The UAE’s top high school graduates have received an unforgettable surprise after His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, awarded each of them Dh100,000 in recognition of their outstanding academic performance.
The generous reward was presented to the highest-achieving students from the 2025–2026 academic year, highlighting the country’s continued commitment to rewarding excellence and investing in the next generation of leaders.
The announcement quickly captured attention across the Emirates, with many praising the leadership’s continued support for education and student achievement.
A Surprise Gift That Carried a Powerful Message
The award was delivered in specially prepared presentation boxes, each containing the cash prize and a handwritten message from Sheikh Mohammed that left many students deeply moved.
The note simply read:
“We are proud of you… and we are counting on you.”
For the students, the words meant far more than the financial reward. Many described the message as a reminder that their achievements come with a responsibility to continue learning, innovating and contributing to the country’s future.
Congratulating the students, Sheikh Mohammed also paid tribute to the people who helped make their success possible.
He praised parents for their constant encouragement and sacrifices, while also recognising teachers for inspiring students to develop a love for learning and strive for excellence.
Top Students Recognised Across Different Education Streams
The Ministry of Education announced the names of the country’s highest-performing students across public, private and technical education pathways.
Among the public school winners were Abeer Abdulrahman Fayez Humaid Al Shamsi from Al Rashidiya School in Dubai, who topped the Elite Track, Adam Mohammed Awad Awad Ibrahim from Al Khatim School in Abu Dhabi, who secured first place in the Advanced Track, and Hessa Rashid Musbeh Abdulrahman Al Alili from Al Mawaheb School in Abu Dhabi, who led the General Track.
In the private education category, Ali Asim Hassan from Al Noor International School in Sharjah topped the Advanced Track, while Abdullah Yasser Abu Arabi from Al Falah Academy in Abu Dhabi achieved first place in the General Track.
The Advanced Sciences Track was led by Rashid Ahmed Rashid Ali Al Dhanhani from Applied Technology Schools in Fujairah.
A Recognition Shared by Families and Teachers
Minister of Education Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri congratulated the outstanding students and acknowledged the role played by families, teachers and schools throughout their educational journey.
She said every academic success reflects years of dedication, encouragement and teamwork between students and those who support them every step of the way.
The recognition also reinforces the UAE’s efforts to build a world class education system that prepares young people for future opportunities and equips them with the skills needed in a rapidly changing world.
Investing in Talent to Build the Nation’s Future
Education has long been at the heart of the UAE’s national development strategy, and this latest initiative reflects that vision.
Speaking about the importance of learning, Sheikh Mohammed said:
“Education will remain our greatest national project, and our children are our winning bet in the present and the future.”
The Dh100,000 award is more than a financial gift. It is a message of confidence in the country’s brightest young minds and an encouragement for them to continue aiming higher. As these students prepare to begin university and shape their future careers, the recognition serves as a reminder that dedication, hard work and excellence continue to be celebrated at the highest level in the UAE.