Eight students who earned the highest marks in the UAE’s 2025-2026 secondary school examinations received an unexpected reward over the weekend, each recognized by the country’s leadership for reaching the top of their respective academic streams.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice-President who is also Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, presented the AED 100,000 cash gift on Saturday. The honor extended across three education systems: government schools, private institutions, and applied technology programs.
Among the private school honorees was Abdullah Yasser Abu Arabi of Al Falah Academy in Abu Dhabi, who topped the General Track. His uncle, Omar Abu Arabi, posted his appreciation on Instagram.
“With great pride and honour, we extend our deepest thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for this generous recognition. Your unlimited support and visionary leadership, which always places the UAE and everyone who calls this nation home at the forefront of your priorities, continue to inspire future generations. Thank you for leading with excellence and for always striving to make the UAE number one.”
The government education toppers included Abeer Abdul Rahman Fayez Humaid Al Shamsi of Al Rashidiya Cycle 3 Girls School in Dubai (Elite Track), Adam Mohammed Awad Awad Ibrahim of Al Khatim Boys School in Abu Dhabi (Advanced Track), and Hessa Rashid Musbeh Abdul Rahman Al Alili of Al Mawaheb Girls School in Abu Dhabi (General Track).
In the private stream, Ali Asim Hassan of Al Noor International Private School in Sharjah led the Advanced Track. His school marked the achievement online, noting that it “continues its tradition of excellence year after year, nurturing outstanding students who reach the highest national rankings, achieve new milestones of success, and proudly uphold the banner of academic distinction.”
The applied technology honorees were Rashid Ahmed Rashid Ali Al Dhanhani in Fujairah (Science Track), Sheikha Abdul Aziz Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Hosani in Ajman (Advanced Track), and Mariam Saeed Hamad Al Hadfi Al Ketbi in Umm Al Quwain (General Track), all from Applied Technology Schools.
The cash gift came days after Sheikh Mohammed had publicly saluted the graduates on July 11 through a social media post praising their determination.
“We congratulate our sons and daughters, the top achievers of the General Secondary Education Certificate on the national level,” he wrote.
“We are proud of you all and confident that you will be part of building the future of the Emirates. Our country will continue to create the best environment for empowering the individual, education will remain our greatest national project, and our children are our winning bet in the present and the future.”
Reaction online reflected on how much this graduating class had endured. One Instagram user, posting as abalobaidly, framed their success against years of disruption.
“This generation studied through a pandemic, witnessed global conflicts, adapted between online and in-person learning, and still excelled. Their success is the result of 12 years of dedication, perseverance and continuous support from families and teachers. They are truly a generation shaped by challenges, and what lies ahead is even brighter.”
In his July 11 remarks, Sheikh Mohammed tied the honors to a broader national vision, describing education as the UAE’s foremost project and pledging continued investment in an education system meant to sharpen the country’s global standing while equipping young people with the skills and values to shape what comes next.
