Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed honours UAE's top Year 12 graduates of 2025-26

Presidential Reception Celebrates Academic Excellence

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received the country's top-performing Year 12 students for the 2025-2026 academic year on July 24, 2026, honouring their academic excellence alongside outstanding teachers and education leaders in a ceremony that underscored the nation's commitment to educational advancement.

During the gathering, Sheikh Mohamed congratulated the students, their families and teachers on their achievements, expressing his wishes for their continued success. He commended educators across the UAE for their dedication and vital contributions to student excellence.

The President emphasised that advancing education remains central to the UAE's development and progress. He highlighted the essential role that teachers and families play in creating supportive learning environments that foster academic achievement.

Record-Breaking National Education Performance

The recognition comes as the UAE education system demonstrates exceptional performance on multiple fronts. The nation achieved a 99.6% literacy rate among individuals aged 15 to 24, placing it first globally in youth literacy according to the Unified UAE Numbers Report released during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2025. The country's participation rate in general education reached 99%, reflecting near-universal educational engagement.

Strategic Educational Initiatives

Sheikh Mohamed's commitment to educational excellence extends beyond individual recognition. In March 2026, he launched the National Education Charter, defining a unified vision and long-term outcomes for learning in the UAE. Earlier, in March 2025, he established the Zayed Education Foundation to empower 100,000 young leaders through merit-based university scholarships and immersive leadership training.

The 2025-2026 academic year, which began on August 25, 2025, followed a unified national calendar approved by the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council, standardising term dates across all public and private schools nationwide. This coordinated approach reflects the comprehensive national strategy supporting student success.

The education delegation expressed appreciation to His Highness for his continued support of students and the education sector, and for his commitment to recognising outstanding achievement while encouraging further excellence.

Distinguished Attendees

The ceremony was attended by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region; Sheikh Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Zayed for Good Foundation; Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser to the UAE President; along with several sheikhs, officials, citizens and guests.

Continued Growth and Expansion

The UAE's robust educational infrastructure continues to expand, with 57,035 new students enrolling in higher education institutions during the 2024-25 academic year, marking a 13% increase year-on-year and the highest intake in a decade. The education market is projected to grow by AED 18.7 billion by 2029, reflecting an 8.6% compound annual growth rate between 2024-2029.

With the average years of schooling reaching 13.36 years in 2024, the UAE's education system demonstrates sustained commitment to enhancing curricula and academic programmes, creating pathways for the nation's top students to continue their academic and leadership journeys.