Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Khalifa Award for Education, the 18th edition of the award celebrated outstanding contributions to education at a ceremony held in Abu Dhabi.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, was awarded the title of Distinguished Educational Personality for his significant contributions to the development of the education system on local, regional, and international levels. Sheikh Mansour emphasized the importance of education as a national priority and a key element of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's vision, highlighting the UAE's ongoing transformation in education, particularly through AI integration and a culture of excellence.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees, presented the Distinguished Educational Personality trophy to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who accepted it on behalf of H.H. Sheikh Hazza. The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, and various academic leaders and senior officials.
UAE honorees included Sheikha Saeed Al Suraidi and others in the Creative Teacher category, several schools for Institutional Performance, and awards for contributions in areas such as People of Determination, Education and Community Service, and Innovative Student Projects. The event also recognized achievements in higher education, educational research, and writing for children.
International recognition went to educators from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Algeria, with particular accolades for contributions in Arabic language teaching and educational research. The Khalifa International Award for Early Learning honored projects in research and community daycare models, spotlighting global contributions to early education.
Humaid Al Houti, Secretary-General of the Khalifa Award for Education, acknowledged the UAE leadership's support in strengthening the educational sector, rooted in the vision of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He noted the extensive international participation in the nominations, spanning over 48 countries.
Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan expressed her gratitude for the recognition of her project under the Education and Community Service category, emphasizing its significance in promoting environmental awareness and sustainability in education. She concluded by thanking H.H. Sheikh Mansour for his support and vision in empowering future generations through education.