Up to Dhs7 million cash prizes awarded to 33 winners across 16 categories  

Abu Dhabi, June 14, 2025: 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 education ecosystem.  

Lee Dabagia from Summit International Schools was declared Principal of the Year, while four teachers were given Outstanding Teacher awards — Rehab ElShafey from Al Amal Kindergarten (Early Years and Primary Teacher Award), Wafa Alshamsi from Al Jahili School (Secondary Teacher Award), Lolwah Mansoor from Al Fateh School (Arabic Literacy & Culture Teacher Award) and Mahmoud Mohamed from Al Hosn School (Students of Determination Teacher Award). Sameera Mohammed from Khalifa City School won the Unsung Hero Award. 

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 recognised 17 schools for demonstrating significant improvement in student progress and attainment across Standardized Benchmark Assessments (SBA), in English, Math and Science.   

Ten schools won programme awards that are dedicated to improving the winning schools’ initiatives.  They included The British International School Abu Dhabi for Best Parental Engagement, Al Rayaheen Charter School for Best Student Wellbeing Programme, Al Riyadh Charter School for Best Professional Development Programme (Leaders), American International School – Abu Dhabi for Best Professional Development Programme (Teachers), Al Dhafra Private Academy for Best Inclusive Practices, Al Nahda National School for Girls for Best Reading Programme, Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls for Best Arabic Programme, Al Huiteen School for Best Anti-Bullying Programme and ADNOC Schools – Sas Al Nakhl for Best AI Programme. Madar International School won the Best ADEK Engagement Award.