Dubai, UAE, September, 2026: Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Supreme President of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, following the issuance of Executive Council Resolution No. 49 of 2026 concerning the formation of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Sheikh Rashid expressed his appreciation for the confidence placed in the Chairman and members of the Board, affirming their commitment to advancing the objectives for which the Foundation was established. He also commended the leadership’s continued support and the Government of Dubai’s contribution to enabling the Foundation to fulfil its mission.
The remarks came as Sheikh Rashid chaired the first meeting of the Board of Trustees in its new term at the Foundation’s headquarters, in the presence of H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Mehairi, Vice Chairman; and members of the Board.
Sheikh Rashid said the new Board term represents a continuation of a journey marked by significant achievements, while opening new opportunities to advance the Foundation’s institutional work and expand its impact in promoting excellence and innovation and contributing to the development of generations equipped to navigate the future and its challenges.
The Supreme President of the Foundation praised the initiatives, programmes and partnerships delivered during the previous phase, which strengthened the Foundation’s presence and role locally and internationally. These efforts supported programmes aimed at advancing medical and educational performance, as well as identifying, developing and disseminating distinguished practices and experiences as models that contribute to enhancing quality, innovation and development.
Sheikh Rashid noted that these achievements provide a strong foundation of expertise and capabilities from which the Foundation can embark on a new phase of greater ambition and impact.
Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan stressed that the rapid transformations taking place across education, medical sciences and the fields of giftedness and innovation require the Foundation to intensify its efforts in the coming period, in line with government directions to harness artificial intelligence to enhance services and outcomes, strengthen awareness in medicine, healthcare and education and advance the identification and development of gifted and talented individuals.
The Supreme President of the Foundation also emphasised the importance of strengthening the Foundation’s role as an active partner in supporting government efforts. Expanding partnerships with local, regional and international institutions, organisations and donors, alongside continued government support, will enable the Foundation to further develop its initiatives, provide greater support for high-impact projects and broaden their reach.
Sheikh Rashid added that building a more integrated ecosystem of cooperation and partnership to reach, support and empower target groups will be among the Board’s priorities during its new term.
Sheikh Rashid further highlighted the importance of exploring new areas of cooperation with international organisations as key partners in supporting human development initiatives. Such partnerships, he noted, would strengthen the Foundation’s global presence while highlighting the UAE’s role in supporting international efforts to invest in people and build knowledge-based societies.
Sheikh Rashid welcomed H.E. Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, to the Board of Trustees, praising his extensive professional experience and expertise in the medical field. Sheikh Rashid said Professor Alsheikh-Ali’s appointment represents a valuable addition to the Board and will support its strategic direction and strengthen its ability to continue delivering high-quality outcomes.
During the meeting, the Board also reviewed preparations for the ceremony honouring the winners of the 9th cycle of the UNESCO-Hamdan Prize for Teacher Development, scheduled to take place at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris in early October. The ceremony is expected to be attended by Khaled El-Enany, Director-General of UNESCO, heads of Permanent Delegations to UNESCO and a number of prominent figures.
Under Executive Council Resolution No. 49 of 2026, the Board of Trustees is chaired by H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, with Dr. Jamal Mohammed Al Mehairi serving as Vice Chairman.
The Board of Trustees also includes H.E. Professor Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority; Awad Saghir Al Ketbi; Dr. Ahmed Eid Al Mansoori; Dr. Sulaiman Mohammed Al Hammadi; Essa Al Hajj Khadem Al Maidoor; Abdullah Saeed Belyouha; and Dr. Khalifa Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences.
