Two students from the American University in Dubai’s (AUD) Graduate School of Education (GSE) secured first place in the poster competition at the Early Childhood Inclusive Education Forum 2025, hosted by the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) under the theme Bridging Practice and Innovation.

M.Ed. candidates Sara Hussien (Class of 2025) and Hala Gawdat (Class of 2026) were recognized for their outstanding applied research, reflecting the strength of AUD’s graduate preparation and its emphasis on evidence-based, practice-driven approaches to inclusive education.

AUD’s contribution to the forum extended beyond student success. The Graduate School of Education participated as a strategic partner, with Dr. Nadera Alborno, Dean of GSE, moderating a high-level panel titled Inclusive Early Childhood Education in the UAE: Progress Toward SDG 4.2. The discussion highlighted the critical role of cross-sector collaboration, teacher development, and policy alignment in advancing inclusive early childhood education nationally and regionally.

Together, the student achievement and faculty leadership underscored AUD’s growing influence in shaping inclusive education discourse while nurturing the next generation of educational leaders and researchers.