About The Awards
The Ras Al Khaimah Awards for Educational Excellence was established under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member & Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. The awards program is a celebration of excellence and innovation in the education sector and aims to promote a culture of excellence across Ras Al Khaimah.
Since its inception in 2004, the Awards have recognized outstanding contributions made by students and educators who have made significant and transformative differences towards the quality of education in the region. The program aims to build a sustainable future, use creativity and innovation, and embed outstanding practice at educational institutions, inspiring and encouraging the ongoing process of giving, collaboration, critical thinking, and achievement.
The Awards also support and honor distinguished work of innovators in the educational field, with the aim of advancing and improving the overall education system. It promotes the spirit of competition and demonstrates competitive capabilities of educational institutions, challenging educators and students to diversify as well as integrate their skills in a wide range of themes with the overall goal of fulfilling the UAE’s aspirations.
Through this program, The Ras Al Khaimah Awards for Educational Excellence aim to showcase the incredible talent, passion, and dedication of educators and students, and to inspire future generations to strive for excellence and innovation in education.
Objectives
The Ras Al Khaimah Awards for Educational Excellence was established with the aim of creating a supportive and innovative educational environment that meets international standards of excellence. The Awards serve as a platform for the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Emirates School Establishment (ESE) to encourage teachers, students, and all involved in the educational process to strive for excellence.
Through these objectives, the Ras Al Khaimah Awards for Educational Excellence seeks to build a sustainable future, promote creativity and innovation, and embed outstanding educational practices.
Fostering a culture of initiative, innovation, and excellence in education
Providing technical assistance to educational institutions to adopt international standards and systems of excellence
Cultivating a culture of excellence and highlighting successful partnerships with stakeholders
Advancing research in the field of education
Recognizing and honoring exceptional individuals, groups, and institutions making significant contributions to the educational sector
Our Team Members
The Ras Al Khaimah Awards for Educational Excellence is made possible by a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about promoting excellence and innovation in education. Our team members come from diverse backgrounds and bring a range of skills and expertise to the table.
We are proud to have such a talented and committed team working towards our shared goal of improving education. If you would like to learn more about our team members or get in touch with us, please don't hesitate to reach out. We look forward to hearing from you.
Dr. Natasha Ridge
Executive director
Natasha Ridge is the founding Executive Director of the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research. Prior to this appointment, she was the Acting Director of Research at the Dubai School of Government. Natasha has over 20 years of experience working in the international education sector including in Singapore and Australia. She holds a Doctorate of Education in International Education Policy from Columbia University, a Master's in International and Community Development from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Economics from the Australian National University.
Natasha has more than 30 publications, including a book entitled Education and the Reverse Gender Divide in the Gulf States: Embracing the Global, Ignoring the Local and another entitled Philanthropy in Education: Diverse Perspectives and Global Trends. Her latest research focuses on philanthropy and education in the MENA region as well as the nature and impact of father involvement on education in the Arab World. In addition to being a founding Executive Board member and former President of the Gulf Comparative Education Society Natasha is also serves on several boards including the NORRAG Advisory Board, EduAlliance and the RAKEZ Academic Zone Board.
Natasha is passionate about all things related to education and hopes that the work of the Al Qasimi Foundation will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of people in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE and beyond.
Hanadi Mohammed
Innovation Manager
Hanadi is the Al Qasimi Foundation’s Innovation Manager. She is responsible for leading the Government Exchange Program, Prison Program at the Ras Al Khaimah Correctional Facility, and Teacher Professional Development Program. She also supports several capacity development programs for students and collaborates with school administrators and principals, Ministry of Education officials, and other stakeholders to promote the work of the Al Qasimi Foundation. Hanadi further provides additional administrative services across the Foundation. She was awarded a Level 3 Certificate in Human Resources Practice (QCF) by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development in 2017. Hanadi joined the foundation because she is passionate about education and youth.
Sumayya Alshehhi
RAK Awards Manager
Summaya is an accomplished professional currently serving as the Manager of the Ras Al Khaimah Awards for Educational Excellence. With a strong background in education, she has dedicated her career to making a positive impact on students' lives. Throughout her 16-year teaching tenure, Summaya's commitment and innovative teaching methods were recognized with prestigious awards, including the Khalifa Award for creative teaching and the RAK Awards for distinguished and innovative teaching. Her exceptional achievements in education were further acknowledged when she was nominated as one of the top twenty teachers in the Gulf region by the Mohammed bin Zayed Award.
Summaya's educational qualifications, including a Bachelor's degree in English language and literature from UAEU and a Master's degree in educational leadership from AURAK, have provided her with a solid foundation in language education and equipped her with the necessary skills to inspire and lead others. Additionally, her active participation in international exchange programs across various countries has broadened her global perspective and enriched her understanding of diverse educational systems and practices.
As the Manager of the Ras Al Khaimah Awards for Educational Excellence, Summaya's extensive teaching and training experience will contribute to her success. Her profound understanding of effective educational practices and unwavering commitment to excellence will guide her in recognizing and honoring outstanding achievements within the Ras Al Khaimah community.
Najla Al Shehhi
Innovation Specialist
Najla Alshehhi joined the Foundation as an Innovation Specialist. In her role, she is responsible for liaising with schools, teachers, and students and coordinating the evaluation and award ceremony for the Ras Al Khaimah Award for Educational Excellence. Before joining the Foundation, she has worked as an English teacher and Office Work Specialist as part of the Ras Al Khaimah Award Program. Najla holds a BA in English Literature from United Arab Emirates University. She is passionate about empowering others and continuously developing her skills.
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