Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation students secured a historic FIRST LEGO League result and four academic awards at FitzEd 2026

Students from the Hamdan Centre for Giftedness and Innovation have been recognized for achievements in international robotics and academic programs, including a historic result at the FIRST LEGO League Asia Open Championship 2026 in Beijing.

Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Supreme President of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences, honored the students at a ceremony attended by H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, officials, school principals and parents.

UAE team reaches top three in Asia Open Championship

The Hamdan Centre team secured second place in the Champion’s Award at the FIRST LEGO League Asia Open Championship, held in Beijing from August 13 to 16.

The result made the team the first UAE team to place among the top three in the Champion’s Award category and the highest-ever placement by a UAE team in international FIRST LEGO League competitions.

The team comprised Hamdan Rashid Al Mansoori, Khaled Mohammed Al Amadi, Abdulkarim Yousuf Bu Khashm, Abdullah Fahad Al Mahmoud and Sayed Mansour Sayed Hassan Al Hashemi.

The competition tested students in robotics, programming, research, innovation and teamwork. The Champion’s Award recognizes overall performance across the Innovation Project, Robot Design, Robot Performance and Core Values.

The team earned its place in the international championship after winning the FIRST LEGO League Dubai competition and becoming UAE champions for the 2025–2026 season.

Three students receive four Cambridge awards

The ceremony also recognized three female students from the Hamdan Centre who received four academic distinctions during the FitzEd 2026 Summer Programme at Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge.

Hessa Khaled Al Jaber, who took the Robotics course, was recognized for producing one of the two best research essays in her course.

Muzna Al Balushi, who participated in Business Economics, received the same distinction for her research essay.

Maryam Al Mulla, also a Business Economics student, received two awards. She was named one of the two top-performing students in her course, while her presentation was selected as one of the two best presentations across all FitzEd Summer School 2026 courses.

FitzEd is an academic summer program hosted by Fitzwilliam College in partnership with CAMSIS Education. It brings international students together for academic study, research, discussions and individual projects, with a focus on research, analytical thinking, independent learning and academic communication.

Developing talent beyond the classroom

H.E. Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami said the students’ achievements demonstrated the scientific and creative capabilities of UAE students and the value of giving gifted students opportunities to test their abilities in advanced educational and competitive environments.

The Foundation said its broader talent-development efforts focus on connecting gifted students with high-quality opportunities for training, practical experience, international competitions and academic programs.

The recognition ceremony also acknowledged the role of parents, schools, coaches and supervisors in supporting the students throughout their academic journeys.