UAE: 400 gifted students discovered in less than a year, says Hamdan Foundation

More than 39,000 students from across the UAE have participated in the Hamdan Talent Scale. This pioneering national initiative is revolutionizing how the country's brightest young minds are identified and supported. The programme, implemented in public and private schools, uses one of the most advanced scientific tools in the Arab world for talent identification.

Dr Mariam Al Ghawi, Director of Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Giftedness and Innovation, said, "Since the beginning of 2025, nearly 9,000 students have been evaluated through the national Talent Identification Program, resulting in the discovery of more than 400 gifted students. This outcome underscores the accuracy and efficiency of the scale. It reinforces the development of tailored programs to support this exceptional group of learners."

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To date, more than 2,000 gifted students have been identified, many of whom are now enrolled in specialized study tracks enriched by expert mentorship, innovation labs, and STEM-based learning, fully aligned with the UAE's ambitious vision for the future.

She clarified, "It is considered one of the most advanced systems for identifying gifted and talented individuals in the Arab world."

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She further explained that the test is a scientifically developed tool designed to identify gifted students in grades 4 through 12. Initiated by the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, this test combines international research with local cultural and educational values, offering a comprehensive assessment of students' intellectual, academic, and creative abilities.

A Path to Growth

Students who qualify through the test have the opportunity to enroll in advanced enrichment programs focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and the arts. These programmes go far beyond the traditional academic curriculum, including innovation labs, national and international competitions, expert mentorship, and global learning experiences. This initiative prioritizes the development of critical thinking, leadership, and creativity, preparing students to become key contributors to the UAE's innovation ecosystem.

Selection Process

Al Ghawi explained that the identification process for gifted and talented students consists of three main stages:

1. Nomination: Students can be nominated by their schools or apply directly through the Foundation's website.

2. Screening: Candidates complete a series of assessments that measure cognitive abilities, creativity, and academic performance.

3. Selection: Students who meet the talent criteria are selected for long-term development and support.

“This process ensures fairness and accessibility, covering public and private schools across the seven emirates,” She added.

Open to All Nationalities

In alignment with the UAE's comprehensive vision for education, the program welcomes participants of all nationalities. Since its launch in 2017, the initiative has evaluated over 39,000 students and has identified more than 2,200 talented individuals. The Foundation aims to identify a total of 5,000 students by the year 2030.

Participation in the enrichment programmes is provided at no cost. Activities occur on weekends, during school holidays, or school visits, and develop gradually over eight years, ensuring sustainable growth.

The programme's impact extends beyond students. It includes specialized training for teachers, awareness campaigns for families, and partnerships with schools to create environments that value and nurture talent. By fostering a national culture that values talent, the initiative directly supports the UAE's educational transformation. It contributes to achieving the goals of the UAE Centennial Vision 2071.

Sara AlKuwari

Sara AlKuwari is an Emirati reporter who may look shy and quiet but is determined and has a strong desire to highlight Emirati culture in an impactful way. She is also a tea lover and an avid reader.

sara@khaleejtimes.com