UAE: The Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Award for Excellence has played a key role in encouraging female students to take on leadership roles and achieve greater success in the future, a senior GEMS Education official said on Tuesday.
Addressing the annual award ceremony at GEMS Winchester School Dubai, GEMS Education Executive Vice-President Ranju Anand praised the vision behind the award, which promotes leadership and supports the active role of women in society.
She said the award, launched in 2005, recognises female students across GEMS schools for outstanding academic performance, leadership qualities, and commitment to community service, while also providing scholarships to nurture future leaders.
“This excellence award is presented each year to encourage young women to step into leadership roles across fields such as education, sports, and social development,” she said.
This year, 11 students from GEMS schools across the UAE were selected for their exceptional academic results, leadership skills, and contributions to social, environmental, and global citizenship initiatives.
Award recipients described the recognition as inspiring and motivating, saying that GEMS provides an important platform to empower female students and acknowledge their talents.
Hareem Rizvi from The Westminster School Dubai said winning the award was a proud moment for her family and school. She shared that persistence and determination helped her succeed after multiple attempts.
Another recipient, Ebunoluwa Hannah Atinuke Adelani from GEMS Winchester School Abu Dhabi, expressed gratitude to her parents and teachers, calling them her guiding support throughout the journey.
Earlier, Principal and CEO of GEMS Winchester School Dubai Matthew James Lecuyer welcomed the guests and congratulated the award winners. The event was co-hosted by the school’s Head Boy Yousuf Aly Mohamed and Head Girl Niharika Arvind.
Each award winner received a scholarship covering one year’s tuition fee at their respective school.
Award winners for 2025–26:
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Hareem Rizvi, The Westminster School, Dubai
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Basmah Hamad Amer Salem Alzarei, GEMS Cambridge International School, Abu Dhabi
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Leen Nael Abdel Latif Suleiman, GEMS Westminster School, Sharjah
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Riffa Mehnaz Ziaul Rahman, The Cambridge High School, Abu Dhabi
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Sowmyaraju Iyer, GEMS Winchester School, Dubai
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Nour Ahmed Mahmoud Helal Mosaad, GEMS Cambridge International Private School, Sharjah
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Maha Gul, GEMS Winchester Private School, Fujairah
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Joshika Jain, The Winchester School, Jebel Ali
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Ebunoluwa Hannah Atinuke Adelani, GEMS Winchester School, Abu Dhabi
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Soha Abdulla, GEMS Cambridge International School, Dubai
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Sangaynangsal Tamang, GEMS Winchester School, Ras Al Khaimah
