Across the UAE, inclusion has evolved from aspiration to expectation.
Walk into a modern classroom today and you are likely to see flexible learning spaces, differentiated teaching strategies, and multidisciplinary teams supporting diverse learners. This transformation did not happen overnight.
It happened because people changed first.
The Incluzun National Inclusive Practice Awards, now entering their third year, seek to recognise those individuals driving one of the country’s most significant education transformations.
Incluzun is a certified social enterprise under the Authority of Social Contribution Ma’an, working with more than 1000 families and 500 schools they are supporting inclusion in schools across the UAE through the provision of highly skilled learning support assistants.
Taking place this October at the Dubai World Trade Centre during the AccessAbilities Expo, the awards will be presented by His Excellency Abdulla Al Humaidan and His Excellency Abdulla Al Kamali of the Zayed Authority, in partnership with the National Academy for Childhood Development and strategic partner Majra, The National CSR Fund.
Inclusion as Economic Strategy
The UAE’s National Strategy to Empower People of Determination positions inclusion as both a social responsibility and an economic investment.
When children with additional needs access quality education, they gain pathways into employment, innovation, and community participation.
This aligns directly with UN SDG 4 and SDG 8, reinforcing education as a driver of sustainable economic growth.
Yet policy alone cannot deliver inclusion.
People do.
The Professionals Driving Change
The awards honour three pivotal roles:
National SENDCO of the Year
National SEN Teacher of the Year
National Learning Support Assistant of the Year
Entries are free nationwide, ensuring participation from schools across every emirate.
Hundreds of applications arrive annually from more than 500 schools, illustrating the scale of inclusive practice now embedded within UAE education.
The Ripple Effect of Recognition
A former LSA of the Year winner demonstrates how recognition accelerates impact.
Using her prize funding to complete a Master’s degree, she advanced into a leadership role as Head of Inclusion. Her influence now reaches hundreds of students and dozens of educators.
One professional empowered.
Hundreds of lives affected.
This multiplier effect lies at the heart of the awards’ philosophy. “When we empower one practitioner they in turn empower hundreds of children of determination” Harmeet Dhillon, Founder Incluzun, event organiser.
From Classroom Support to National Leadership
Under We the UAE 2031, education must prepare all learners for future contribution.
Recognising educators validates inclusion as professional excellence not simply compassionate work.
It sends a powerful national message: supporting People of Determination is central to the country’s future competitiveness.
A Growing National Movement
The awards ceremony has become more than a celebration; it is a gathering point for the inclusion ecosystem; policymakers, educators, families, and corporate leaders.
Prizes such as financial awards, technology resources, and experiential rewards acknowledge achievement while encouraging professional growth.
But the greatest outcome is cultural change.
Schools increasingly nominate colleagues not only to win, but to publicly celebrate inclusive values.
Why It Matters
Inclusion succeeds when educators feel seen.
When teachers feel valued, retention improves. Innovation grows. Collaboration strengthens.
Ultimately, children experience classrooms designed for success rather than adaptation.
Call to Action
Applications for the National Inclusive Practice Awards 2026 are open to educators nationwide.
Schools, parents, and communities are encouraged to nominate professionals shaping inclusive futures.
Visit the Awards website to apply or nominate.
Because the UAE’s inclusive future will not be built by policy alone but by the extraordinary people bringing it to life every day.
Apply HERE:
https://www.incluzun.com/awards.php
Check out Last Years Ceremony HERE:
