ABU DHABI, 13th May 2025 (WAM) -- Under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, the American Community School of Abu Dhabi (ACS) honoured Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi with the 2025 ACS Community Leadership Award.
The award was presented by Sheikh Nahyan during the 2025 ACS Gala, held on 10th May 2025 at the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers.
“Throughout its history, the American Community School has influenced education in our country and has helped to advance excellent practices. I applaud you for your dedication to educating young people, and in the process, changing the world for the better. I hope you know the esteem with which we in the UAE hold your school,” said Sheikh Nahyan in his opening remarks. “I am delighted that your school has chosen to celebrate the Year of Community in the United Arab Emirates by coming together this evening under the banner: Together Shaping Dreams. Your focus on serving the community by providing excellent education reaffirms your leading role in defining what it means to be a successful school in Abu Dhabi and the UAE.”
Lubna Al Qasmi remarked from the podium, “I am grateful for our founding fathers and our leaders today who put our people first, in support of education, health, career path and building the country. The UAE is truly a melting pot. The UAE is a magnet for greatness. It is the best of the present, and we pray it remains a global gem in the future. I appreciate this wonderful city that has been and is a home for this wonderful school, its alumni and its students and staff.”
The event was attended by Martina Strong, Ambassador of the United States to the UAE; Fredrik Floren, Ambassador of Sweden to the UAE; Alison Milton Ambassador of Ireland to the UAE; Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE; Samer Abdelhaq, General Counsel of UAE Department of Finance, Dr. Abdulla Al Shimmari, Executive Director UAE Department of Government Enablement and Nasser Al Nowais, Rotana Chairman and Diamond sponsor.
They were joined by more than 550 guests, including distinguished leaders, supporters, and friends of the ACS community, in a moving tribute to Sheikha Lubna’s contributions to the nation and the world, and her historic legacy of service, leadership, and impact.
“As we mark the UAE’s Year of Community, it is especially fitting to recognise a leader who has devoted her career to strengthening communities in the UAE and beyond, and to fostering connections across cultures, sectors, and continents,” said Ambassador Martina Strong. “Congratulations to Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi on receiving the ACS Community Leadership Award – an honour that reflects her visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to empowering others.”
“This year, in the UAE’s Year of Community, we were honoured to recognise a leader whose legacy transcends borders and generations,” said Monique Flickinger, ACS Superintendent. “Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi is a beacon of courage and conviction whose life’s work continues to inspire a culture of leadership and compassion for our community.”