About the Awards
The Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) is committed to fostering a world-class education system in Abu Dhabi - one where every learner is empowered to reach their fullest potential and contribute meaningfully to the world.
The ADEK Awards celebrate the exceptional people, programs, and achievements across our education ecosystem. From inspiring educators to innovative school initiatives and outstanding student outcomes in key international assessments, these awards honor the transformative power of education in shaping individuals, communities, and Abu Dhabi’s vision for sustainable development.
Recognizing the Best of Education
Early Education Awards
Outstanding Educator Award for Early Education Institutions
About the Award
Teaching is one of the most challenging, rewarding, and impactful jobs in the world. In fact, many consider it a calling. It demands broad knowledge of subject matter, and standards; enthusiasm, passion, and dedication; a love of learning; knowledge of positive behavior and early education institutions management techniques, and a desire to make a difference in the lives of children.
We know that passionate and dedicated educators make all the difference in the early education institutions. That’s why we created this award, to recognize excellence in the teaching and learning profession and shine a spotlight on outstanding role models who uplift their children and inspire other educators.
Prize
AED 50,000
For each winner
Participation
Eligibility
Early Education Institutions educators with a minimum of two years experience in their current functional position, and a minimum of five years teaching experience within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Any eligible educator may either be nominated or can self-nominate for this award. Principal recommendations will also be required to accompany the submission.
Submission Requirements
Your submission must include the following:
Overview of the educator performance based on children’s achievements, with specific reference to any supporting quantitative and qualitative data (max 250 words).
Examples of educator’s innovative approach in and beyond the early education institutions (max 250 words).
Description of the educator's engagement with parents and the wider early education institutions community (max 250 words).
Outline how the educator continues to learn, grow, and develop professionally (max 250 words).
A video including stakeholder testimonials (not exceeding 3 minutes) to support the application. It is important for our judges to get a feel of the nominee as a person, not just an educator and what inspired him/her to teach. Your video will be a chance to provide us with deeper insights from parents and colleagues who can share the unique examples in practice that make the nominee stand out.
School Award
Standardized Assessment Award
Standardized benchmark assessments are particularly important for Abu Dhabi because they evaluate skills that are foundational to every student’s education, their ability to engage with science and technology, and their future competitiveness in the global workforce. These assessments take place every year based on curriculum type.
learn more →Individual Award
CU Counsellor of the Year Award
Recognizing an exceptional Career and University Guidance Counsellor who demonstrates consistent excellence in practice, innovative approaches to guidance, a measurable positive impact on students and the school community, and the leadership to inspire peers and advance the profession.
learn more →Early Education Awards
Best Inclusive Practice Award for Early Education Institutions
Recognizing outstanding achievements in inclusive practices for Children of Determination in early education settings through programs that champion inclusivity, equity, and diversity from the very start of a child’s development.
learn more →Join The League of Extraordinary Education
Application
Shortlisting
Validation
Award Ceremony
Frequently Asked Questions
All public, private, and Charter Schools in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi can apply. Depending on the category, the award will apply to the school as a whole, a specific program offered within the school or an individual school staff member. Additionally, Early Education Institutions (EEIs) can now apply for the awards. The second edition of the ADEK Awards now includes 3 new categories for EEIs.
No. Applying for awards is free of charge.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. Please visit the awards page on this website for more information.
For school-wide, nursery-wide, or program-based awards, the cash prize will go towards improvements at the school and nurseries. For individual awards, the winner will receive the cash prize directly.
Yes. A school, individual or program can nominate itself for any of the awards except for the Standardized Benchmark Assessment Awards.
Schools and nurseries can choose to apply for all the awards.
Video submissions are mandatory for most awards. Please visit the awards page on the website for more information. The jury will consider the quality of each application.
Yes, you can now save drafts and continue later.
No. A school and nursery can only nominate an individual for one award each year.
ADEK Awards ceremony details will be announced on a latter date in due course.
Yes. Individuals and programs can receive nominations over multiple years.
For any queries regarding ADEK Awards, please contact adek.awards@adek.gov.ae or call 02 615 0125.
