Abu Dhabi: No more applications will be accepted for the sixth Khalifa Award for education, 2012-2013, an official announced on Sunday.

More than 500 applications have been made by educational institutions and academic teachers from within the country and outside to activate the educational field in the UAE and the world by praising and honouring the efforts of people working in this field.

“The award was created with a total budget of more than Dh3 million to enhance the quality of education and initiate a sense of positive competition between participants in the field of education,” Amal Al Afifi, secretary-general of the award, said.

“The sorting of applications has started to evaluate whether such requests meet the required criteria. An assessment and arbitration process will start from February 6 until March 30, 2013,” she added.

Under the slogan “Because You Deserve Honouring, Distinguish Yourself”, the awards are given in 11 categories including public education, higher education in the UAE and across the Arab world, special needs, creating knowledge networks, new media and education, education and sustainable environment, education and community service, education research, projects and innovative education programmes and educational writing for children, Amal explained.

The Khalifa Award has witnessed a huge number of applicants this year compared to previous years.

“The current rounds of the award saw a great number of participants from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Oman, Syria and others to pull out diverse ultimate educational skills and knowledge,” Amal added.

With the follow up of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the committee for Khalifa Award has implemented an ambitious action plan to satisfy the education-oriented aspirations and set the sights on providing educational research and projects.

Box:

Khalifa Award timeline:

• Sorting nominations from January 20-February 3, 2013

• Evaluation and arbitration process from February 6-March 30, 2013

• The announcement of the winners in April 2013

• The Khalifa Award Ceremony in April 2013