The Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Distinguished Academic Performance was established in 1998, and the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences in 1999, at the initiative of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Both initiatives aimed to support quality in education and medicine, and nurture talent and innovation. The awards have expanded from local to international, in collaboration with prestigious organizations. In 2018, the Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance was established, and in 2023, the Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences was established, to promote excellence and creativity in these two sectors.
Winning an award is the culmination of great efforts made over a period of time. It expresses appreciation for the hard work and creativity shown by the winners in their various fields, whether scientific, artistic, literary, or athletic. This appreciation by the community or donors enhances the winners’ self-confidence and gives them a strong push to provide more. The award is not just a moment to stand on top, but it also opens new horizons and broader paths for innovation and giving. The winners become role models for others, motivating them to achieve more successes and contribute to improving their communities.
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.”
•
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.
Experts call for leveraging artificial intelligence to advance gifted education and strengthen international research collaboration.
Dubai, UAE, 23 October 2025: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences concluded today the 3rd World Giftedness Center International Conference – On Educating the Gifted in the Era of Prosperous Artificial Intelligence (AI), following four days of scientific discussions and interactive sessions that showcased the latest research and applications in gifted education in the age of artificial intelligence.
The conference brought together more than 5000 experts, researchers, and academics from 75 countries, reaffirming its status as a leading global platform for the exchange of knowledge and expertise in gifted education and talent development.
Held under the theme “On Educating the Gifted in the Era of Prosperous Artificial Intelligence (AI)”, the conference featured outstanding case studies on integrating smart technologies into education and examined their impact on human creativity and the nurturing of exceptional minds. The interactive sessions were marked by rich questions and insightful contributions from participants, reflecting a spirit of collaboration and constructive dialogue among specialists from diverse disciplines.
A Platform for Global Dialogue and Shared Vision
The closing sessions presented the main outcomes of the conference discussions, which addressed specialized topics such as integrating AI technologies into educational curricula, fostering creativity in digital learning environments, supporting the mental well-being of gifted learners in smart education contexts, and exploring neuroscience applications in talent education. Participants also reviewed research experiences shared by leading universities and international institutions.
Experts emphasized that the future of gifted education depends on the synergy between technology, human intellect, and individual creativity. They called for empowering teachers through continuous training and access to modern technological tools, enabling them to design stimulating and adaptive learning environments that respond to the unique capacities of gifted learners. The sessions also highlighted the importance of enhancing collaboration between academic institutions and giftedness centers to develop knowledge frameworks that improve the quality of education and research in this field.
In his closing remarks, His Excellency Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, commended the conference’s success in achieving its scientific and educational objectives. He noted that the in-depth discussions throughout the sessions underscored the need to build dynamic educational systems that keep pace with advances in artificial intelligence and meet the requirements of the future.
His Excellency Al Qatami added that Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation will continue to lead initiatives that connect scientific research with educational practice to develop innovative tools for gifted education and promote academic excellence across the region and the world.
For his part, His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Foundation, stated that the conference marked the beginning of a new phase of international collaboration in the field of gifted education. He affirmed that the recommendations emerging from the sessions, particularly those focused on integrating AI in gifted education, will be translated into concrete research programs and projects under the World Giftedness Center’s upcoming plans.
Dr. Al Suwaidi also noted that the Foundation will expand its partnerships with international academic institutions to enrich knowledge and exchange expertise in the fields of giftedness and creativity.
The World Giftedness Center and Its Future Role
The World Giftedness Center (WGC) is one of the flagship initiatives of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, dedicated to supporting best practices in gifted education, talent development, and excellence worldwide.
Through its diverse programs, the Center continues to promote a global culture of excellence, including the International Award for School Initiatives in Gifted Education, which honors pioneering schools that adopt innovative programs and projects supporting gifted education from kindergarten to pre-university levels around the world.
Toward a More Innovative and Sustainable Future
At the conclusion of the conference, participants underscored that the future of gifted education lies in reinforcing the harmony between human potential and technological advancement and adopting flexible educational policies that foster cultural diversity and sustainable innovation.
They also praised Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation’s vital role in establishing the UAE as a global hub for knowledge and research in gifted education.
The event concluded with a collective commitment from participating experts and institutions to continue collaboration in developing new scientific initiatives that empower creative generations capable of using artificial intelligence to serve humanity and sustainable development.
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