Dubai: An Emirati teacher from Ras Al Khaimah has won Dh1 million for her innovation in science.
Ebtisam Ahmad Al Shemeili, who won the Emirates Innovative Teacher Award, received her trophy from His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at the first day of the World Government Summit on Monday.
The award aims to reward innovative Emirati teachers for their efforts in building the UAE’s future generations.
“I am honoured and proud to have received the award. The leaders of the UAE truly care about teachers in the country. This is a great incentive for teachers to continue to give and build the future generation. I plan on buying a house for my family with the cash prize,” she said.
The physics teacher who works at Al Ro’ya School in Ras Al Khaimah won for her scientific research in many fields.
“I am currently working on getting a patent for four of my studies: Doctor D (which is a research that studies the causes of vitamin D, a research about smart boards, another research about reducing water wastage and a fourth about visual safety of cars during fog,” she said.
The award, which is sponsored by GEMS Education, also rewarded the four runners-up — Noora Saeed Al Shehi, Samah Hamdan, Amnah Abdullah Al Zaabi and Nadia Saeed Al Kaabi — with Dh500,000.
The award was open to all Emirati teachers across all private and public schools, either affiliated to the UAE Ministry of Education, Abu Dhabi Education Council or applied technology institutes, who are currently teaching students in all grades.
The winner was chosen after her personality was assessed and for the multiple roles performed not only in the local community but also in improving the academic level of students.
Engineer Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, and GEMS Education founder and chairman Sunny Varkey presented the teachers with the award along with Shaikh Mohammad.
