The RAK Award for Creativity and Excellence has been instituted by the Government of RAK to promote and honour excellence in education.

Speaking at the function Sheikh Saud said, “Education is a key instrument for national progress and socio-economic development. Our commitment to world class education remains strong and we look forward to achieving excellence in education through introduction of best practices, developing the right institutional infrastructure and by honoring excellence in the field of education.”

Sheikh Saud congratulated the students who had made excellent academic achievements and the winners in other categories who had made remarkable contributions for achieving excellence in the education sector.  He lauded the efforts made by the teachers and parents in supporting and encouraging the students to realize their true potential.

Sheikh Saud also presented the RAK Award for Creativity and Excellence to Rashid Abdullah Sayed Al Tahah, who had served as Under Secretary in the UAE Ministry of Education from 1980 to 1990, for his contribution to the development of the education sector.

UAE Education Minister, HE Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami thanked H.H. Sheikh Saud for gracing the function and presenting awards to the top achievers. He said that the Award programme along with similar initiatives in other emirates would act as an incentive towards promoting excellence in education in the country.

HE Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Head of the board of trustees of RAK Award for Creativity and Excellence, said that fostering innovation and excellence is a national priority which calls for new partnerships and cooperation from the private sector and other concerned organizations. He expressed satisfaction that the RAK Award for Creativity and Excellence has been able to get good response from the student community and schools both in the public and private sectors.

Mohammed Ibrahim Mansoor, General Secretary of the Award Board, said that the RAK Award programme would be expanded next year to include a new category aimed at encouraging book reading among students. “We are also planning of promote a novel concept called `Ideas Lab’ through which we aim to encourage creative thinking and help the students in implementing their innovative ideas,” he added.

As many as 109 persons were presented with the award across eight categories, which included 82 students who were honoured for their excellent performance in the academic as well as co-curricular activities. The other categories included distinguished teachers, supervisors and outstanding families.

Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Civil Aviation, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Abdulla Hamad Al Shehhi, Director of Ras Al Khaimah Education Zone, heads of government departments and top officials attended the function.