Abu Dhabi: Wednesday, 13 May 2026
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Khalifa Award for Education, one of the institutions of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, honored H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairperson of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, upon receiving the Distinguished Educational Personality Award for 2026, in recognition and appreciation of Her Highness’s outstanding contributions and visionary approach to developing a homegrown in education system, driven by the distinct values and aspirations of the UAE, keeping pace with developments, anticipating the future, and translating the leadership’s directives into building specialized national competencies capable of meeting the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071 agenda.
His Excellency also honored the winners of the Award’s nineteenth edition at the local, Arab, and international levels, totaling 40 winners, including 25 winners from within the UAE and 4 Emirati families that received the Distinguished Emirati Family Award in recognition of their outstanding contributions to raising and educating their children and guiding them toward platforms of excellence. In addition, 11 winners from across the Arab world were honored, alongside the 4 winners of the Khalifa International Award for Early Learning from the United States of America and the United Kingdom.
This took place during the ceremony organized by the General Secretariat of the Khalifa Award for Education to honor the winners of the nineteenth edition, held under the patronage and in the presence of His Excellency, and attended by H.E. Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education; H.E. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Secretary-General of Erth Zayed Philanthropies; H.E. Hajer Ahmed Al Thehli, Secretary-General of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council; and ………………… .
The ceremony commenced with the UAE national anthem, followed by a documentary film highlighting the UAE’s efforts in building an advanced national system that supports early childhood education according to the best international scientific and practical practices. The film also shed light on the pioneering role played by the Khalifa Award for Education in supporting early learning and enhancing the quality of education, delivering an inspiring message that investing in early childhood represents the foundation for shaping a brighter and more sustainable future.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Khalifa Award for Education, stated that the Khalifa Award for Education continues to fulfill its national and humanitarian mission in supporting education and promoting a culture of excellence and innovation, inspired by the vision of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, who believed that education is the true foundation for building humanity, civilization, and progress, and who established investment in human capital as a deeply rooted approach upon which the UAE’s developmental renaissance was built.
His Excellency affirmed that the United Arab Emirates, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, may God protect him, continues to consolidate an advanced global model in education based on investing in people as the nation’s true wealth, while building national capabilities able to keep pace with global transformations and shape the future. He noted that His Highness the UAE President places strategic importance on the education sector as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development and one of the main drivers for building a competitive national economy founded on knowledge, innovation, and advanced technology.
His Excellency added that the comprehensive developmental vision led by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, may God protect him, has contributed to developing an advanced national education system that anticipates the future, keeps pace with international best practices, and enhances the readiness of future generations to engage with the rapid developments taking place in artificial intelligence, science, technology, scientific research, and the digital economy, thereby consolidating the UAE’s position as a global hub for knowledge, creativity, and innovation.
He further noted that honoring H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairperson of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, with the Distinguished Educational Personality Award for 2026 reflects national appreciation for Her Highness’s pioneering role, qualitative contributions, and visionary leadership in supporting and developing the national education system. He praised Her Highness’s commitment to building an advanced educational environment that responds to future requirements and contributes to preparing qualified national competencies across priority sectors, in support of the UAE Centennial 2071 objectives.
His Excellency added that the nineteenth edition of the Award reflects the prestigious standing achieved by the Khalifa Award for Education at the local, Arab, and international levels, as well as the broad trust it enjoys as a pioneering platform for promoting a culture of excellence and elevating the quality of educational and academic performance. He pointed out that since its launch in 2007, the Award has achieved a sustainable positive impact on the education sector within the UAE, across the Arab world, and internationally, while contributing to supporting qualitative educational initiatives and motivating innovators and distinguished talents across various fields of education.
His Excellency praised the support and directives of H.H. Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes’ Affairs, Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Erth Zayed Philanthropies, and His Highness’s commitment to supporting national initiatives that contribute to advancing education and strengthening its competitiveness and leadership regionally and internationally.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan affirmed that the strong turnout for participation in the current edition from countries around the world reflects the growing international confidence in the Award’s mission, objectives, and role in supporting innovation and excellence in education. He explained that the current edition witnessed participation from nominees representing 52 countries worldwide, underscoring the Award’s expanding international presence and prestigious standing among specialized educational awards globally.
His Excellency stated that the UAE’s interest in education extends beyond developing curricula and academic institutions to encompass building individuals and instilling national identity and humanitarian values in future generations. He stressed that the family represents the primary partner in supporting the educational journey and shaping generations capable of continuing the country’s path of development and leadership across various sectors.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan honored H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairperson of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, winner of the Distinguished Educational Personality Award. The award was received on behalf of Her Highness by H.E. Hajer Ahmed Al Thehli. His Excellency also honored the winners of the current edition.
The honorees in the General Education Field – Creative Teacher Category included: Amal Ahmad Abdallah Al-Ajarmeh, Chemistry, from Al Nahda National Schools – Abu Dhabi; Amal Muhammad Shukri Abu Bakr, Biology, from Institute of Applied Technology – Ajman; Kholoud Rashed Khalfan Al-Yileili, Early Learning, from Zayed Education Complex – Fujairah; Sendeyyah Ahmed Rashed Al-Hassani, Information Technology, from Zayed Education Complex – Al Badiyah; Suha Wael Mustafa Shoshaa, Mathematics, from Ruqaya School for Girls – C2, Sharjah; Sheikhah Ali Mohammed Al-Zeyoudi, Computer, from Dibba Al Fujairah School – C3; Dr. Laila Ahmed Mohamed Mohamed, Kindergarten, from Al Nahda Nursery – Abu Dhabi; and Naeema Mohammed Jasem Al-Nuaimi, Mathematics, from Zayed Education Complex – Awafi.
In the General Education Field – Institutional Education Performance Category, the honorees included: Zayed Education Complex – C1&2 / Al Fujairah, represented by team leader Aisha Ali Khamas Al Dhahouri; Al-Huiteen School – Abu Dhabi / Al Dhafra, represented by team leader Fouqia Mustafa Ramadan Hilal; and Kalbaa Nursery, represented by team leader Amina Rashed Mohammed Al Abdouli.
In the People of Determination Field – Individuals Category, the honoree was Salhah Ali Mohammed Al-Zeyoudi from Al-Rayyan School – C1.
In the Education and Community Service Field – Institutions Category, Abu Dhabi Police General Command was honored for the project “Police Heroes of Tomorrow,” represented by team leader Brigadier Hussein Ali Hamad Al Junaibi.
In the Education and Community Service Field – The Distinguished Emirati Family Category, the honorees included: Ahmed Ali Mubarak Al Kindi Family from Sharjah – Kalbaa; Ahmed Mobarak Obaid Al Zahmi Family from Al Fujairah; Saleh Saeed Salim Saeed Family from Ajman; and Hilal Ali Khalifa Al Hanee Family from Abu Dhabi – Al Ain.
In the Innovation in Arabic Language Teaching Field at the UAE level, Aishah Ahmed Abdulla Al Dhanhani from Zayed Education Complex / Fujairah was honored. In the Innovative University Lecturer Category, the honorees included: Dr. Ali Abdulqader Mohammed Al Hammadi from Abu Dhabi Police College, and Prof. Dr. Aysha Juma Abdulla Al Shamsi from Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities.
In the Higher Education Field at the UAE level – Distinguished University Lecturer Category, the honorees included: Dr. Ameena Saad Sultan Al-Sumaiti from Khalifa University; Prof. Hatem Hussein Magdy Zein El-Din from Khalifa University; and Prof. Yasser El-Hanafy Mohamed Greish from United Arab Emirates University (UAEU).
In the Innovative Educational Projects and Programs Field at the UAE level – Individuals Category, Hebatlla Sayed Rabie Mohamed from Zayed Authority for People of Determination was honored for the project “ASLDeaf, A Digital Learning Platform for the Deaf.”
His Excellency also honored the winners at the Arab world level, including in the General Education Field – Creative Teacher Category: Farah Jassim Mohammed Al-Khawaja, English Language, from the State of Kuwait; Zainab Saeed Salman Al-Jamri, Arabic Language, from the Kingdom of Bahrain; Abdulaziz Abdullah Nassar Al-Hazmi, Mathematics, from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Maryam Nasser Abdullah Al-Abri, Math & Sciences, from the Sultanate of Oman; Aysha Saleh Al-Mutawa Al-Kuwari, Physical Education, from the State of Qatar; Reem Hasan Saleh Dahnous, Biology, from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; and Yaman Mohammed Hussein Kashto, Arabic Language, from the State of Qatar.
In the Innovation in Teaching Arabic Language Field – Innovative University Lecturer Category, Prof. Kholoud Saleh Othman Al Saleh from King Abdulaziz University in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was honored.
In the Higher Education Field – Distinguished University Lecturer Category, Prof. Shaher Mohammad Ahmad Momani from the University of Jordan in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was honored.
In the Educational Research Field at the Arab world level, Esam Yahya Abdul was honored from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In the Educational Authorship for Children Field – Educational Innovations Category, Maryam Ali Mansour Al Madhhoob from the Kingdom of Bahrain was honored for her work “When the World Becomes Elastic – A Novel.”
At the international level, His Excellency honored the winners of the Khalifa International Award for Early Learning. In the Programs, Curricula, Methodologies, and Teaching Methods Category, Rebecca Sayer Mugany, representing the Early Childhood Development Measurement Center from the United States of America, was honored for the program “Teacher Instructional Practices and Processes System (TIPPS).” His Excellency also honored SabaR Education from the United Kingdom, represented by Susan Bliss Everhart.
In the Research and Studies Category, Dr. Abu Said Mohammad Parvez Shonchoy from the United States of America was honored for his research titled “Making the Most of What Exists: Scaling Early Childhood Development Through Public Infrastructure.” His Excellency also honored Dr. Florencia Clara Lopez Boo from the United States of America for her research titled “Research Study to Guide Large-Scale Quality Improvement in Early Childhood Development Interventions in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Humaid Ibrahim Al-Houti presented the Khalifa Award for Education shield to His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan in appreciation of His Excellency’s continued support for the Award’s journey and achievements. A commemorative photograph was also taken with the winners in the presence of H.E. Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education and member of the Board of Trustees of the Khalifa Award for Education; H.E. Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Secretary-General of Erth Zayed Philanthropies; H.E. Hajer Ahmed Al Thehli, Secretary-General of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council; Dr. Abdullah Al Maghribi, Undersecretary of the Presidential Court for Studies and Research Affairs and member of the Board of Trustees of the Khalifa Award for Education; and Humaid Ibrahim Al-Houti, Secretary-General of the Khalifa Award for Education.