Abu dhabi: The General Secretariat of the Khalifa Award for Education, an initiative under Erth Zayed Philanthropies, has emphasized the award's significant role in promoting excellence within the academic and education sectors across the UAE, the Arab world, and internationally. Since its establishment in 2007, the award has been a pioneering national initiative aimed at fostering a culture of excellence in education.
According to Emirates News Agency, the General Secretariat expressed pride in the positive impact the award has achieved at all levels. The award contributes to advancing a modern education system that prepares future generations for upcoming opportunities and challenges. The remarks were made as the General Secretariat launched its Applied Excellence Workshops Programme, with experts and specialized academics participating alongside past winners.
The 20th edition of the award features 10 fields across 18 categories. These include the Distinguished Educational Personality, Khalifa International Award for Early Learning, General Education, Education and Community Service, People of Determination, Innovation in Arabic Language Teaching, Higher Education, Educational Research, Educational Authorship for Children, and Innovative Educational Projects and Programmes. A notable addition to this edition is the Innovation and Artificial Intelligence in Education category, which aims to highlight outstanding research and initiatives using digital technologies and AI to enhance education quality.
Humaid Al Houti, Secretary-General of the Khalifa Award for Education, stressed the importance of the Applied Excellence Workshops Programme. He described it as a bridge connecting the award with various stakeholders in the education sector. The workshops involve judging committee members, specialists, past winners, and interested Emirati families. Al Houti noted that the programme will continue, supported by advanced digital platforms to strengthen engagement with the education sector locally, regionally, and internationally.
The Applied Excellence Workshops Programme featured several workshops, including a Creative Teacher workshop with Dr. Qasem Al-Shannaq and award winner Sheikha Al-Zeyoudi, and an Innovative Educational Projects and Programs workshop with Dr. Shawqi Kharbash and award winner Heba Allah Sayed. Other workshops included Innovation in Arabic Language Teaching, Educational Research, Educational Authorship for Children, and Higher Education, each featuring prominent academics and award winners.
The Khalifa Award for Education has established itself as a leading education award globally, attracting applicants from 56 countries in its previous edition, which highlights its international prominence.