The 20th RAK education awards have honoured 68 winners across 26 categories in Ras Al Khaimah. His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, presented the RAK Awards for Educational Excellence 2026 on 25 September at the Ministry of Culture’s Ras Al Khaimah Cultural and Creative Centre. Organised by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, the ceremony recognised students, teachers, parents, school leaders and whole institutions from across the emirate, marking two decades of an initiative that has become one of the most closely watched dates on the local school calendar.
What Happened at the 20th RAK Awards for Educational Excellence
The awards covered a broad spread of themes this year, including educational research, innovation, environmental sustainability, school performance and student wellbeing. Leading schools and their principals were recognised alongside individual teachers, parents and students whose work stood out across the various categories. In total, 68 recipients were honoured in 26 award categories.
Speaking at the ceremony, Sheikh Saud described education as the foundation on which societies build their progress, and said that equipping younger generations with knowledge and skills strengthens the nation’s ability to keep developing. He said recognising excellence sends a message about the value the emirate places on hard work, ambition and contribution, and that the aim is for young people to be able to “understand change, create opportunities” and contribute to society, according to WAM.
The Ruler also credited the awards with fostering a culture of excellence in the education sector since they were founded, encouraging students, teachers, school administrations and parents to raise their standards. He congratulated the winners and thanked the schools, teachers and families who support students throughout the year.
Two Decades of Education Investment in Ras Al Khaimah
Established in 2004 under the patronage of Sheikh Saud, the RAK Awards for Educational Excellence are among the emirate’s flagship education initiatives. The programme is designed to celebrate outstanding achievement and to push every part of the education community, from early years settings to universities, towards continuous improvement and innovation. The previous 19th edition recognised 71 awardees across 38 categories, according to Gulf News, showing how the programme has evolved its categories over time while keeping the same core purpose.
The 20th edition lands at a busy moment for the emirate’s schools. Classrooms reopened in late summer as part of the UAE’s phased return to school on 31 August 2026, and the latest inspection cycle showed Ras Al Khaimah schools improving in their 2026 ratings, with RAK Academy Al Hamra earning its first Outstanding grade. Capacity is growing too: authorities recently approved three new private schools adding 3,000 seats for 2026-27.
That matters beyond the classroom. As Ras Al Khaimah courts international investors, hospitality brands and the thousands of new residents expected as Al Marjan Island and other master communities fill up, the quality of local schooling has become part of the emirate’s pitch. Awards like these give the education system a public showcase and set benchmarks that schools can point to when families are weighing a move.
What This Means for Families, Expats and Visitors
For expat families considering a relocation from Dubai or abroad, the awards are a useful signal of where the emirate is placing its priorities. Shortlisted and winning schools are often those investing in wellbeing, sustainability and innovation programmes, so the results can be a starting point when comparing options. It is worth checking each school’s latest inspection report, curriculum and fees directly before making a decision.
For visitors, the headline is simpler: Ras Al Khaimah is building out the everyday infrastructure that turns a holiday destination into a place people choose to live. If you are exploring the emirate with a view to settling here, our RAK travel advice section covers practical questions from safety to transport, while our guide to things to do in Ras Al Khaimah shows what family weekends look like, from the Jebel Jais mountains to the beaches of Al Marjan Island. The cooler months from October are the best time to visit and see the emirate at its liveliest.
Source: Sharjah24 / WAM