Khalifa Award For Education Celebrates Outstanding Contributors In 18th Cycle Ceremony

The 18th edition of the Khalifa Award for Education, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, celebrated outstanding contributions to education in Abu Dhabi. The award is part of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation's initiatives. H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan was named Distinguished Educational Personality for his significant impact on education locally and internationally.

Sheikh Mansour emphasised that education remains a national priority and a key element of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's vision. He highlighted the UAE's ongoing educational transformation, driven by artificial intelligence integration and a culture of excellence. Education is seen as crucial in preparing future generations who are proud of their identity and can adapt to technological advancements.

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Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, presented the Distinguished Educational Personality trophy to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan on behalf of H.H. Sheikh Hazza. The event was attended by notable figures including Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education, and other senior officials.

The ceremony honoured various individuals and institutions at the UAE level. Creative Teacher awards went to Sheikha Saeed Al Suraidi, Shamsa Al Dhahani, Noora Al Madhani, Dr Omar Al Noursi, Mohammad Tarabay, Raeda Saleh, Firas Shawakh, and Yasmine Zahra. Institutional Performance awards were given to Atika Bint Zaid School, Al Tamouh School, Mohammed bin Khalid Generation School, and Khalifa City School.

Arab and international winners included educators from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, and Algeria in the Creative Teacher category. Tunisia’s Dr Saber Lahbacha was recognised for Arabic teaching in higher education. Egypt’s Dr Hassan El-Badawi and Dr Suwailem Sharsheer were also honoured in higher education.

In Educational Research, Jordan’s Dr Nasreen Al Jaafreh and Dr Sanaa Al Samadi received recognition for their study on AI-powered learning applications. Oman’s Najwa Al Darawi won in Educational Writing for her story "A Voyage to the Northern Realm".

Khalifa International Award for Early Learning

The Khalifa International Award for Early Learning recognised several contributors: Dr Alexander Eble from Columbia University and Dr Filipa De Castro from Save the Children US won Best Research and Studies. Stéphanie Seyll from France was awarded for a community daycare model in Cambodia; Nisreine Ben Abdeljalil from Morocco was honoured for a preschool education initiative.

A documentary showcased the award's evolution and its role in promoting educational excellence. Humaid Al Houti, Secretary-General of the Khalifa Award for Education, acknowledged UAE leadership's support in strengthening education since the time of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Continued Support for Education

Nominations came from over 48 countries including the US, UK, China, Argentina, France, Germany among others. The Distinguished Educational Personality Award remains central to recognising those advancing education systems significantly.

Sheikha Dr Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan expressed gratitude for recognising "Green Innovation for a Sustainable Environment – Together Towards Environmental Awareness for Sustainable Education" under Education and Community Service. She praised its role in embedding environmental values into education.

The ceremony concluded with Humaid Al Houti presenting a commemorative shield to Sheikh Mansour in appreciation of his continued support. Sheikha Dr Shamma thanked H.H. Sheikh Mansour for his vision in empowering future generations through education.

With inputs from WAM