Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences

A Leading Institution in Excellence Creation

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About the founder

Giving that never stops... despite the absence

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.

Our Initiatives

Innovative educational and medical support to develop future skills.

Hamdan Innovate Kit: “Innovate with My Family

3rd WORLD GIFTEDNESS CENTER INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2025

Scholarships

Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation

Fab Lab UAE

World Giftedness Center

Global Mentorship Program

Centre for Arab Genomic Studies (CAGS)

CME/CPD Activities

Our Websites

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FabLab

The Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences launched the "Fab Lab UAE" project with the aim of fostering an innovative and productive Emirati generation. The project seeks to create a supportive environment for innovation and establish a comprehensive infrastructure by providing community centers known as Fab Labs. "Fab Lab" is short for "Fabrication Laboratory," which refers to a manufacturing lab. These labs grant access to the latest tools, devices, and software in the world of digital fabrication, making them available to all segments of society.

Awards

In appreciation of a journey full of efforts

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.

Events

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2021-11-23-2022-02-15

Hamdan Global Forum For Excellence 2021

Stemming from the vision for The Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance to be a pioneer in leading the excellence of educational performance, and to achieve its goals to contribute to the qualitative progress in education and to spread the culture of excellence, The Foundation is organizing an online forum entitled (Hamdan Global Forum for Excellence), to be held from 18 till 22 October 2020.Read more

News

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Hamdan Foundation and the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States Launch the "Distinguished Educator Award"

Dubai, UAE, 5 December 2024: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences and The Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States signed a Memorandum of Understanding today (Thursday, December 5) at the Museum of the Future in Dubai to launch the "Distinguished Educator Award" at the level of member states of the Bureau, in the presence of several senior educational officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. This award represents a significant milestone in the journey to promote educational excellence and innovation across the region, supporting efforts to enhance the quality of education and encourage innovation in addressing current and future challenges. On this occasion, His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Ali Al Suwaidi, Secretary General and Executive Director of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, affirmed that this joint initiative with the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States aligns seamlessly with the Foundation's long-term vision to achieve sustainable development in education. He emphasized the importance of recognizing and honoring educational professionals who have distinguished themselves through innovative and exceptional practices, leading to unprecedented outcomes in the educational field. The award seeks to cultivate a culture of excellence and inspire educators to adopt forward-thinking approaches that enhance educational performance and ensure the sustainability of quality standards. Dr. Al Suwaidi further highlighted that the award, beyond celebrating excellence, will serve as a vital platform for recognizing best practices and promoting excellence in educational leadership and student support services. His Excellency underscored that this award represents a natural extension of the long-standing strategic partnership between the Foundation and the Arab Bureau of Education, a collaboration that has yielded transformative initiatives with a measurable impact on the educational landscape. His Excellency stated, “Excellence is a fundamental value and a cornerstone for shaping the future of education in the Gulf region. This award is an open call to all ambitious educators to offer innovative solutions that enhance education and contribute to preparing future generations equipped with creativity and innovation.” His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Mohammed Al-Asmi, Director-General of the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States, underscored the significance of this initiative, stating: “This agreement embodies our shared commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in education. The Distinguished Educator Award establishes a new benchmark for recognizing individuals who have made substantial contributions to advancing the field, particularly educators. Our goal remains to continuously enhance the professional development of those working in education and to promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.” His Excellency further remarked: “This award is a testament to our fruitful partnership with Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, which stands as a model of constructive collaboration in addressing educational priorities across the Gulf region. We are confident that this initiative will inspire educational professionals to create innovative solutions that address the needs of students and Gulf communities, both today and in the future.” The award encompasses several educational categories, including school principals and their deputies, educational unit supervisors, education service providers, as well as specialists in special needs and learning resources. Each recipient will be awarded AED 50,000, a certificate of appreciation, a trophy of excellence, and the opportunity to participate in a specialized training program.

Hamdan Foundation Unveils "Advanced Education: Innovation in Teaching, Leadership, Technology, and Assessment" Book

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, October 1, 2024: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences has announced launched the book titled "Advanced Education: Innovation in Teaching, Leadership, Technology, and Assessment," in celebration of Teacher's Day, which falls on the upcoming October 5. The book was authored by a distinguished group of academics in collaboration with the foundation. Aiming at teachers, educational leaders, policymakers, and students in educational programs, the book offers valuable insights into peer evaluation, active learning strategies, educational governance, and the integration of technology. It also presents specialized research and studies on assessment, serving as a comprehensive resource for understanding contemporary educational practices for both students and professionals in the field. The book launch ceremony was attended by senior officials from the foundation, relevant stakeholders, academics, educational institutions, media representatives, and educational professionals. Commenting on the book’s release, Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General and CEO of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, said: “The launch of the book Advanced Education: Innovation in Teaching, Leadership, Technology, and Assessment, authored by a distinguished group of academics under the foundation’s patronage, marks a significant contribution to the educational sector. It aligns with one of the key strategic goals of the Hamdan bin Rashid Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences: fostering a knowledge-based culture centered on intellectual engagement and supporting all initiatives aimed at enhancing and advancing the educational field." His Excellency added, “We sincerely appreciate and acknowledge the efforts of the esteemed educators who contributed to the authorship and production of this book with exceptional professionalism and precision: Dr. Asmaa Khalil Abdullah, Dr. Ahmed Al Kaabi, and Dr. Rashid Al Riyaami. We extend our best wishes for their continued success in their endeavors to further the educational journey." Dr. Al Suwaidi further explained that the book is organized into four main sections, each focusing on innovative approaches in teaching, leadership, assessment, and the use of educational technologies, including chat-based programs. The book offers a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in education, emphasizing the crucial role of innovation. It provides practical insights for educators on how to integrate these new methods and technologies into their teaching, leadership, and assessment practices, making it an essential reference for education professionals. The book equips them with the knowledge and tools necessary to drive sustainable change and improvement in their educational environments. The Executive Director of the foundation pointed out that the book will be available to readers on the foundation's website, where interested individuals can download and benefit from it. The book launch event also included a presentation session by the authors, where they discussed its objectives, methodology, and areas of benefit.

Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation and UNESCO Honor the Winners of the "Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum-UNESCO Prize" in Paris and Sign a Strategic MoU

Paris, France; Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 5 October 2024: In a ceremony attended by senior officials and UNESCO’s permanent delegates, Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum, Supreme President of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, honored the winners of the "Hamdan-UNESCO Prize for Teacher Development" in its eighth cycle. Held in UNESCO’s main hall in Paris, the event highlighted a shared commitment to advancing teacher quality worldwide. During the ceremony, Sheikh Rashid and the delegation also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Foundation and UNESCO. This strategic agreement, supported by Hamdan-UNESCO Fund, aims to enhance teacher-focused programs implemented by UNESCO, reinforcing the partnership’s dedication to educational support and development. In his address, Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan expressed appreciation for UNESCO’s continued support in education, science, and culture, noting its essential role in fostering international cooperation to strengthen education, promote cultural diversity, and encourage human innovation. Sheikh Rashid praised the strong ties between UNESCO and the United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. He emphasized that education represents a vital investment in the future, highlighting the Hamdan Foundation’s role in advancing education through its partnership with UNESCO, which has facilitated the sharing of effective educational practices and the development of teachers' competencies worldwide. Reaffirming the UAE's commitment to advancing global education, Sheikh Rashid emphasized the importance of teachers in shaping a brighter future for generations to come. He congratulated the prize winners and recognized the efforts of the judges and coordinators at both Hamdan Foundation and UNESCO. Sheikh Rashid remarked, “At Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, we are honored to be part of this recognition, reflecting our belief in the essential role of teachers in building societies and advancing civilizations. I am also pleased to announce additional support for Hamdan-UNESCO Fund, with new financing for upcoming educational programs, including key projects such as the 2026 Global Teacher Report and the Knowledge Center affiliated with the Teachers Task Force, which aim to enhance the global standing of teachers.” Concluding his remarks, Sheikh Rashid expressed his hope that this prize will inspire recipients to continue their journey with dedication and creativity, reaffirming that education remains the most promising investment for building a sustainable and prosperous future. Commenting on the strategic MoU signing, His Excellency Dr. Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, stated, “This agreement builds on the vision of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to support education and international initiatives that enhance teacher performance and capabilities. We are dedicated to investing in global education by empowering teachers to fulfill their essential role in community building.” The MoU is designed to reinforce cooperation between the Foundation and UNESCO in developing sustainable education programs, enhancing teacher skills globally, and creating innovative solutions to educational challenges. Additionally, it seeks to foster inclusive educational environments that contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on developing effective teaching tools, improving teacher efficiency, and supporting efforts to raise education quality in areas with limited resources. As part of honoring this year’s winning projects, the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and UNESCO recognized three pioneering initiatives from Bangladesh, Brazil, and Togo. These projects have notably advanced teacher performance and strengthened their impact on local educational systems. The recognition coincided with World Teachers' Day 2024, themed ‘Recognizing Teachers' Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education’, highlighting the role of teachers in shaping the future of education and emphasizing the importance of incorporating their perspectives into educational policies. His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, expressed his satisfaction in honoring the winners of this esteemed prize. He remarked, “This prize aligns with World Teachers' Day, underscoring the Foundation's commitment to advancing global education quality and supporting communities and developing nations that need particular assistance in education.” Dr. Al Suwaidi added, “We congratulate the winners and commend UNESCO's efforts toward inclusive and equitable education, in line with the 'Education 2030' vision to expand learning opportunities and foster a knowledge-based, equal society.” The winners this year include three international organizations recognized for their contributions to education: Good Neighbors Bangladesh for the "Enhancing Teachers' Capacities for Quality Educational Environment" project, Curitiba Municipality - Municipal Education Secretariat in Brazil for "Veredas Formativas," which promotes interactive education and skill development for teachers, and Chicheo High School in Togo for its "Community-Based Approach to Improve Basic Literacy Skills" project for rural students. Seven projects reached the final selection stage of the "Hamdan-UNESCO Prize for Teacher Development" in 2024, representing countries including Indonesia, Angola, Norway, China, and Brazil, each contributing to enhancing education and strengthening teacher capabilities. First launched in 2008 with the support of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Hamdan-UNESCO Prize aims to support and encourage those working globally to advance teacher effectiveness, aligning with UNESCO's core principles and objectives.

In Celebration of World Teachers' Day: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Presents Appreciation Gifts to Teachers and Participates in the 3rd International Forum for Arabic Language Teachers in Sharjah

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 6 October 2024: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences celebrated World Teachers' Day by honoring educators and presenting appreciation gifts to the winners of the previous cycle at both local and Gulf levels. This initiative acknowledges their significant efforts and contributions in shaping future generations and advancing educational standards. In conjunction with the celebration, the Foundation participated in the accompanying exhibition of the 3rd International Forum for Arabic Language Teachers, held under the theme "Linguistic Investment: Promising Horizons and a Tool for Innovation," organized by the Sharjah Private Education Authority and Sharjah Education Academy on October 5 and 6. The Foundation was represented by a delegation of educational experts and administrators. His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, said: “On World Teachers' Day, we express our profound gratitude for the crucial role teachers play in building the future of nations. We firmly believe that education is the pillar of societal progress, achieved through nurturing a generation that embodies values, principles, and the ability to innovate and contribute to community development.” Dr. Al Suwaidi also highlighted the Foundation’s participation in the 3rd International Forum for Arabic Language Teachers as part of its broader strategy to enhance its presence both locally and internationally. His Excellency stressed the priority given to the Arabic language, which holds great significance in promoting Arab culture and elevating the global stature of the language. This aligns with the Foundation’s mission to support education and educators at the local and global levels.

Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Participates in the International Symposium "Appreciating Teachers: Towards a New Social Contract for Education"

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 7 October 2024: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences participated in the international symposium "Appreciating Teachers: Towards a New Social Contract for Education", organized yesterday by the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States in celebration of World Teachers' Day. The symposium featured participation from notable figures, including HE. Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al-Asmi, Director-General of the Bureau, HE. Dr. Abdulrahman Almedaries, Director General of the UNESCO Regional Centre of Quality and Excellence in Education (RCQE) in Saudi Arabia, and HE. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan, Deputy Director-General of the National Institute for Educational Professional Development. Participants showcased experiences and practices in the education sector, especially programs aimed at preparing and developing teachers. In the discussion sessions, teachers shared recommendations on how to advance the teaching profession and redefine teachers' roles and responsibilities in response to rapid changes. They also emphasized the importance of selecting teachers based on rigorous educational and pedagogical standards, ensuring that their aspirations align with educational goals, and preparing future teachers holistically rather than relying solely on academic credentials. His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, expressed his pleasure in participating in this important symposium. He highlighted that the event honors the role of teachers in building generations equipped with knowledge, contributing to the development of their countries and serving their communities across various fields. He emphasized that the Foundation's participation aligns with the invitation from the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States and reflects its leading role in supporting and advancing the education sector to keep pace with technological and digital developments and best practices in the field. Dr. Al-Suwaidi added that the Foundation appreciates the Bureau's initiatives aimed at unifying efforts to improve education quality and support teachers in fulfilling their noble mission of nurturing future generations. In his address, Dr. Al-Suwaidi spoke about the importance of ensuring that teachers' voices are heard and appropriately engaged with by the community. He referenced the teachers' file he presented at the UN World Leaders Summit in New York, as a member of the UNESCO International Task Force on Teachers, affirming that this year’s theme, "Appreciating Teachers: Towards a New Social Contract for Education", aligns with the critical importance of acknowledging teachers' voices. Studies of global education systems have shown that when teachers are not heard, they tend to experience what is known as "intellectual lethargy", becoming passive receivers of instructions from authorities at the school or education system level. In contrast, societies that have mechanisms in place to listen to teachers' voices and suggestions witness educational progress that is in harmony with the pace of contemporary developments. The study concluded that teachers in such countries exhibit intellectual dynamism thanks to the trust they gain, noting the importance of encouraging similar practices in other communities and establishing systems for listening to teachers. This represents a key element in advancing the education sector and reinforcing the teacher’s role in serving the community and contributing to sustainable development.

Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO) Announce Winners of Hamdan-ALECSO Award for Distinguished Educational Research

Dubai, UAE, 13 November 2024: Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, in partnership with the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), announced the winners of Hamdan-ALECSO Award for Distinguished Educational Research for this year across the Arab world. This year’s edition of Hamdan-ALECSO Award for Distinguished Educational Research attracted broad participation from across the Arab world, with 154 research submissions from 11 countries. Saudi Arabia led with 103 entries, followed by Egypt with 17 and the United Arab Emirates with 16. Jordan and Oman each contributed five submissions, while Morocco and Qatar submitted two each. Palestine, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Syria each had one entry. This geographical diversity and strong level of participation reflect the award’s growing prestige among Arab educational communities and underscore a shared commitment to advancing educational research as a pillar of development in the region. In his remarks on the occasion, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar, Director-General of the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), expressed pride in announcing the results of Hamdan-ALECSO Award for Distinguished Educational Research, stating, “ALECSO is honored to announce the winners of the Hamdan-ALECSO Award, an achievement that highlights our strengthened collaboration with Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences. This award serves to inspire researchers and institutions to direct their energies toward scientific research and innovation, enabling new solutions to pressing challenges in education and science.” His Excellency added, “The award aligns with ALECSO’s strategic commitment to fostering an interactive environment that promotes continuous learning and encourages researchers to pursue deeper studies. This focus on innovation and inquiry contributes directly to raising educational standards and enhancing the quality of education throughout our society.” His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Ould Amar further noted that Hamdan-ALECSO Award honors the current winners and inspires future generations to invest in science and develop their research skills. ALECSO remains committed to disseminating the results of winning research, as part of its ongoing dedication to fostering an innovative and impactful scientific community that builds a better future, grounded in science and research as essential pillars for sustainable development. In this context, His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al-Suwaidi, Executive Director of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, stated, “We are proud that Hamdan-ALECSO Award for Educational Research has earned an esteemed position on the map of Arab educational research and has become an influential platform supporting scientific research in the educational field. The increase in submissions for this year’s award cycle reflects the success of ALECSO and Hamdan Foundation in supporting Arab educational researchers and providing opportunities for the growth of educational research, a field of great interest to educational policymakers. This commitment underscores our dedication to supporting initiatives that contribute to a qualitative leap in educational quality. These research projects represent practical solutions that address contemporary educational challenges in the region.” His Excellency added, “We extend our gratitude to ALECSO for its efforts and cooperation, and we congratulate all the winners for their remarkable achievements, which reflect a level of scientific excellence worthy of recognition. We reaffirm our commitment to nurturing scientific talent and providing an environment that enables researchers to unleash their creativity and ideas, working toward a brighter educational future.” The winning research projects covered various fields. Dr. Zeinab Hassan Hamed Ali Al-Salami from Ain Shams University in Egypt won for her study on “Developing a Model for the Use of Generative AI in Project-Based Learning in Teacher Preparation Programs and Its Impact on Creativity and Passion”. Dr. Rahma bint Suleiman bin Hadi Thakir and Mr. Hassan bin Dhafer bin Hassan Al-Zahrani from Saudi Arabia were awarded for their research on “The Effect of AI-Enhanced Knowledge Journeys on Improving Academic Achievement and Attitude Towards Mathematics among Secondary School Students”. Professor Dr. Abdul Aziz bin Faleh bin Ibrahim Al-Asail from King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia won for his study on “A Metaverse-Based Educational Program and Its Effectiveness in Enhancing Future Digital Skills and Promoting Positive Attitudes among University Students”. Another award went to a research team from King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia, comprising Dr. Eman bint Ali bin Mohammed Al-Mohammadi, Ms. Malak bint Ali Fahmi Al-Zahrani, Ms. Bashayer bint Abdullah bin Saeed Al-Qarni, Dr. Eradah bint Omar Hamad, and Ms. Juwana bint Abdullah bin Suleiman Al-Juhani, for their research on “Graduate Students' Use of AI Applications in Scientific Research: Prevalence and Its Relationship to Perceived Impostor Syndrome”. The winners will be honored in an official ceremony held on the second day of the 19th Conference of Arab Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Research, attended by senior officials, ministers of higher education and scientific research, and directors of major organizations. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 28. The Hamdan-ALECSO Award for Educational Research is one of the leading awards in the Arab world. It aims to identify and encourage distinguished Arab educational researchers, promote their recognition, and disseminate their practices among educational stakeholders for wider benefit. Additionally, it enriches the Arab educational library with outstanding research that meets international standards, solidifying its place among global awards.

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