A UAE Achievement at the United Nations
- International award from the UNITAR and Ureka Education in recognition of an innovative project addressing humanitarian and development challenges
- International program brought together participants from 14 countries to develop practical solutions to global challenges aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals
- UAE-based project leverages artificial intelligence to enhance access to healthcare and food services in underserved communities
- Achievement reflects the capability of national talent to deliver solutions with sustainable global impact
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – May 2026: Four female students from Rabdan Academy received international recognition during their participation in an international program held at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, where their team was awarded the UNITAR–Ureka Award for Transformative AI-Driven Social Impact, presented by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research in collaboration with Ureka Education, in recognition of their innovative solution addressing pressing humanitarian and development challenges.
This recognition was achieved through participation in the International Project Program delivered and certified by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research and implemented in collaboration with Ureka Education. The program brought together 29 students representing 14 countries in an applied learning environment that fostered international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and teamwork to develop innovative solutions addressing global challenges aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
H.E. Salem Saeed Al Saeedi, Vice President of Rabdan Academy, stated that this international recognition reflects the excellence of Rabdan Academy students and their ability to harness knowledge and modern technologies to serve communities and strengthen human security at the global level. He emphasized that participation in such international programs reflects the Academy’s commitment to preparing a new generation of national leaders capable of strategic thinking, working in multicultural environments, and contributing to the development of practical solutions to contemporary challenges.
His Excellency added that this achievement reinforces the position of the United Arab Emirates and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as global hubs for innovation and talent development and underscores the pivotal role of academic institutions in building future capabilities, strengthening community readiness, and ensuring effective response to challenges and crises.
The students’ project was highly appreciated and focused on developing an innovative system titled “AI-Supported Mobile Community Care System,” designed to address interconnected challenges related to poverty, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare services in underserved communities. The system relies on a comprehensive data-driven model that identifies high-priority areas and deploys mobile units delivering integrated healthcare and nutrition services in a rapid, efficient, and sustainable manner.
The project reflects a forward-looking approach to leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in service of communities, emphasizing long-term data-driven solutions rather than temporary interventions. Its adaptability across diverse communities worldwide contributed to strong recognition from program organizers for its high implementation potential and direct impact on improving the quality of life of targeted populations.
Hissa Hamed Mohammed Butti Al Hamed, a Business Continuity Management student and team leader, stated that participation in the program represented a distinctive experience that enabled the team to apply business continuity and crisis management concepts in a practical international context, while working with experts and participants from different countries to develop realistic solutions that enhance community readiness and strengthen their ability to respond to challenges.
Amna Ali Mohammed Khalifa Al Dhaheri, a Homeland Security student, explained that participation in the program contributed to strengthening her understanding of the importance of international cooperation and evidence-based policymaking. She added that the experience provided a unique opportunity to work on a project focused on achieving sustainable development impact aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing that the experience reinforced her confidence in the ability of national talent to contribute to addressing global challenges.
Shaikha Ali Ahmed Bin Amro, also a Homeland Security student, highlighted the importance of the research and analytical dimension of the project, noting that working within an international team enabled them to examine challenges related to poverty and healthcare from a global perspective and to develop innovative solutions based on data and scientific research, contributing to supporting development efforts and improving the quality of life of communities.
Meena Saqr Salem Hamdan Al Mansoori, a student in Integrated Emergency Management, stated that the experience represented an important milestone in her academic and professional journey, contributing to strengthening her skills in risk assessment, developing mitigation plans, and managing complex challenges in diverse international environments. She added that participation in the program enhanced her sense of responsibility toward serving communities and representing the United Arab Emirates in a manner worthy of its reputation.
This participation forms part of Rabdan Academy’s ongoing efforts to expand international learning opportunities for its students and strengthen their capacity to engage with global issues and develop innovative solutions that support security, stability, and sustainable development, in alignment with the vision of the United Arab Emirates to invest in people and build future capabilities.
About Rabdan Academy:
Rabdan Academy is a government-owned, world-class education institution established to coordinate and enhance learning outcomes for organisations and individuals in the Safety, Security, Defence, Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management sectors.
The Academy was formally established under Law No. (7) of 2013 issued by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may his soul rest in peace, and is accredited by the Academic Accreditation Commission at the Ministry of Education.
The Academy is the first government higher education institution in the UAE to obtain SACSCOC accreditation, and the first globally among specialised institutions in the fields of defence, security and crisis management to receive this prestigious international academic accreditation.
The Academy is also the first higher education institution in the world specialised in the Safety, Security, Defence, Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management sectors to achieve the highest ‘5-Star’ rating under the ‘QS Stars’ global university rating in the categories of: Teaching, Facilities, Employability, Global Engagement, Academic Development, and Governance.
The Academy provides a dual-curriculum education system, both academic and professional, with recognition of prior learning and experiences, and offering qualifications and credit hours that are transferable from one pathway to another and from one job to another.
