Abu dhabi: The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) and Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences have announced the launch of the fifth edition of the Hamdan-ICESCO Award for the Development of Educational Facilities in the Islamic World. The Award is one of the leading joint initiatives that support and recognise efforts to improve learning environments across the countries of the Islamic world and to enhance the sustainability and quality of educational infrastructure.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Foundation, expressed pride in partnering with ICESCO to advance shared goals of supporting education in the Islamic world through this Award and through the Hamdan-ICESCO Fund's programmes. This partnership embodies the Foundation's vision to elevate education, grounded in the belief that education is the cornerstone of comprehensive development in the Islamic world and a pivotal driver of human development and future-making.
Through cooperation with ICESCO, the initiative seeks to foster a culture of institutional development and community action, encouraging initiatives that improve the quality and sustainability of education. The development of educational facilities is viewed as a strategic investment in future generations, empowering communities and strengthening their capacity for creativity and innovation.
Applications for the award will open in October 2025. Introductory workshops about the Award will be held from November 2025 to March 2026, with the application window closing on 20th March 2026. The judging process will occur in April and May 2026, and winners will be announced in June 2026, followed by an official awards ceremony later in the year.
The Hamdan-ICESCO Award was launched in 2017 under the patronage of the late Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to support ICESCO's efforts to motivate and honour voluntary and philanthropic initiatives in education. It encourages efforts to develop and build educational facilities, targeting charitable organisations, voluntary institutions, donors, and philanthropists.
Applications can be submitted directly or by nomination by completing the form in Arabic, English, or French via the official electronic system at https://tahkeem.ha.ae/login.xhtml by 20th March 2026. Eligible applications will be evaluated by an international judging committee, and honourees will be celebrated at a ceremony organised by the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, in cooperation with ICESCO.
The Award reflects the commitment of both institutions to strengthening partnership and cooperation in advancing education by encouraging contributions towards creating safe and stimulating educational environments that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in the education sector.