Educators, school programmes honoured at ADEK Awards

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, recognising outstanding contributions of educators and school programmes 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 Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (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 recognised 17 schools for demonstrating significant improvement in student progress and attainment across Standardised 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.

6 Individual Award Winners:

Individual Awards

Principal of the Year Award

Lee Dabagia from Summit International Schools

Outstanding Teacher Award:

Early Years and Primary Teacher Award

Rehab ElShafey from Al Amal Kindergarten

Secondary Teacher Award:

Wafa Alshamsi from Al Jahili School

Arabic Literacy & Culture Teacher Award:

Lolwah Mansoor from Al Fateh School

Students of Determination Teacher Award:

Mahmoud Mohamed from Al Hosn School

Unsung Hero Award:

Sameera Mohammed from Khalifa City School

10 Programme Award Winners received cash prizes that are dedicated to improving the winning schools’ initiatives.

Programme Awards

Best Parental Engagement Award:

The British International School Abu Dhabi

Best Student Wellbeing Programme:

Al Rayaheen Charter School

Best Professional Development Programme (Leaders):

Al Riyadh Charter School

Best Professional Development Programme (Teachers):

American International School - Abu Dhabi

Best Inclusive Practice Award:

Al Dhafra Private Academy

Best Reading Programme Award:

Al Nahda National School for Girls

Best Arabic Programme Award:

Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls

Best Anti-Bullying Programme Award

Al Huiteen School:

Best AI Programme:

ADNOC Schools - Sas Al Nakhl

Best ADEK Engagement Award:

Madar International School.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge 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 specialised schools.

Across early childhood and K-12, ADEK licences 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.