Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance have announced that the nomination for the 26th Hamdan awards, which have six categories,are now being accepted. Until September 8, 2023, the foundation will welcome entries from the UAE via its website.

The distinguished student, distinguished university student, distinguished teacher, distinguished educational specialist, distinguished school, and institutions for supporting education are among the various categories of local awards presented by the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance.

Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary-General of the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance, commented on the beginning of the 26th cycle of the foundation's awards, saying that they are pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the local awards in the 26th cycle of the foundation, which over the years has reflected the vision and goals of the foundation and its pioneering journey. He also mentioned that their foundation had made significant contributions to supporting and promoting education through quality programs, highlighting talented individuals, encouraging excellence, fostering a competitive spirit, honouring and sponsoring outstanding initiatives, contributing to the development of the educational quality system, and spreading awareness in the field of excellence in the UAE, in line with the comprehensive development in the country and the rapid digital transformation and the visionary efforts of our leadership to establish and encourage concepts of innovation and excellence.

All qualified students, professors, and educational institutions were urged by him to submit applications for the prizes and share their creative ideas and projects in order to be considered for the many award categories. He underlined the significance of making these concepts into actual world applications and using them to further the interests of the larger educational community.

The awards have evolved significantly throughout their existence. The foundation has introduced a new set of criteria and improved how all categories are judged. Training programs have been carefully planned and implemented for participants, judges, and other stakeholders to increase awareness and development, adhere to international standards, and maintain openness in the awarding of prizes.

The late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum established the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance Awards, which support exceptional educational pathways and promotes excellence and talent. The prizes reflect the founder's belief in the significance of high-quality education for the growth and development of nations. In addition to working with UN institutions including UNESCO, ICESCO, ALECSO, Fab Lab, the World Council for Gifted and Talented Children, and the International Research Association for Talent Development and Excellence, the awards have grown and forged collaborations on a regional and international scale. The awards have attained widespread acclaim and solidified its status as a prestigious honor in the world of education.

At a gala ceremony held at the beginning of last March under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, the foundation honored 73 recipients of its 25th cycle awards. The Hamdan-ALECSO Award for Distinguished Educational Research saw four winners, the International Awards for Gifted Education saw four winners, various Gulf contests saw 14 winners, and various local competitions saw 49 honorable individuals win. The Hamdan EFQM Global Education Model has awarded a bronze certificate to a school in the UAE.

This year, expectations and standards are again set high with the announcement of the Hamdan Awards for Excellence. Hopefully, this year will see another round of talented students and teachers getting felicitated amidst prompt and show!