Rashid bin Hamdan Commends Winners of Hamdan-ICESCO Award for Voluntary Development of Education Facilities in the Islamic World

Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan Al Maktoum, Supreme President of the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance and His Excellency Dr. Salem Al-Malik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), honored the exceptional winners of the third edition of the prestigious Hamdan-ICESCO Award for Voluntary Development of Education Facilities in the Islamic World. The grand ceremony took place at the ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, the capital of Morocco.

Addressing the distinguished attendees, His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan expressed his appreciation for the close collaboration between the organization and the United Arab Emirates, stating, “Today, we gather once again at the esteemed premises of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization to celebrate the achievements of the third edition of the Hamdan-ICESCO Award for Voluntary Development of Education Facilities in the Islamic World. This award reflects the deeply ingrained Arab Islamic principles embraced by the United Arab Emirates, placing human development at the forefront of its goals. Under the visionary guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE (may God protect him), and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai (may God protect him), late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum (may his soul rest in peace) initiated this partnership between the distinguished ICESCO organization and Hamdan Foundation, united in their commitment to foster flourishing Islamic societies with advanced educational systems capable of fulfilling aspirations.”

Sheikh Rashid continued, “We are delighted by our collaboration with ICESCO and the significant achievements so far. Today, we inaugurate the first projects of Hamdan-ICESCO Fund, including the Mishkat Center to Support the Arabic Language for Non-Native Speakers. Furthermore, we commend the outstanding performance of the award, which has showcased remarkable growth rates and increased participation from countries. We aim to prioritize our philanthropic endeavors in the realm of education and garner further support for educational institutions across the Islamic world.”

In concluding his address, Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan extended heartfelt congratulations to the award winners, the diligent working committees, and the discerning judging panels for their exceptional dedication and success in fulfilling their respective responsibilities. He expressed his wishes for continuous progress and prosperity for all.

Dr. Salem Al Malik, Director General of ICESCO, also delivered a speech, expressing his pleasure in honoring the winning institutions of Hamdan-ICESCO Award for Voluntary Development of Education Facilities in the Islamic World, now in its third edition. He emphasized the collaboration between ICESCO and Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance, stating, “We extend warm congratulations to the winning institutions, whose outstanding projects have made a significant impact in the realm of educational institution development. We would also like to express our gratitude to all the participants in the award and wish them the best of luck in future editions.”

Dr. Al-Malik added, “Undoubtedly, voluntary work in all fields contributes to meeting numerous societal needs, and it plays a vital role in advancing education, which serves as the cornerstone of progress and development within our Islamic societies. We look forward to continued collaboration and further achievements in the noble pursuit of educational advancement.”

His Highness Prince Mansour bin Saad Al Saud, Assistant Secretary-General of the King Faisal Foundation, commended the initiative of late Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum and his support in launching Hamdan-ICESCO Award. The award, in collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), aims to recognize excellence in the development of educational facilities in the Islamic world. Prince Mansour expressed his appreciation for the significance of this award and its potential to inspire institutions to further contribute to the enhancement of education. He highlighted the importance of investing in educational infrastructure, expanding educational facilities, and improving the quality of education. These efforts are essential to elevate education, promote enlightenment, and enrich the Islamic societies. In his statement, Prince Mansour emphasized that the dedication and voluntary efforts in the field of education deserve recognition and praise. He lauded the continuous and diligent work of ICESCO in fostering the development of Islamic communities through education, science, and culture.

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Secretary General of Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance, expressed his delight at the success of the third session of Hamdan - ICESCO Award and the volume of participation that reached 37 from 18 countries, reflecting the impact of the joint efforts between ICESCO and Hamdan Foundation in highlighting and encouraging voluntary initiatives aimed at education. Dr. Al Suwaidi stated, “As we extend our congratulations to the winning institutions, we look forward to further successful projects that serve education and humanity. This award aligns with the relentless efforts of Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Distinguished Academic Performance to intensify collaboration with relevant institutions in elevating education, expanding its activities, supporting academic excellence, and highlighting the achievements of outstanding institutions and individuals. We aim to create a conducive educational environment in all targeted communities and encourage voluntary organizations to engage in the journey of excellence in the education sector as a whole.”

The award was granted to three institutions. King Faisal Foundation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was awarded for its project, Al Faisal University, which was established in 2002 as the first nonprofit private university aimed at contributing to the enhancement of education and scientific research. The total budget for the projects of the foundation is approximately one billion Saudi riyals. The Royal Humanitarian Foundation was acknowledged for its project, Bahrain Science Complex, at the National University of Somalia, which aimed to reopen the university after a 20-year closure due to civil war. The complex consists of seven core faculties, and the total cost of the project amounted to two million US dollars. Family Educational Services Foundation (FESF) from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan received recognition for its project, "Deaf Reach" which aims to support the deaf community through technology by providing a comprehensive approach to education, skills training, teacher development, and parental involvement, leading to their employment and integration into society. The project costs one million US dollars annually.

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