Batoul Abdul Aziz Al Sheikh, a student at Al Shahama School in Abu Dhabi, has taken first place in the Innovators in Media Competition at the American University in Dubai (AUD), earning a full AED 400,000 scholarship to the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Communication.

Now in its ninth year, the competition welcomes high school students from across the UAE, with this year seeing nearly 150 participants. Batoul’s scholarship will fully cover her four-year tuition at AUD.

An awards ceremony was held at AUD to honor the 13 finalists, attended by key figures including Dr. Amal Al-Qahtani on behalf of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education, Dr. Kyle Long , President of AUD, and Sophie Boutros, Executive Director of MBRSC, among others.

In his remarks, Dr. Long praised the students’ creativity and thanked the Ministry of Education, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, and sponsors Tiger Group and Emirates NBD.

Professor Ali Obaid Al Hamli, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association, highlighted the exceptional talent on display and noted the strong female representation among entrants, with 90% being young women. Former winner and current MBRSC senior Sarah Bashir shared how the competition changed her life, expressing gratitude as she nears graduation.

Winners by Category:

English-language

• 2nd: Rawan Munther - Asma Bint Umais School, Ajman
• 3rd: Nouf Wael - The National Charity School, Dubai
• 4th: Hessa Khaled Al Zaabi - Al Sabahiya School, Ras Al Khaimah

Arabic-language
• 2nd: Sara Abbas Siraj - Al Ittihad Private School, Jumeirah
• 3rd: Mahra Al Yamahi - Djamila Bouhired, Sharjah
• 4th: Amna Al Falasi - Dubai National School, Al Twar