King Hamad Award: Bahrain’s Vision Transforming Education into Knowledge

The UNESCO – King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICT in Education is not just an award; it is a statement of Bahrain’s forward-thinking approach to education, combining innovation with human empowerment.

Dr. Mariam Al-Daajan, Member of Parliament, emphasized that the award is among the most influential initiatives in the global educational landscape. “This prize does more than honor innovative projects—it embodies a deeply Bahraini philosophy that sees education as the cornerstone for building capable, empowered individuals equipped for the future,” she said.

Named after His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, the award was never intended as a symbolic gesture. Launched two decades ago, it represents a strategic vision that positions investment in digital knowledge as the true investment in human potential. “Using technology in education is not merely a technical goal,” Dr. Al-Daajan noted. “It is a civilizational and humanistic project that opens doors to knowledge equity worldwide.”

This year, Bahrain proudly hosted the award ceremony for the first time outside UNESCO’s Paris headquarters—a milestone recognized internationally as a testament to Bahrain’s leadership in digital education and academic innovation. Dr. Al-Daajan highlighted that this achievement reflects over a century of educational progress in Bahrain, culminating in a digital transformation aligned with the Kingdom’s visionary leadership.

The prize symbolizes the evolution of education from traditional methods to a system rooted in interaction, creativity, and critical thinking. Dr. Al-Daajan added, “What sets this award apart is its ability to integrate technology with values, knowledge with humanity—perfectly in line with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, emphasizing inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.”

Supervised by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the award ceremony reaffirms Bahrain’s ongoing commitment to a human-centered approach, where minds are empowered before infrastructure, and AI and modern technologies serve humanity.

“Bahrain presents a pioneering model that redefines the relationship between education and development, and between technology and human values,” Dr. Al-Daajan concluded. “The continuity of this award reflects a royal vision that sees every learner as a future leader, transforming knowledge into empowerment, and learning into action.”