Nationwide initiative identifies over 2,000 gifted students, revolutionising talent discovery in UAE classrooms
As the UAE shifts from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-driven one, the spotlight is now firmly on its classrooms—where the next generation of innovators, scientists, and leaders is being discovered. Central to this transformation is the Hamdan Talent Scale, a scientifically designed, culturally tailored tool aimed at identifying gifted students across all seven emirates, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
Launched under the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Giftedness and Innovation, the initiative has already evaluated nearly 9,000 students in early 2025, identifying over 400 gifted learners in a matter of months. In total, more than 2,000 exceptional students have been enrolled in specialised tracks that prioritise STEM, creativity, and leadership.
With a goal of nurturing 5,000 gifted minds by 2030, the Hamdan Talent Scale is at the heart of UAE’s mission to build a future-ready, innovation-led generation
“The Hamdan Talent Scale is among the most advanced systems for identifying gifted and talented individuals in the Arab world,” said Dr. Mariam Al Ghawi, Director of the Centre. Designed for students from Grade 4 to Grade 12, the tool assesses intellectual, academic, and creative abilities using a three-stage process: nomination, screening, and selection.
Participation is open to all students, regardless of nationality, and comes at no cost. Activities, such as innovation labs, mentorship, and global competition participation, are held during weekends or school holidays and can span up to eight years of development.
The initiative also trains teachers, engages parents through awareness campaigns, and partners with schools to build a national culture of talent cultivation. These efforts align with the UAE Centennial Vision 2071, ensuring the country’s transformation is powered by knowledge, not just oil.
