Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation and UAE University Welcome New Students to Master of Educational Innovation Programme

10 scholarships support education professionals as programme develops capabilities in innovative teaching and school leadership

Dubai, UAE, Aug 30, 2026: Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, in collaboration with the College of Education at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), held an orientation session for new students enrolled in the Master of Educational Innovation programme on Saturday, 29 August, at the Foundation’s headquarters in Dubai. The session forms part of the ongoing partnership between the two institutions to develop education professionals and advance innovation in teaching and school leadership. The programme is delivered through two specialisations and is supported by 10 scholarships provided by the Foundation.

Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, said: “The Master of Educational Innovation programme represents a strong model of academic partnership that invests in education professionals and connects knowledge with practice, enabling teachers and school leaders to develop more effective solutions to the challenges facing education. Through our collaboration with United Arab Emirates University, Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation continues to support outstanding educators and provide high-quality opportunities to strengthen their capabilities, enhance the quality of education and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.”

Professor Ahmad Qablan, Programme Coordinator and Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, said: “The Master of Educational Innovation programme is designed to go beyond the acquisition of theoretical knowledge by enabling students to apply what they learn to the development of teaching and leadership practices. It strengthens critical thinking, research and innovative problem-solving skills, to prepare teachers and education leaders who can make a tangible difference in their learning environments and respond effectively to the changes and challenges shaping the education sector.”

The orientation session included an overview of the programme, its academic structure, specialisations and requirements, presented by Professor Qablan. Mariam Al Mazrouei, a student from the previous cohort, also shared her experience of studying in the programme, followed by an open discussion and a question-and-answer session with the new students. The official agenda confirms that Professor Qablan led the programme introduction and that Al Mazrouei shared her experience from the previous cohort.

The Master of Educational Innovation programme offers two specialisations: Innovation in Teaching and Innovation in School Leadership. It comprises 30 credit hours across 10 courses and is delivered in Arabic through face-to-face classes, typically held on Saturdays and Sundays.

The programme is designed to prepare teachers and education leaders to develop innovative approaches to teaching and school leadership. It places particular emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving and research skills, while connecting theoretical knowledge with practical and field-based applications. It also encourages participants to embrace new ways of thinking, innovation and change in response to developments across the education sector.

As part of its commitment to developing education professionals, Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences provides 10 scholarships for the programme in collaboration with the College of Education at United Arab Emirates University. The scholarships support eligible education professionals in pursuing advanced study and developing the knowledge and capabilities required to contribute to educational innovation. The programme materials confirm that the Foundation provides 10 scholarships for students in the current cohort.

The continued delivery of the Master of Educational Innovation programme reflects the collaboration between Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences and United Arab Emirates University in developing capabilities across the education sector and equipping teachers and school leaders with the knowledge and skills to adopt innovative practices that contribute to educational development and respond to future needs.