Dubai, UAE, February 18, 2026: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences has commenced the training phase for schools participating in the fourth cycle of the Hamdan EFQM Global Educational Model and Award. Running from January to April 2026, this phase is delivered within a structured framework designed to enable schools to implement institutional excellence standards aligned with a globally specialized educational model.

The programme equips participating schools with a clear and practical understanding of the Model’s criteria and application mechanisms, supporting their integration within institutional systems and educational programmes. Expert-led, targeted training sessions focus on strengthening institutional readiness through systematic analysis and applied practice of excellence requirements.

Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, stated that the training phase represents a central component of the fourth cycle, enabling schools to develop a rigorous understanding of institutional excellence standards and supporting their structured transition to the evaluation stage. He added that embedding the Model’s culture and standards will expand the reach of educational quality and elevate outstanding schools to leading levels of distinction.

Schools from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates are participating in this phase, underscoring the Model’s regional scope and its role in fostering a culture of institutional excellence across diverse educational contexts.

The training phase will conclude with dedicated support to schools in finalizing submission requirements and uploading documentation through the approved electronic platform, in preparation for the evaluation stage, which begins in October 2026.

This initiative reflects the Foundation’s continued commitment to advancing institutional excellence in education and supporting schools in adopting internationally recognized best practices to enhance quality and educational outcomes at both regional and global levels.

Dubai, UAE, Feb 17, 2026: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences has concluded a series of outreach visits introducing its educational awards to 300 potential nominees, including students, teachers, and education professionals, across seven schools and scientific complexes in various Emirates. The field-based programme aimed to strengthen quality participation in the current awards cycle.

A total of 212 students, 58 teachers, and 30 education professionals benefited from the visits. The sessions focused on presenting award categories, eligibility criteria, and evaluation mechanisms, in addition to clarifying requirements for preparing submission portfolios in line with approved quality indicators.

Her Excellency Khawla Ahmed Bahlooq, Assistant Executive Director of the Excellence Sector, commented: “Foundation is committed to supporting and empowering target groups to clearly understand the regulatory framework of the awards and submission requirements, while enhancing institutional readiness to participate in a structured manner that reflects actual performance levels and implemented practices within schools. The outreach visits serve as a direct channel of engagement with education field, allowing detailed clarification of award standards and nomination criteria. We observed strong interest from schools and education professionals in participating, alongside their commitment to understanding evaluation mechanisms and preparing portfolios that meet approved standards. This level of engagement reflects growing awareness of the importance of adhering to quality benchmarks when applying for the awards.”

The meetings included professional discussions on application requirements and judging standards, as well as practical examples demonstrating how educational practices can be aligned with excellence indicators, contributing to raising both participation levels and submission quality in the current cycle.

These visits form part of Foundation’s broader plan to promote its awards and strengthen both institutional and individual participation, ensuring wider engagement across educational sectors throughout UAE.

Dubai, UAE, February 12, 2026 – The Asia-Pacific Federation of the Gifted announced, at the conclusion of the 19th Asia-Pacific Conference on Giftedness (APCG 2026), that Dubai has been selected to host the next edition of the conference in 2028. The announcement was made at the closing of the conference, which took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 7 to 11 February under the theme “Fast Forward: Vision 2050 of Gifted Education”.

Professor Kyungbin Park, President of the Asia-Pacific Federation on Giftedness (APFG), said: “Dubai is an exceptional city that brings together diverse cultures and nationalities under one umbrella. It stands as a global model of diversity, openness, and coexistence. We very much look forward to convening the conference in Dubai in 2028. APFG is confident that Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, as the host and organizing institution, will deliver a conference of the highest calibre, given its distinguished track record in advancing giftedness and excellence. Dubai itself provides a dynamic and enabling environment that nurtures gifted individuals and supports innovation across society as a whole.”

H.E. Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, stated: “Dubai’s selection to host the 2028 Asia-Pacific Conference on Giftedness reflects the regional recognition of the United Arab Emirates’ leadership in advancing education systems that prioritize the identification and development of gifted learners within an integrated framework of policies, initiatives, and strategic partnerships supported by our leadership. Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences has developed a globally benchmarked model for discovering and nurturing gifted individuals, supported by strong expertise and impactful partnerships. Under the directives and close follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan Al Maktoum, Supreme President of the Foundation, hosting international conferences forms part of a comprehensive strategy to empower gifted students and position them at the forefront of leadership and influence. The Asia-Pacific Conference on Giftedness provides an important platform for advancing dialogue on gifted education from both theoretical and applied perspectives, fostering collaboration among Asian institutions, and supporting the development of future-ready educational models. Dubai’s continued investment in educational innovation further reinforces its role as a nurturing environment for talent development at all levels.”

In this context, the Foundation concluded its participation in the 19th Asia-Pacific Conference on Giftedness, held in Jeddah. The papers presented and the accompanying exhibition reflected a strong level of academic and applied excellence, highlighting innovative models and professional practices that contribute to advancing education and research.

Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, said the Foundation’s participation aligns with its commitment to advancing specialized dialogue on gifted education and exchanging expertise in programme design and policy development that support creative and innovative capacities. Dr. Al Suwaidi added that Dubai’s selection to host the 2028 edition presents an opportunity to further strengthen the link between research and educational practice, while expanding collaboration with Asian institutions in gifted education to advance evidence-based learning models.

The conference programme featured several contributions from the Foundation’s delegation. Dr. Mariam Al Ghawi, Director of Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation, presented a paper on academic giftedness and university major selection. Dr. Rashid Al Riyami, Chair of the Distinguished School Award Committee, addressed the Hamdan–EFQM Educational Model as a framework for educational excellence. Dr. Sadeq Abdulwahid, Researcher at the World Giftedness Center, highlighted initiatives promoting a culture of excellence, while Huda Al Hammadi, Gifted Initiatives Specialist, presented the Global Talent Mentorship Programme in STEMM fields.

The Foundation’s team also participated in specialized seminars and the Youth Summit, focusing on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, and secured third place in the Innovation Hackathon dedicated to developing creative solutions to educational challenges.

Through its exhibition pavilion, the Foundation showcased its global and regional initiatives in gifted education and strengthened avenues for institutional collaboration.

Dubai, UAE, February 9, 2026 – The team of Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation, part of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, has been crowned champion of UAE Robotics Championship – FIRST LEGO League for 2025–2026 season, following a highly competitive national journey. This year’s championship saw broad participation from across Emirates, with more than 2,000 students taking part, making it one of the largest editions held at national level.

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Mariam Al Ghawi, Director of Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation, said: “This achievement reflects an educational approach that positions students as designers, critical thinkers, and decision-makers. FIRST LEGO League serves as a real-world learning environment where students tackle complex challenges, view problem-solving as an integral part of learning, and translate ideas into practical solutions. Qualifying to represent United Arab Emirates internationally underscores the value of applied learning in preparing future-ready, globally competitive innovators.”

Dubai Emirate qualifiers brought together around 80 teams from schools and educational institutions, with Hamdan Centre team representing Dubai. The team secured first place, winning Dubai Championship and earning qualification to UAE finals, alongside 38 teams advancing from local qualifiers across all Emirates.

UAE finals were held on 7 February 2026 at American School of Creative Science in Sharjah, bringing together 38 teams from across the country. Hamdan Centre team delivered another strong performance, securing UAE Robotics Championship title for 2025–2026 season, following its earlier win in Dubai qualifiers.

With this result, Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation team has qualified to represent United Arab Emirates in upcoming international FIRST LEGO League competitions, highlighting students’ advanced capabilities and readiness to compete on regional and global scientific and technological platforms.

This achievement aligns with Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences’ ongoing commitment to nurturing gifted students through applied, hands-on learning environments that strengthen analytical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, and prepare learners for active participation in international scientific and innovation arenas.

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.

·       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.

In Presence of Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum:

• 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).