ADEK launches education awards with Dh 7 million in prizes

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has called on schools, nurseries, and professionals across the education sector in the emirate to take part in the third edition of the ADEK Community Education Awards for the 2025/2026 academic year, describing this year’s cycle as a distinctive edition that spotlights outstanding achievements and high-impact initiatives across schools and early childhood education institutions in Abu Dhabi.

ADEK confirmed that the application window opened on 30 October and will close on 28 February, with the awards recognising excellence and transformative practices that contribute to holistic school performance and the overall quality of education in the emirate.

From 11 to 21 categories

According to ADEK, the awards hold particular value for parents as they highlight exemplary accomplishments across the education community from everyday classroom successes to major, far-reaching initiatives. The awards also celebrate the positive impact of individuals and educational programmes, reinforcing the pivotal role of teaching and learning in achieving sustainable development and embedding a culture of continuous improvement.

The number of award categories has expanded significantly since the programme’s inception, growing from 11 categories in the first edition to 16 in the second, and reaching 21 categories this year. Participation has likewise risen from 288 submissions in the first edition to 515 in the third, with further growth expected before nominations close.

Dh 7 million in total prizes

ADEK stated that the total value of prizes for this edition amounts to Dh 7 million across 21 categories. Eligible participants include public and private schools, education partnership schools, and nurseries throughout Abu Dhabi.

Categories and awards

 School awards include:

• Best Parent Engagement Practices

• Inclusive Education Practices

• Student Wellbeing Programme

• Professional Development Programme for Leaders

• Best Professional Development Programme for Teachers

• Best Reading Programme

• Arabic Language Immersion Programme

• Best Anti-Bullying Programme

• Artificial Intelligence Programme

• Most Engaged School

• Best Development and Improvement Practices

• Best Staff Wellbeing Programme

The Best Development and Improvement Practices Award returns this year with comprehensive updates to its evaluation criteria and submission requirements. ADEK also offers seven individual awards recognising outstanding professionals across the education ecosystem.

Expanding recognition

This year’s awards mark a notable evolution compared with previous editions, with expanded recognition categories covering schools, individual educators, and early childhood education institutions, and broader participation across all education sectors in Abu Dhabi. Prize funds are reinvested into initiatives that enhance learning environments and elevate educational quality.

Among previous winners, Abu Dhabi International Private School upgraded innovative learning spaces and established a robotics laboratory, while Mayoor Private School launched the TheraNest therapeutic centre to support students with special educational needs.

About the awards

On its official website, ADEK reaffirmed its commitment to building a world-class education system in Abu Dhabi that empowers every learner to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to community development.

ADEK noted that the Education and Knowledge Awards highlight exceptional people, programmes, and achievements across the education ecosystem from inspiring teachers and innovative school initiatives to outstanding student performance in international assessments showcasing the transformative power of education in advancing Abu Dhabi’s sustainable development vision.

Selected awards for the 2025/2026 academic year

• Best Staff Wellbeing Programme Award

Recognising schools that have implemented pioneering staff wellbeing initiatives fostering care, resilience, and job satisfaction.

• Best Development and Improvement Practices Award

Honouring schools that have demonstrated measurable improvements in key performance indicators, including inspection results, student achievement, and compliance with international and standardised testing requirements.

• Best Arabic Language Immersion Programme – Early Childhood Education

Awarded to the most engaging and impactful programme enhancing Arabic reading and writing skills and nurturing a passion for the language.

• Best Inclusive Education Practices – Early Childhood Education

Celebrating outstanding achievements in integrating students of determination through programmes that promote inclusion, equality, and diversity.

• Outstanding Career and University Guidance Counsellor Award

Recognising exceptional professional practice and innovative guidance that delivers tangible positive impact on students and school communities.

• Outstanding Teacher Award

Celebrating passionate, dedicated educators who make a meaningful difference in the classroom.

• Unified Standardised Assessments Award

Acknowledging excellence in standardised testing practices that assess core learning skills and future workforce readiness.

• Best Artificial Intelligence Programme Award

Granted to the most innovative and impactful school-developed AI initiative.

• Best Anti-Bullying Programme Award

Awarded to the most effective school-based bullying prevention programme.

• Most Engaged School Award

Recognising schools that demonstrate consistent communication, support, and responsiveness to ADEK’s requirements.

• Best Parent Engagement Practices – Early Childhood Education

Honouring early childhood institutions that invest in strengthening parental involvement.

• Outstanding Teacher – Early Childhood Education Award

Highlighting excellence and role-model teaching that elevates student outcomes.

• Best Early Childhood Education Director of the Year Award

Recognising leaders who foster a strong culture of support for staff, students, and families.

• Best Arabic Language Immersion Programme Award

Celebrating school programmes that significantly enhance Arabic literacy.

• Best Inclusive Education Practices Award

Honouring exemplary integration of students of determination.

• Best Parent Engagement Practices Award

Recognising schools that lead in developing impactful parental engagement initiatives.

• Best Professional Development Programme Award

Awarded to schools investing in outstanding professional growth opportunities for leaders and teachers.

• Best Reading Programme Award

Celebrating the most effective school reading initiative that strengthens literacy and nurtures a love for reading.

• Best Student Wellbeing Programme Award

Recognising the most impactful school programme promoting student health and wellbeing.

• Best Principal of the Year Award

Honouring exceptional leadership and administrative excellence among school principals.