Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation launches orientation for seventh cohort of Master of Educational Innovation Program

Education

Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation launches orientation for seventh cohort of Master of Educational Innovation Program

The Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences has hosted an orientation session for the seventh cohort of the Master of Educational Innovation Program. The event, held at the Foundation’s headquarters in Dubai, was organized in collaboration with the College of Education at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU).

The session welcomed new students alongside representatives from both institutions. It forms part of the Foundation’s ongoing mission to equip national educational talent with advanced knowledge, leadership skills, and innovative methodologies aligned with global best practices.

Strengthening educational leadership

Her Excellency Khawla Ahmed Bahlooq, Assistant Executive Director of the Excellence Sector at the Foundation, highlighted the program’s significance in building the capacity of teachers and education professionals. She stressed that the initiative is preparing participants to take on leadership roles in the UAE’s education system.

Bahlooq noted that the Foundation’s strategic partnership with UAEU continues to enhance academic programs and enrich educational content. “The Master of Educational Innovation Program embodies our vision of fostering excellence and creating an academic environment that equips the education system to meet future challenges,” she said.

Program structure and focus areas

Professor Ahmed Qabalan, Program Coordinator and faculty member at UAEU’s Department of Curriculum and Instruction, shared an overview of the 18-month program. Delivered on weekends, it focuses on two key pillars: innovation in teaching and innovation in school leadership. The curriculum incorporates themes such as design thinking, educational leadership, and technology integration in learning.

Practical application is central to the program, with participants engaging in applied projects designed to translate theory into practice within their professional roles.

Steady growth and scholarships

Since its inception in 2019, the Master of Educational Innovation Program has gained recognition as a leading initiative for advancing teaching and leadership skills in the UAE. For the 2025–2026 academic year, 22 new participants have joined the seventh cohort, including 10 who received scholarships from the Foundation.

With this intake, total enrollment has reached 130 students across seven cohorts. Notably, 72 participants have benefitted from full scholarships, reflecting the Foundation’s commitment to supporting national talent.

The Foundation also reported that the previous six cohorts included 108 participants, showcasing the program’s steady expansion and the rising demand for specialized education tailored to the sector’s evolving needs.

Contributing to the UAE’s educational vision

By empowering teachers and school leaders with innovative approaches, the program continues to strengthen the UAE’s education sector and contribute to the country’s long-term vision for academic excellence. The Foundation reaffirmed that its collaboration with UAEU remains pivotal in delivering high-quality outcomes that enhance the role of education in driving sustainable national development.