Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Supreme President of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, has honoured students from the Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation following their achievements at international robotics and academic programmes.
The students were recognised for securing second place in the Champion's Award at the FIRST® LEGO® League Asia Open Championship 2026 in Beijing and for receiving four academic distinctions during the FitzEd 2026 Summer Programme at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge.
The ceremony was attended by H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Foundation's Board of Trustees, members of the Board, officials, students' parents and school principals.
UAE Team Records Highest-Ever FIRST LEGO League Placement
The Hamdan Centre team made history at the FIRST® LEGO® League Asia Open Championship in Beijing by finishing second in the Champion's Award.
The result marked the first time a UAE team has ranked among the top three in the category and represented the highest-ever placement by a UAE team in international FIRST® LEGO® League competitions. The championship was held from August 13 to 16, 2026.
The team comprised Hamdan Rashid Al Mansoori, Khaled Mohammed Al Amadi, Abdulkarim Yousuf Bu Khashm, Abdullah Fahad Al Mahmoud and Sayed Mansour Sayed Hassan Al Hashemi.
The competition tested students across robotics, programming, research, innovation and teamwork. The Champion's Award recognises overall performance across areas including the Innovation Project, Robot Design, Robot Performance and Core Values.
Students Progressed From Dubai Champions to International Competition
The team earned its place at the international championship after winning the FIRST LEGO League Dubai competition before being crowned UAE champions for the 2025–2026 season.
The Foundation had earlier confirmed that the team won the UAE Robotics Championship after progressing through Dubai-level and national competitions. The UAE finals brought together 38 teams from across the country.
The students subsequently represented the UAE at the Beijing championship, where their second-place finish established a new benchmark for the country's participation in the international competition.
Three Female Students Receive Four Cambridge Awards
Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan also honoured three female students from the Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation for their performance during the FitzEd 2026 Summer Programme at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge.
Together, the students received four academic awards recognising their research, academic performance and presentation skills.
Hessa Khaled Al Jaber, who participated in the Robotics course, was recognised for producing one of the two best research essays in her course.
Muzna Al Balushi, who studied Business Economics, received the same distinction after her research essay was selected among the top two in her course.
Maryam Al Mulla, also from the Business Economics course, received two distinctions. She was recognised as one of the two top-performing students in her course, while her presentation was selected among the two best presentations across all courses at FitzEd Summer School 2026.
FitzEd Programme Builds Research and Analytical Skills
FitzEd is an academic summer programme hosted by Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge, in partnership with CAMSIS Education.
The programme provides international students with an intensive academic experience combining coursework, research, academic discussions and individual projects. It is designed to strengthen research, analytical thinking, independent learning and academic communication skills.
The recognition of the three students highlights the Foundation's focus on providing gifted learners with opportunities to participate in advanced academic environments beyond the UAE.
Foundation Highlights Importance of Developing National Talent
Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami said the students' achievements demonstrate the scientific and creative capabilities of UAE students and their ability to compete internationally.
He highlighted the robotics team's performance at the FIRST® LEGO® League championship alongside the four academic awards secured at the University of Cambridge as evidence of the value of giving gifted students access to high-quality training, competitions and academic programmes.
Al Qatami also stressed that supporting gifted students requires more than identifying their abilities. According to him, students need an integrated pathway combining training, practical experience, competition and advanced educational opportunities so they can turn knowledge and ideas into tangible achievements.
UAE Students Strengthen Their Global Presence
The Foundation said the achievements form part of its wider efforts to identify and nurture gifted students while connecting talent-development programmes with high-quality learning and competition opportunities locally and internationally.
The Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation focuses on developing talent in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through specialised programmes and mentoring opportunities.
The latest achievements demonstrate how UAE students are gaining exposure to international scientific, technological and academic platforms, while strengthening the country's pipeline of future talent in research, innovation and emerging fields.
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