The Khalifa International Award for Early Learning exemplifies the keenness of the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (May God have mercy upon him), the President of the United Arab Emirates, to encourage research and innovation in the early learning field, ensuring best practice implementation to guarantee the highest early childhood education quality.

Investing in early education is an intelligent future venture. The Intention is to create qualified generations of leaders who possess the necessary knowledge and skillset to enhance their respective countries’ achievements path to development and enable their countries to realize their aims.

Early childhood is a crucial foundational stage in shaping human life. With this in mind, the launch of this vital award is a translation of the UAE leadership’s commitment to education and early childhood programs in particular.
This initiative was brought to life by the generous support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, and Ruler of Dubai . In addition to the invaluable encouragement from Their Highnesses, the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, all of whom envision early learning as a keystone for achieving the UAE Centennial 2071 objectives and those of the broader global community.

Creating this international award aims to consolidate the culture of excellence through enriching educational sectors with specialized studies and policies catered by applicants to achieve a qualitative shift in early learning and childhood care. It represents an inspiration for all the award participants and stakeholders who strive to introduce ambitious developmental visions, and such growth is anticipated to meet the highest international standards.

The launch of the Khalifa International Award for Early Learning is an essential step towards creating an educational system that aligns with leaders’ aspirations, national educational agendas, and those involved in the care and education of children. The early learning field can contribute to supporting national identity and cultural belonging, alongside openness to positive global experiences, which translate the exceptional effort made by the UAE to ensure a promising future for generations to come, therefore, a bright tomorrow for the world.