Hamdan–ICESCO Award Launches Fifth Edition To Enhance Educational Facilities In The Islamic World

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences have unveiled the fifth edition of the Hamdan–ICESCO Award. This initiative aims to enhance educational facilities in the Islamic world. It acknowledges efforts to improve learning environments, focusing on sustainability and quality in educational infrastructure.

Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Foundation, expressed pride in collaborating with ICESCO. He 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 programmes of the Hamdan–ICESCO Fund." This partnership aligns with their mission to elevate education as a cornerstone for development.

The award was first introduced in 2017 under Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum's patronage. It supports ICESCO’s mission to honour voluntary and philanthropic educational initiatives. The award encourages efforts to develop new educational facilities across the Islamic world, targeting charitable organisations, donors, and philanthropists.

Applications open in October 2025, with workshops from November 2025 to March 2026. The deadline for submissions is 20th March 2026. Judging occurs in April and May 2026, with winners announced in June 2026. An official ceremony will follow later that year to honour the recipients.

Eligible applications can be submitted directly or by nomination using an online form available in Arabic, English, or French at https://tahkeem.ha.ae/login.xhtml by 20th March 2026. An international committee will evaluate submissions to select winners for approval of final results.

Encouraging Community Action

Dr. Al Suwaidi emphasised fostering institutional development and community action through cooperation with ICESCO. He noted that developing educational facilities is a strategic investment empowering communities and enhancing creativity. "Through close cooperation with ICESCO, we seek to foster a culture of institutional development and collective community action," he said.

The award underscores both institutions' dedication to promoting partnerships that advance education. By encouraging contributions towards safe educational environments, they aim to support Sustainable Development Goals within the education sector.

This initiative not only recognises but also motivates those involved in voluntary educational projects. It highlights the importance of creating stimulating learning spaces that align with global advancements while contributing significantly to human development across the Islamic world.

With inputs from WAM