expand its partnerships with international academic institutions to enrich knowledge and exchange expertise in the fields of giftedness and creativity.
The World Giftedness Center and Its Future Role
The World Giftedness Center (WGC) is one of the flagship initiatives of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, dedicated to supporting best practices in gifted education, talent development, and excellence worldwide.
Through its diverse programs, the Center continues to promote a global culture of excellence, including the International Award for School Initiatives in Gifted Education, which honors pioneering schools that adopt innovative programs and projects supporting gifted education from kindergarten to pre-university levels around the world.
Toward a More Innovative and Sustainable Future
At the conclusion of the conference, participants underscored that the future of gifted education lies in reinforcing the harmony between human potential and technological advancement and adopting flexible educational policies that foster cultural diversity and sustainable innovation.
They also praised Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation’s vital role in establishing the UAE as a global hub for knowledge and research in gifted education.
The event concluded with a collective commitment from participating experts and institutions to continue collaboration in developing new scientific initiatives that empower creative generations capable of using artificial intelligence to serve humanity and sustainable development.
Hamdan bin Rashid Foundation Honors Outstanding Schools in the Third Cycle of the Hamdan–EFQM Global Education Award
The recognition took place as part of the EFQM Sustainable Performance Conference 2025, held in Tarragona, Spain, with the participation of experts and educational institutions from around the world.
Tarragona, Spain / Dubai, UAE – 19 October 2025: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences honoured the distinguished schools participating in the third cycle of the Hamdan-EFQM Global Educational Award during the EFQM Sustainable Performance Conference and Global Award Gala 2025, held on 15–16 October in Tarragona, Spain. The event brought together leading experts and decision-makers in quality and institutional excellence worldwide.
The Foundation’s participation in the conference aimed to recognize the schools participating in the third cycle of the Award, highlight its pioneering experience in integrating the EFQM Model within the education ecosystem, and strengthen relationships with international partners in educational quality and excellence. This contributes to the exchange of expertise and the entrenchment of excellence practices in education at both the local and global levels.
This recognition comes within the framework of the strategic partnership between the Hamdan bin Rashid Foundation and the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM), which aims to strengthen the application of institutional excellence standards in education and highlight their positive impact on school performance quality and the improvement of educational outcomes.
On this occasion, 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, said: “The Hamdan–EFQM Global Education Award is an extension of the Foundation’s efforts to promote a culture of institutional excellence in education. It underscores the importance of our partnership with the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) in facilitating the exchange of international expertise and developing educational models in line with the highest standards. We are proud of the schools that have adopted this model and, through their efforts, helped enhance the quality of education—reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to advancing excellence locally and globally.”
His Excellency Al Qatami affirmed that Hamdan Foundation continues to contribute to the national and global drive to support education and to embed educational quality as a cornerstone of improvement and development strategies.
Mr. Russell Longmuir, Chief Executive Officer of EFQM, said: “The EFQM Hamdan Global Educational Award stands as a testament to the power of visionary leadership, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in education. The achievements celebrated today are not only a reflection of the dedication of these schools, but also of their commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. At EFQM, we are proud to partner with Hamdan Foundation in recognizing institutions that are shaping the future of education—empowering students, inspiring educators, and setting new global benchmarks for quality and impact.”
Dr. Rashid Al Reyami, a member of the assessors’ committee, affirmed that the Award has become a global platform for honoring educational institutions that apply best practices in quality and innovation, noting that the Foundation continues its support for the development of education in accordance with international standards that focus on sustainability and institutional excellence.
Dr. Al Reyami explained that recognition in the third cycle of the Award included a number of schools from the United Arab Emirates and the State of Qatar, in appreciation of their efforts to implement the Hamdan–EFQM Global Education Model and to achieve outstanding results in the fields of quality and institutional excellence. Qatar Science and Technology School in Doha received the highest evaluation and won first place in the third cycle, while several schools in the UAE obtained advanced ratings within the model’s various levels, including Zayed Education Complex – Dibba Al Fujairah (Five Stars); Zayed Education Complex – Al Barsha, Dubai, Zayed Education Complex – Al Muntazah, Ajman, and Al Manar Model School, Sharjah (Four Stars); in addition to Dubai Modern Education School and Umm Ghafa School, Al Ain (Three Stars).
Separately, Dr. Jameela Al Hindasi, Principal of Zayed Education Complex – Dibba Al Fujairah, Dr. Michael, Principal of Dubai Modern Education School, and Dr. Rashid Al Reyami, member of the assessors’ committee, participated in a session entitled “EFQM in Education – The Hamdan–EFQM Model,” which addressed institutional excellence practices and the tangible impact of applying the Hamdan–EFQM Model on the quality of education and student outcomes.
The conference’s closing activities included the Global Award Gala on Thursday evening, during which the official results of the Hamdan–EFQM Global Education Award were announced and the winning schools were honoured, in addition to the presentation of certificates of appreciation.
Launch of the 5th Hamdan–ICESCO Award for the Development of Educational Facilities in the Islamic World
Dubai, UAE, 15 October 2025: The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, announced the launch of the fifth edition of the Hamdan–ICESCO Award for the Development of Educational Facilities in the Islamic World. The Award is one of the leading joint initiatives aimed at supporting and recognizing efforts to improve learning environments across countries of the Islamic world and to enhance the sustainability and quality of educational infrastructure.
H.E. Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences stated: "We are proud to partner with ICESCO in advancing our shared goals of supporting education in the Islamic world through this Award and through the programs of the Hamdan–ICESCO Fund. This partnership embodies the Foundation’s vision and mission to elevate education to new horizons of excellence and innovation, grounded in the firm belief that education is the cornerstone of comprehensive development in the Islamic world and the pivotal driver of human development and future-making. Through close cooperation with ICESCO, we seek to foster a culture of institutional development and collective community action, and to encourage high-impact initiatives that make a tangible difference in the quality and sustainability of education. We view the development of educational facilities not merely as an infrastructure upgrade, but as a strategic investment in future generations—one that enables communities, strengthens their capacity for creativity and innovation, and builds a brighter future for the Islamic world."
According to the approved timeline, applications will open in October 2025, while introductory workshops about the Award will be held from November 2025 to March 2026. The application window will close on March 20, 2026. The judging process will continue during April and May 2026, with the winners to be announced in June 2026, and the official awards ceremony to be held later in the same year.
Hamdan–ICESCO Award for the Development of Educational Facilities in the Islamic World was launched in 2017 under the patronage of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, with the aim of supporting ICESCO’s efforts to motivate and honor those engaged in voluntary and philanthropic initiatives in the field of education, and to encourage volunteer-driven efforts to develop and build new educational facilities. The Award also seeks to improve educational infrastructure across the Islamic world, and targets charitable organizations, voluntary institutions, donors, and philanthropists.
Applications may be submitted directly by the applicant or by nomination, by completing the application form in Arabic, English, or French via the official electronic system at: https://tahkeem.ha.ae/login.xhtml , no later than March 20, 2026.
Eligible applications will be referred to an international judging committee for evaluation, selection of the winners, and approval of the final results. The honorees will then be celebrated at an official ceremony organized by the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, in cooperation with ICESCO. The Award embodies the commitment of both institutions to strengthening the values of partnership and cooperation in advancing education by encouraging individuals and organizations to contribute to the creation of safe and stimulating educational facilities that keep pace with global developments and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in the education sector.
For inquiries and further information, please contact: hamdan.icesco.prize@ha.ae .
Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Organizes the 3rd Virtual World Giftedness Center International Conference with Participation from 63 Countries
A Global Platform to Envision the Future of Gifted Education Amid Digital Transformation
Dubai, UAE, 14 October 2025: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences has announced the organization of the 3rd World Giftedness Center International Conference, to be held virtually from October 20 to 23, 2025, under the theme “Educating the Gifted in the Era of Prosperous Artificial Intelligence”. The event will feature a distinguished lineup of international experts and speakers.
His Excellency Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, emphasized that the conference reflects the Foundation’s steadfast commitment to supporting scientific research and developing evidence-based educational policies. His excellency noted that “gifted education today is becoming increasingly intertwined with technological advancement, which calls on the educational community to harness modern technologies and artificial intelligence to expand the horizons of creativity and innovation among students.”
His Excellency Al Qatami added: “Through this conference, the Foundation seeks to reinforce the UAE’s position as an international knowledge hub for exchanging expertise in gifted education, while contributing to building a generation capable of leading the future with an innovative and responsible mindset.”
For his part, His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Foundation, explained that this biennial international conference, organized by the World Giftedness Center, aims to highlight the latest developments in the field of gifted education at a time when the global educational landscape is undergoing radical transformation due to the accelerating progress in artificial intelligence and digital technologies. This evolution, he noted, presents new challenges as well as unprecedented opportunities to advance gifted education and nurture future-ready skills.
The conference, which gathers participants from 63 countries, alongside a select group of experts, researchers, and practitioners from 10 countries, seeks to present the latest research and scientific experiences, discuss the potential of integrating AI in designing innovative curricula, and develop pedagogical tools aligned with the needs of a new generation of gifted learners.
The 3rd World Giftedness Center International Conference serves as a leading global platform bringing together experts, researchers, and educators in the field of gifted education to exchange insights and best practices on educational innovation and the effective use of modern technologies to support gifted students.
This year’s conference focuses on several key themes, including the impact of artificial intelligence and digital transformation on gifted education; the development of smarter, more flexible learning environments; innovation in curriculum design, assessment methods, and talent identification; as well as promoting students’ mental health and socio-emotional well-being. It will also address teacher capacity building and the effective integration of AI tools to foster creative learning.
This event forms part of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation’s ongoing efforts to promote excellence and leadership in gifted education, strengthen international collaboration in developing knowledge- and innovation-driven educational practices, and support investment in human capital for sustainable development.
Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Launches 5th Edition of “Future Science Challenge” Under the Theme “Tourism and Hospitality”
Dubai, UAE, 10 October 2025: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences officially launched the fifth edition of the Future Science Challenge yesterday, Thursday (9 October), across the Arab region. The challenge is one of the Foundation’s flagship educational initiatives aimed at enhancing the scientific research skills and innovative thinking of gifted Arab students in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT). This year’s edition is held under the theme “Tourism and Hospitality”, aligning with the UAE’s national AI strategy and the Foundation’s commitment to connecting applied education with key economic sectors.
The Future Science Challenge seeks to empower students with new skills, broaden their knowledge horizons, and encourage them to apply modern technologies to solve real-world challenges through innovative, science-based approaches. The program also aims to foster active student participation in community development through applied projects that promote innovation and sustainability.
The fifth edition centers on developing technological solutions to enhance the tourism and hospitality sectors by improving service quality and promoting sector sustainability. Students will be tasked with using AI and IoT to design enhanced visitor experiences.
Speaking on the occasion, 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, stated: “The Future Science Challenge is a model of applied education rooted in student innovation and knowledge expansion. It connects science, economics, and culture within the Arab world. Through its fifth edition, we reaffirm our commitment to providing a scientific platform that enables students to translate theoretical knowledge into practical projects with clear social and economic impact—advancing creativity- and innovation-based education.”
H.E Al Qatami added that the selection of this year’s theme reflects the Foundation’s commitment to aligning the challenge with development opportunities, encouraging students to create solutions that improve quality of life and support sustainability across vital sectors. His Excellency also encouraged participating teams from across the Arab world to seize this opportunity for knowledge exchange, skills development, and cross-border collaboration in support of educational advancement and service to Arab communities.
The competition includes a specialized training program for both students and mentors, equipping them with foundational skills in AI and IoT to develop creative, practical solutions. Final projects will be evaluated by a panel of professors, engineers, and experts in science and technology, based on creativity, impact, and implementation quality. Winning teams will be announced and honored in April 2026.