The EdTech Excellence Awards celebrate the innovation and dedication of teachers, leaders, and solution providers shaping the future of STEM in the UAE. As the education sector expands in a technology-driven landscape, this programme recognises those making a lasting impact on the student journey.
As a sister event to the Education Achievement Awards, the EdTech Excellence Awards shine a spotlight on the vital role of technology in education. Open to all UAE institutions from Foundation to Year 13, the awards feature 27 categories highlighting outstanding educators and initiatives driving the industry forward.
Following the same standards as the Education Achievement Awards, an independent panel of experts will judge the self-nominated entries, ensuring a rigorous process that upholds the integrity of the awards. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on Thursday, 11th June 2026.
The nominations are now open! Submit your entries across 23 categories before the deadline and showcase your achievements.
March 2025
April 2025
April 2025
April 2025
May 2025
June 2025
Benchmark your Success
Measure your school’s EdTech achievements or compare your products and services against nominated competition.
Stand Out
Stand out from your competitors as an award winner and instil confidence in your audience
Boost employee morale
Celebrate achievements with your team. Winning or being shortlisted lifts spirits, strengthens culture and reaffirms unity
Enhance reputation
Lift existing and prospect parents’ as well as clients’ confidence in your school or services
Have Fun!
Celebrate your potential win with a fun night of networking, F&B and entertainment on the night
All private and public schools in the United Arab Emirates, teaching FS – Year 13 education in the school categories.
Technology providers and IT solutions suppliers working in EdTech within the Middle East.
This award recognises an individual or school leader who has been the front runner in the responsible, ethical and impactful integration of artificial intelligence into school learning. Nominees will show how AI has enhanced teaching, learning, assessment or school operations, while remaining aligned with safeguarding, ethics and student wellbeing.
This award celebrates an early-career professional (under 30 years old as of 10/04/2026) who has made a significant impact through the use of education technology. Embracing EdTech and enhancing students’ learning experience, the winner here will be able to demonstrate innovation, leadership potential and meaningful contribution to digital learning and school improvement.
This award recognises an educator who has used technology to remove barriers to learning and create more inclusive educational environments for students of determination and diverse learners. Embracing technology to enhance inclusion at their school, this educator demonstrates passion for diversity and technology in their day-to-day encounters.
This award celebrates an individual who has championed technology-enabled professional development, supporting educators to grow skills, confidence and impact. Driving EdTech understanding and standards with their colleagues, the Professional Development Champion of the Year will be someone who understands the benefits of technology and shares their passion and best practise with colleagues.
This award recognises a teaching assistant who has made outstanding use of technology to support STEM learning, enhance student engagement and strengthen classroom practice. A TA with a keen understanding and ability with technology, the winner of this category will have made a telling impact on their colleagues, department and students.
This award celebrates a Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics specialist teacher who has used technology innovatively and effectively to enhance learning, creativity and real-world application. Spreading a joy of learning, the winner will have inspired students to learn the subject and has used technology effectively to demonstrate its potential in educating.
This award recognises a department or school leader who has driven a clear, strategic vision for digital learning within a school or group of schools. A keen advocate for EdTech, the Digital Learning Leader of the Year will have a strong record for using technology both with invention and with tangible results that have benefited the student body.
This award celebrates a school team that has successfully led digital transformation across a school, improving systems, learning and culture. Embracing technology including AI, the team have worked effectively in implementing EdTech into learning programmes, and fostered curiosity in their students and colleagues to improve their understanding of STEM.
This award recognises a team that has delivered an effective hybrid or blended learning model using technology to enhance flexibility, access and continuity. Facilitating the need that can still arise for home learning options, this team has lead the charge to ensure that students and teachers are able to have as seamless and disruption free remote learning experience.
This award celebrates a STEM department that has embedded technology to deliver innovative, collaborative and future-focused learning. The STEM department of the Year will be a team who have worked effectively to encourage learning of the subject and used technology in their programmes to inspire their students.
This award recognises a team that has used data and analytics to drive informed decision-making and improve outcomes at their school. The winning team will be able to outline initiatives, projects or competitions where their use of analytics and data has benefited the school or shown the scope of possibilities in EdTech.
This award recognises a specific technology initiative that delivered exceptional, measurable impact within a school. This could be a student, teacher or parent facing technology initiative that has driven efficiencies, enabled understand and/or encouraged greater involvement from its target audience.
This award recognises the effective use of AI or adaptive technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality to personalise learning and improve outcomes. The school team will have embraced technology to demonstrate and inspire students to experience, innovate and push the boundaries of possibilities with AI and other adaptive technologies.
This award celebrates technology that has enabled equitable access and inclusive learning experiences. Lead by a passionate team, this category looks at the EdTech that has been engaged by the department and how they have utilised it to enhance students learning.
This award celebrates excellence in the planning, rollout and adoption of an EdTech solution across a school at foundation or primary stage. Introducing students to technology with a safe, mindful and responsible strategy will be the focus of shortlisted nominees in this category.
This award crowns the secondary school that has fully embraced EdTech and has offered their students the path to excel in STEM subjects. With the teaching inspiration and facilities to support technology education, the winner will be able to show academic success and high student engagement in their winning nomination.
This award recognises a school team that has embraced technology across all stages of its development. Advocating for the importance of tech in early years and encouraging curiosity to learn, as well as providing older students with clear pathways to thrive in a technology-filled future beyond school. The winning school team will have a clear and proven strategy for teaching STEM and will invest in their students developments throughout their school journey.
This award recognises a platform that has delivered measurable value to schools and learners. Recognising an innovative programme that has helped schools in teaching students in effective and creative ways, the Digital Learning Platform of the Year will be able to back up their credentials with solid case studies, data and analysis.
This award celebrates a company who has introduced an innovative use of immersive technologies to enhance learning experiences of students and/or teachers. A company who has embraced the learning potential within augmented or virtual reality environments, this award will go to a product that has clearly made subject learning easier to understand, more fun and accessible.
This award recognises an AI-powered solution that demonstrates responsible innovation and real educational impact. The AI in Education Award will go to a company that has designed a programme that implements AI in a school’s education programme, in a responsible, ethical and safe manner. Rich in capability and high in scaling AI understanding for students, the winner will have case studies and innovation at the heart of its nomination.
This award celebrates technology that improves school operations, efficiency and communication. Whether an organiser for improved internal communication or an easy to navigate platform for parent communities to navigate their child’s school experience, the School Management Tool of the Year will make school communities run more effectively.
This award recognises a product specifically designed to support learning in primary education. Designed to ease early years students into better understanding technology with a responsible lens, this product has a demonstrable track record of aiding technology understanding with students and facilitating learning from teachers.
This award celebrates a product that enhances learning outcomes for secondary students. Designed for students, more advanced in their education journey, the EdTech Product of the Year for Secondary stages will go to a product that has allowed students to better understand their subject, increase learning capabilities and encouraged curious thought with its audience.
This award recognises an individual who has shown exceptional leadership and innovation in EdTech. Working outside of a school, but heavily within education communities, the winner of EdTech Entrepreneur of the Year will have a clear track record of introducing learning aids and/or programmes within institutions to solve learning, communication or management challenges.
This award celebrates a senior leader driving impact through EdTech strategy and delivery. A business personality thriving in EdTech, the winner of this award will have a clear track record for introducing innovative technology solutions for school or who has been an advocate for better technology understanding through their products or services into the UAE education sector over a prolonged period.
This award recognises a start-up demonstrating innovation, traction and future potential for learning. The EdTech Start-up of the Year will be an innovative company that has offered creative solutions for teachers, shown understanding of the wide needs of students and has sensitively approached technology’s adoption within education in the modern world.
This award celebrates an established EdTech company delivering sustained impact at scale. This company will have a proven track record of delivering EdTech solutions that have aided school’s effective operations. Innovative and accessible, the winner of this award will be able to show how their products or platforms have made a difference for educators and students alike.
This award recognizes an outstanding initiative or project that has significantly advanced the culture of diversity and equity within the educational community. It celebrates programs that go beyond policy to create a genuine sense of belonging for all students and staff, regardless of their background, ensuring an inclusive environment where every individual can thrive.
This category honors the team or initiative that has built the most impactful bridges between the school and its wider local or global community. We are looking for projects that foster meaningful engagement, social responsibility, and collaborative partnerships that extend learning beyond the classroom walls and benefit society at large.
A prestigious recognition for the successful launch and first-year operation of a new educational institution. This award celebrates the collective effort of the founding team, focusing on their excellence in strategic planning, community engagement, and the establishment of a high-quality learning environment from day one.
This award celebrates the collaborative excellence of a team working within the Foundation Stage. It recognizes their dedication to creating a nurturing, safe, and stimulating environment for the youngest learners, where innovative early-years pedagogy and teamwork lead to exceptional developmental milestones for children.
Honors a primary school department, year-group, or specialist team that has demonstrated extraordinary synergy. This award recognizes their combined efforts in delivering a creative curriculum, supporting student wellbeing, and implementing teaching strategies that significantly enhance the primary school experience.
Awarded to a secondary school team that has shown outstanding collaboration in navigating the complexities of senior education. Whether it’s academic achievement, vocational support, or pastoral care, this award highlights the team’s ability to work together to prepare students for their future careers and higher education.
The ultimate accolade for any team—academic, administrative, or support-based—that has displayed exemplary teamwork. This award recognizes a group that has worked in total harmony to overcome challenges, drive school-wide improvement, and set a benchmark for professional collaboration within the institution.
Get all the details on categories, criteria, and submission guidelines.
Director of WEMBLEY MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST
With decades of leadership in education, including her tenure as Director of WEMBLEY MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST and Executive Headteacher of East Lane Primary School in London, Sahreen brings a tireless commitment to improving children’s lives through education.
A Lead Ofsted Inspector with a track record of rapid school transformation, Sahreen is known for her work championing curriculum enrichment and forging partnerships that drive inclusive progress for all students. She holds an MBA, is a qualified Executive Coach, and is especially passionate about supporting women in leadership and embedding diversity into every layer of school life. Experience that makes her a valuable addition to our awards judging panel.
CEO and Founder of Elham Studio
Russell Cailey is an award-winning education strategist best known for his work with the world’s first nomadic high school, and helping steer its place-based curriculum to the 2023 PIEoneer Award for “Best Progressive Global Curriculum Delivery.” Named a Top 100 Global Visionary in Education, he couples deep field experience with sharp futures thinking to design learning models that marry real-world immersion with academic rigor. His thought leadership has featured on TEDx (“Beyond Classrooms”), CNN Brazil, UNESCO briefs, and stages such as the World Education Summit, GESS, EdCrunch, and the Dubai Future Forum.
As CEO and founder of Dubai-based Elham Studio, Russell now advises governments, school groups, and NGOs on curriculum innovation, AI-powered assessment, and educator upskilling. His portfolio ranges from reef-conservation projects with Australia’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to the Dalton School in Hong Kong and multiple education groups across Dubai. Co-founder of Japan’s invitation-only Hakuba Forum and a recipient of recognition from the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, he is sought after for his ability to blend visionary thinking with pragmatic execution, helping systems worldwide reimagine K-12 learning for a rapidly changing future.
UAE Lead for WomenEd
Passionate about the power of education and the impact it has on the world, Nalini is UAE Lead for WomenEd and has worked with international schools and educators around the world for almost 15 years notably with ISC Research and now at BSME, British Schools in the Middle East. Dedicated to levelling the playing field for women in education, Nalini hosts regular Middle East networking events for women in education to meet, share expertise and support their pursuit of education leadership. With a strong commitment to helping others succeed, Nalini is a valuable resource for anyone looking to advance their network, career or operations in the region.
Educator, trainer, and advocate for inclusion
Louise Dawson is a business owner based in the UAE, making waves in education and school development. With a wealth of experience across Asia, Europe and the Middle East, Louise leads a consultancy that empowers schools with leadership strategies, as well as a child skills training center that sets young minds back on track. Passionate about neuro-affirming, social models of education, she transforms schools across the Middle East. As an educator, trainer, and advocate for inclusion, Louise works with top organizations like Government, TES, IOE UCL and nasen to champion diversity, while inspiring schools, families, and communities to build a more inclusive future for all children.
Editorial Director of Teach Middle East and schoolfinder.ae
With her extensive experience spanning over two decades, Leisa Grace is a trailblazer and thought leader in the educational landscape of the Middle East. She has held various roles, from being an inspiring teacher to a Head of Department, a trusted Education Advisor, and a transformative School Leader. Her journey has seen her contribute to the education sectors in the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and the wider Middle East.
Her passion for education transcends the boundaries of the classroom and the school. As an accomplished speaker and writer, Leisa disseminates her innovative ideas and educational philosophies to a wide audience, inspiring educators and policymakers alike. Her insights have shaped discussions around teaching and learning and school leadership, reflecting her deep understanding of the unique dynamics and cultural nuances of education in the Middle East.
Leisa is the visionary behind the ‘Teach Middle East Podcast,’ a platform that encapsulates her commitment to fostering dialogue, sharing best practices, and spotlighting success stories in the region. She is also the founder of the ‘Education Roundup Middle East,’ a weekly newsletter that serves as an invaluable resource for educators, parents, and stakeholders. The newsletter curates the latest news, trends, and insights pertinent to the Middle Eastern education scenario. With her relentless dedication and drive to elevate education in the Middle East, Leisa Grace continues to shape the future of learning, affirming her position as a leading light in the field.
Global Thought Leadership Ltd
Dr Helen Wright is a highly respected international education advisor and leadership coach whose career spans over three decades and encompasses headship roles in the UK and Australia, global consultancy, and strategic influence across multiple continents. With a distinguished background in school leadership – including 13 years as Head of three top independent schools in the UK and Australia – she has served in senior governance positions such as Vice-Chair of the UK Independent Schools Council and President of the Girls’ Schools Association. University of Oxford-educated, with a doctorate from the University of Exeter in educational leadership, Dr Wright brings to her work deep intellectual insight, clarity of vision, and a passion for impactful educational transformation. Since 2014, she has cultivated a wide-reaching portfolio career, supporting schools, boards, and leaders internationally to think boldly and act with purpose. Through her consultancy, Global Thought Leadership Ltd, and her associate role with LSC Education, she collaborates with educational institutions from the UK to China, India to the Netherlands, and significantly across the Gulf region.
Dr Wright’s involvement in education in the UAE and the wider Middle East is substantial. A regular chair and speaker at the GESS Education Awards and GESS Saudi Arabia, she champions values-led leadership, inclusive education, and global competence. Her advisory work with innovative organisations, such as Light Up Learning, in Scotland, reflects her commitment to widening educational access and mentoring young people to achieve their full potential. She coaches senior executives, serves on several international education boards, and contributes regularly to publications and events that shape the future of global education. As a published author and frequent keynote speaker, she is known for her authentic, strategic, and future-focused voice – one that consistently uplifts others while demanding high standards of integrity, courage, and vision. As a judge, she brings deep professional insight, cultural sensitivity, and a keen eye for excellence and innovation.
CEO and Director of BSME
Debra Forsyth, a trailblazer in international education for over three decades, began her journey teaching Chemistry in London before embarking on a transformative journey around the globe. Her pivotal move to the emergent city of Abu Dhabi in 1987 sparked a passion for international education that led to leadership and advisory roles in Muscat, Damascus, Vienna, Sharjah and Dubai. Debra’s expertise spans diverse educational systems, curricula and establishments, culminating in her tenure as Principal of the prestigious Latifa School for Girls in Dubai. Recognized for her outstanding contributions to Emirati education, Debra was honored with a UAE Golden Visa in 2021.
Debra’s influence extends beyond individual institutions; she has committed herself to the wider development of education across the region through her work with BSME. She was instrumental in establishing BSME’s Accreditation System, serving as a BSO Accreditor and conducting numerous regional inspections. After four years on the BSME Executive Committee and two as a Director, Debra assumed her current role as CEO and Director of BSME in 2022, cementing her status as a visionary leader shaping the future of education in the Middle East.
Global Development Director, COBIS
Deniece has been living in the UAE working with the international education sector since 2008, consulting on behalf of education service providers across: education publishing; special educational needs provision; teacher recruitment and teacher training. Deniece is currently serving as Global Development Director at the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) supporting their international outreach and engagement of school members. She holds an MSc in Applied Positive Psychology & Coaching and a CIM Professional Diploma in Marketing. Deniece is passionate about individual and organisational wellbeing, is an accredited coach with the European Mentoring & Coaching Council (EMCC) and a registered yoga & meditation teacher through the Yoga Alliance.
Award Winning Inclusion Advocate, Founder, International Inspector, Iron (Wo)Man, passionate about SDG8
Dr. Catherine O’Farrell is one of the founders of Incluzun.com, an organisation supporting people of determination in a holistic way across the MENA region. Catherine has been working in education and inclusion for almost 20 years, she has degrees in Education, Psychology and a masters in Engineering. She is passionate about developing opportunities for children with individual needs. She is an award winning, international school inspector, has been a Group Head for some of the region’s largest educational providers and has worked with international and national committees from the Global Sustainability Network to the Ministry of Education here in the UAE to push for a more sustainable and inclusive world. Catherine has spoken at UNESCO, representing the Committee for Inclusive Education in the Gulf, she is a regular media contributor and conference speaker.
International Director at High Performance Learning
Brynn is the International Director at High Performance Learning and is based in the Middle East, working with schools in the Asia region. Brynn worked across the GEMS Education network, firstly as a HPL Global Lead Teacher before moving into senior leadership and guiding two schools to World Class status. Brynn’s expertise lie in the systematic development of learning skills and utilising education technologies to enhance teaching practice.
Founding Principal of The Global College in Madrid
Barry has been teaching since 2001 and a senior leader since 2008 in British boarding schools Espom College and Loretto School, as well as International Schools Wellington College Shanghai and Brighton College Dubai. He is currently the founding Principal of The Global College in Madrid, a forward thinking IB Diploma school preparing young men and women for an uncertain world. He believes schools must always be a collection of relationships and that the beauty of teaching is in the opportunity to change the world for someone every day. He still teaches IB Diploma History, writes online, for newspapers, and magazines regularly and lately has been dragged (after 30 years) back into tabletop wargaming by his eldest son.