ABU DHABI — The Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan on Wednesday honoured Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan with the Distinguished Educational Personality Award for 2026 during the Khalifa Award for Education ceremony held at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.
The recognition, presented under the umbrella of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, highlighted Sheikha Mariam’s contributions to advancing a modern national education model aligned with the UAE’s long-term development vision and the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071.
Sheikh Nahyan also honoured 40 winners from the award’s 19th edition, spanning local, Arab and international categories, including teachers, researchers, institutions, families, and initiatives in early learning and innovation.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials including Ahmed Juma Al Zaabi, Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Hajer Ahmed Al Thehli, and Ambassador Dr Khalid Al-Ghaith, alongside education and community leaders.
The event opened with the UAE national anthem followed by a documentary showcasing the country’s efforts to build an advanced early childhood education system grounded in global best practices, and the role of the Khalifa Award in promoting educational excellence.
In his remarks, Sheikh Nahyan said the award continues to promote excellence and innovation in education, inspired by the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who viewed education as the foundation of national progress and human development.
He said the UAE, under the leadership of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, continues to strengthen a globally competitive education system based on investment in people and the development of national capabilities.
He added that education remains a central pillar of sustainable development and a driver of a knowledge-based economy built on innovation and advanced technology.
Sheikh Nahyan noted that honouring Sheikha Mariam reflects appreciation for her role in strengthening an advanced education environment that supports the preparation of national talent for priority sectors and future development needs.
He also highlighted the growing international stature of the Khalifa Award for Education, which received nominations from 52 countries in its latest edition, reflecting rising global confidence in the award’s mission.
Since its launch in 2007, the award has supported educational innovation and quality improvement across the UAE, the Arab world, and internationally, he said.
The 2026 edition recognised winners across multiple fields, including creative teachers, institutional performance, people of determination, higher education lecturers, and community education initiatives.
At UAE level, winners included educators from schools and universities such as Khalifa University and United Arab Emirates University, alongside innovative education projects supporting inclusive learning and digital accessibility.
At the Arab level, teachers and researchers from Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Jordan were honoured for excellence in teaching, research and educational authorship.
Internationally, recipients of the Khalifa International Award for Early Learning included institutions and researchers from the United States and the United Kingdom, recognised for contributions to early childhood development systems and educational methodologies.
The ceremony concluded with Sheikh Nahyan receiving a commemorative shield from the award committee in appreciation of his continued support for the initiative, followed by a group photograph with winners.