Under the Patronage of Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Concludes the 2025 Medical Awards Cycle with an Official Honouring Ceremony at Etihad Museum
In his address, Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum emphasised that the
medical sector constitutes a fundamental pillar of sustainable development and
a core driver of quality of life and human empowerment. Sheikh Rashid noted
that recognising distinguished achievers in this field reflects the
Foundation’s steadfast commitment to promoting excellence grounded in
scientific research, innovation, and professional integrity. Sheikh Rashid added
that the Medical Awards represent a continuation of the scientific and
humanitarian legacy of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, whose
belief in fostering excellence and supporting research contributed
significantly to advancing diagnostic and treatment practices and to enhancing
healthcare services and public health awareness.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, HE Dr.
Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Under Secretary Assistant of Public Health Sector
at Ministry of Health and Prevention,
stated: “As we honour the winners of the Medical Awards today, we celebrate
excellence and innovation while reaffirming our commitment to advancing
scientific research, strengthening knowledge partnerships, and embedding a
culture of excellence as a sustainable institutional approach.”
For his part, H.E.
Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al
Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, noted that the
honouring ceremony represents the culmination of a rigorous process of
scientific evaluation and specialised peer review. He explained that the
winning works demonstrated a high level of research quality and applied impact,
highlighting leading models in medical research, healthcare innovation, and
professional practice that contribute to strengthening healthcare systems and
enhancing their societal impact. H.E. Al Qatami added that the Medical Awards
reflect the advanced standards of healthcare services and reveal elite
competencies within this vital sector, underscoring alignment with the leadership’s
commitment to supporting healthcare development in pursuit of strategic
objectives toward a knowledgeable, health-conscious society capable of meeting
the demands of sustainable development. He concluded by congratulating the
winners and reaffirming the Foundation’s continued support for advancing
medical excellence and promoting sustained quality in healthcare performance.
Winners
A
total of ten (10) institutions, specialists, and researchers were honoured
across regional and national award categories in the 2025 Medical Awards cycle.
These included the Arab Award for Research in Healthcare, the Arab Award in
Genetics, the Best Research in the Healthcare Award, the Innovation in
Healthcare Award, and the Hamdan Award for Distinguished Personalities in the
Healthcare Sector. The winning submissions reflected a high level of scientific
rigor and applied relevance, reinforcing the role of the awards in highlighting
excellence in medical research and professional healthcare practice.
The
Arab Award in Genetics under the Arab World Awards category was granted to
Prof. Majed bin Abdullah Al Fadhel, Professor of Pediatrics and Genetics at
King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Chairman of Genetics
and Precision Medicine department at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, and
Deputy Executive Director of King Abdullah International Medical Research
Centre (KAIMRC).
The
Arab Award for Research in Healthcare was awarded to a study titled “Long-read
sequencing enhances the discovery of pathogenic and novel variants in patients
with rare diseases”. The research was submitted by a team from Dubai Health
Genomic Medicine Center, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine &
Health Science, and the Dubai Police's Genome Centre. The same award was also
granted to another study titled “The role of dapagliflozin in relieving
cellular stress and inflammation through modulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in
cardiomyocytes, aortic endothelial cells, and stem-cell-derived beta cells.”
This study was prepared by a research team from the University of Sharjah, Mayo
Clinic – United States of America, United Arab Emirates University, Emirates
Health Services, the Armed Forces College of Medicine – Arab Republic of Egypt,
and Mansoura University – Arab Republic of Egypt.
Within
the United Arab Emirates awards, Hamdan Award for Distinguished Personalities
in the Healthcare Sector was presented to Dr. Arif Abdulla Alnooryani,
Executive Director and Head of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory and Heart
Center – Al Qassimi Hospital, and Dr Wadeia Muhammad Sharif, Director of
Medical Education and Research Department– Dubai Health Authority.
The
Best Research in the Healthcare Award recognized three studies. Among them was
a study titled “Physical activity as a means of preventing eye diseases,”
submitted by a research team from Gulf Medical University and Johns Hopkins
University. Another winning study, titled “Impact of multicomponent clinical
interventions, including optimal medication use and lifestyle improvement, on
patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized clinical trial between two patient
groups,” was prepared by a research team from The Life Corner Pharmacies –
PureHealth and Seha Clinics – PureHealth. The same award also went to a study
titled “Hemostasis techniques in neurosurgery: development of a consensus-based
classification and validation using retrospective analysis of neurosurgical
operative videos,” submitted by a research team from University College London.
The Innovation in Healthcare Award was granted to the program “Not Even One
Day: A Radical Transformation Journey in Access to Autism Services” from Al
Jalila Children’s Hospital – Dubai Health. An additional Innovation in
Healthcare Award was also presented to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi for the UAE’s
first comprehensive Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) program for treating
Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders, which has completed more than 100
AI-enabled smart implants equipped with advanced brain-sensing technologies
that surpass global standards.
At
the conclusion of the ceremony, the winners affirmed that the Medical Awards of
Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation represent a key catalyst for fostering
a culture of research and innovation and contribute to advancing the UAE’s
vision of becoming a global hub for medical and scientific excellence.
Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Announces the Launch of the New Cycle of Its Local and Gulf Awards, along with the Hamdan–ALECSO Awards and World Giftedness Center Awards
Dubai, United Arab Emirates,
28 January 2026: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for
Medical and Educational Sciences has announced the launch of the new cycle of
its local and Gulf awards, in addition to the Hamdan–ALECSO Awards and the
World Giftedness Center Awards. The new cycle reflects the expanded scope and
diversity of the awards and aligns with the rapid transformations taking place
in education, research, and innovation.
The nomination and evaluation
phases will commence in January 2026 and will include orientation workshops on
eligibility criteria and advisory sessions held between February and July. The
deadline for submitting applications has been set as 20 July 2026 for the local
and Gulf awards, 19 August 2026 for the Hamdan–ALECSO Award for Digital
Innovations in Education, and 24 August 2026 for the World Giftedness Center
Awards. The cycle will continue with adjudication processes in August, followed
by interviews and field visits in September, leading to the announcement of
winners in November 2026.
On this occasion, Dr. Khalifa
Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for
Medical and Educational Sciences, stated: “We are pleased to launch the new
cycle of the Foundation’s awards, in line with our established commitment to
our stakeholders and beneficiaries, and in accordance with the approved annual
and periodic plans governing the awards. Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Foundation places strong emphasis on the quality of its services as part of its
ongoing efforts to support excellence in education, encourage scientific
research, and recognise the qualitative contributions of students, teachers,
educational professionals, and educational institutions, in addition to
innovative initiatives and giftedness development. The 2026 awards cycle will
be distinguished by its focus on initiatives with measurable impact and
sustainable quality. Through these awards, we aim to motivate outstanding
performance and foster a culture of quality and innovation, contributing to the
advancement of education and the development of knowledge-based societies
capable of keeping pace with global changes and achieving sustainable
development.”
Dr. Al Suwaidi further
explained that the new cycle includes local educational awards dedicated to
recognising distinguished achievers within the United Arab Emirates. These
comprise the Distinguished Student Award, the Local Distinguished University
Student Award, the Distinguished Teacher Award, the Distinguished Educational
Professional Award, as well as the Local Distinguished School Award and the
Supporting Institutions of Education Award, in recognition of qualitative
contributions that enhance the educational environment and advance the quality
of education in accordance with established professional standards.
Dr. Al Suwaidi added that the
Gulf educational awards include the Distinguished Student Award, the
Distinguished Teacher Award, the Distinguished Educational Professional Award,
and the Distinguished School Award, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to
supporting educational excellence across the Gulf Cooperation Council
countries, promoting the exchange of educational expertise, and recognising
leading educational models in the region.
With regard to the
international awards in the new cycle, Dr. Al Suwaidi noted that they include
awards for research and innovation, foremost among them the Hamdan–ALECSO Award
for Distinguished Educational Research and the Hamdan–ALECSO Award for Digital
Innovations in Education, implemented in collaboration with the Arab League
Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO). These awards aim to
support high-quality educational research and encourage innovative solutions
that contribute to the development of educational systems and the advancement
of educational practices.
The international awards also
include those dedicated to gifted education, most notably the Applied Research
Global Award of Gifted Education and the School Global Award Initiative of
Gifted Education, implemented by the World Giftedness Center. These awards aim
to support leading initiatives and applied research that contribute to the
identification, development, and nurturing of gifted individuals at the
international level.
The launch of the new cycle
reaffirms the leading role played by Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation
for Medical and Educational Sciences in supporting educational excellence,
advancing scientific research, and empowering educational and student competencies,
in line with national, regional, and international directions for the
development of education.
For more information on the
awards and the terms and application procedures for all categories, please
visit:
Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation Students Win Dubai FIRST LEGO League Championship
Dubai, UAE, January 27, 2026 – Students from Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and
Innovation, part of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and
Educational Sciences, won the FIRST LEGO League competition at the Emirate of
Dubai level. The competition was held yesterday at Metropole School in Dubai,
with the participation of eighty-five (85) teams representing various schools
and educational institutions across the Emirate.
In this context, Dr. Mariam Al Ghawi, Director of
Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation, stated: “This achievement reflects
the advanced level reached by the programmes of Hamdan Centre for Giftedness
and Innovation, and demonstrates the scientific competencies and innovative
capabilities our students possess in the fields of science, technology, and
engineering. These results also reaffirm the Centre’s commitment to providing
applied learning environments based on experiential learning, enabling students
to develop analytical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, while
linking theoretical knowledge with practical application. The Centre’s
participation in the FIRST LEGO League competition aligns with its vision to
prepare a generation of innovators capable of competing in scientific and
technological forums and contributing effectively to the UAE’s transition
towards a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.”
The first student team was crowned overall champion of
the competition, securing first place in the Robot Performance category, in
addition to achieving the highest score recorded at the local competition level
in the United Arab Emirates, underscoring the advanced skills of the
participating students and their ability to excel in technical competitions.
The first team comprised Khaled Mohammed Al Amadi, Hamdan Rashid Baljafla,
Abdullah Fahad Al Mahmoud, Abdulkarim Yousuf Bu Khashm, and Sayed Mansour Sayed
Hassan Al Hashemi.
Meanwhile, the second student team achieved second
place in the Robot Design category, in a highly competitive field that
reflected advanced skills in engineering innovation and design thinking. The
second team included Zayed Jassim Al Banna, Sheikh Dhiab bin Mohammed Al
Nahyan, and Issa Yousuf Bu Khashm.
The participation of students from Hamdan Centre for
Giftedness and Innovation in the FIRST LEGO League competition comes as part of
Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences’
ongoing commitment to supporting gifted students and developing their
capabilities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics
(STEM) through applied, hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity
and teamwork, and contribute to preparing a generation capable of innovation,
competition at local and international levels, and achieving national
accomplishments.
Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Implements Specialized Training Programs within the Hamdan EFQM Educational Model
Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Concludes the “Future Skills Winter Forum 2025” with Student Project Showcases and Interactive Learning Stations
·
Ten
training programs and workshops in talent and innovation targeting youth aged
10 to 22
·
Interactive
scientific stations took students on an educational journey across three eras:
the Golden Age, the Industrial Age, and the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Dubai, UAE, 18 December 2025: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for
Medical and Educational Sciences concluded the activities of the Future Skills
Winter Forum 2025, organized by Hamdan Bin Rashid Center for Giftedness and
Innovation. The forum served as a specialized educational platform aimed at
developing students’ scientific and technological competencies, promoting
applied learning, and nurturing talent and innovation among participants aged
10 to 22, through an integrated suite of training programs and specialized
workshops.
His Excellency Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of
Trustees of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational
Sciences, stated: “The Future Skills Forum represents one of
the Foundation’s flagship initiatives that reflects our commitment to providing
innovative educational environments that empower students with future-ready
skills. The forum is an extension of the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to
support talent and innovation, and to promote applied learning that enables
students to discover their potential and expand their scientific and
technological knowledge.”
The
forum featured more than ten specialized training programs across the talent
and innovation tracks, including foundational and applied programs such as
Smart TECH Explorers, Humanoid Robot, FIRST LEGO League, CubeSat, and The 5
Buckets. In addition, innovation-focused programs addressed applications of
artificial intelligence, community-based technologies, and digital agriculture,
including AI Smart Air Monitor, Community Arcade Challenge, and Digital Green
Farm. These programs were delivered within learning environments designed to
support project-based learning and collaborative teamwork.
The
forum also included a dedicated dialogue session for parents of gifted
students, aimed at strengthening the role of the family as a key partner in
nurturing talent. The session enabled parents to better understand the
educational pathways offered and their role in supporting their children’s
scientific and innovative development.
The
forum’s closing day featured an interactive scientific program that included
honoring participants, a student project exhibition, as well as scientific
presentations and competitions. Students showcased the projects they developed
throughout the forum, reflecting the outcomes of the training programs and the
practical, hands-on scientific and technical skills they acquired.
Hamdan
Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences affirmed
that the Future Skills Winter Forum forms part of its ongoing programs to
support talent and innovation and to develop modern educational models that
contribute to preparing a generation equipped with the scientific and
technological competencies required to meet future challenges.
Hamdan Foundation and ICESCO Honor Winners of ‘Hamdan–ICESCO Prize for the Development of Educational Infrastructures in the Islamic World’ 2025
In Presence of Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum:
Hamdan Foundation and ICESCO Honor Winners of ‘Hamdan–ICESCO Prize for the Development of Educational Infrastructures in the Islamic World’ 2025·- Nine nominations from seven countries competed for the international prize for the development of educational infrastructures.
- Three winners from Yemen, Morocco, and Azerbaijan were selected for projects exceeding a total value of USD 28 million.
- A new cooperation agreement was signed between the Foundation and ICESCO to strengthen support for educational initiatives across the Islamic world.
Dubai, UAE, 5 December 2025: Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Supreme President of the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, honored the winners of the fourth cycle of the Hamdan–ICESCO Prize for the Development of Educational Facilities in the Islamic World during a ceremony held on Monday 8 December in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The award is organized in collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO).
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.”