ADEK honors educators and school programs in second annual awards ceremony
Up to AED 7 million cash prizes awarded to 33 winners across 16 categories at individual and school program levels.
New categories recognize achievements in artificial intelligence, anti-bullying, and collaboration efforts with ADEK
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Aiming to empower school communities to continuously raise the bar for quality education across the Emirate - the second edition of the ADEK Awards concluded with winners announced across public, private, and charter schools, recognizing outstanding contributions of educators and school programs within Abu Dhabi's dynamic education ecosystem.
Building on the success of the inaugural edition, this year's awards included 16 categories, with new areas highlighting efforts in AI integration, anti-bullying initiatives, school collaboration with ADEK, and expanded recognition for early education institutions. More than 500 submissions were evaluated by subject matter experts, who identified impactful initiatives and meaningful efforts that went above and beyond in creating nurturing learning environments where students can truly thrive.
The Awards also recognized 17 schools for demonstrating significant improvement in student progress and attainment across Standardized Benchmark Assessments (SBA), in English, Math, and Science.
The ADEK Awards are more than a recognition, it is a call to action and a reminder to nurture innovation and celebrate collaboration, empowering schools to champion best practices that will shape lifelong learners who contribute meaningfully to society and are future-ready.
The ADEK Awards aim to inspire a culture of continuous improvement where winning schools will also have the opportunity to share their best practices, enabling others to learn, grow and elevate the collective impact of education across Abu Dhabi.
10 Program Award Winners received cash prizes that are dedicated to improving the winning schools' initiatives.
Program Awards
School
Best Parental Engagement Award
The British International School Abu Dhabi
Best Student Wellbeing Program
Al Rayaheen Charter School
Best Professional Development Program (Leaders)
Al Riyadh Charter School
Best Professional Development Program (Teachers)
American International School – Abu Dhabi
Best Inclusive Practice Award
Al Dhafra Private Academy
Best Reading Program Award
Al Nahda National School for Girls
Best Arabic Program Award
Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls
Best Anti-Bullying Program Award
Al Huiteen School
Best AI Program
ADNOC Schools - Sas Al Nakhl
Best ADEK Engagement Award
Madar International School
For more information on this year's ADEK Awards Winners visit the website: https://educationawards.ae/en/
About Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK)
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is the Education Sector regulator across the Emirate. It oversees and provides services throughout a learner's journey from early education to university and beyond. It also champions inclusivity for People of Determination in the mainstream schooling system and by providing specialized schools.
Across Early Childhood and K-12, ADEK licenses and regulates nurseries and private schools in Abu Dhabi while also legislating, mandating, and managing its own Charter Schools and 2 schools for People of Determination.
ADEK also annually provides distinguished Abu Dhabi students with full scholarships and support to study at the best universities around the world. In addition, the Department audits and enhances the delivery of Higher Education in Abu Dhabi, attracting Higher Education Institutions to open the required programs or schools that serve Abu Dhabi's needs while championing a student and faculty-friendly ecosystem in the Emirate.
With a vision to Empower Education. Empower Minds. Empower the Future, ADEK recognizes that every learner is different, and a diversity of teaching methods are essential for students to succeed. To that effect, ADEK partners with stakeholders to enable a great education system to flourish in Abu Dhabi and nurture future-ready graduates who have the 21st century skills required to sustain and carry forward Abu Dhabi's vision.
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