Dubai’s Arbor School Wins Prestigious Global Prize for Environmental Action

The independent school, which teaches from kindergarten to secondary level, integrates eco-literacy across its curriculum. Students take part in hands-on projects tackling waste reduction, energy efficiency and other pressing environmental issues, with the aim of developing critical thinkers who can apply classroom learning to real-world challenges.

The World’s Best School Prizes, launched in 2022 to celebrate institutions shaping lives inside and beyond the classroom, are considered among the most prestigious global awards in education. This year’s winners will gather in Abu Dhabi in November at the World Schools Summit to share their expertise with policymakers and fellow educators.

Arbor School’s recognition was praised as a milestone for the UAE’s education sector, reflecting both the creativity of its staff and the passion of its students. Judges highlighted the way the school community embraced environmental responsibility not as an obligation but as a core value.

Other winners in 2025 included Franklin School in Jersey City for innovation, A Favor del Niño in Mexico City for community collaboration, Escola Estadual Parque dos Sonhos in Brazil for overcoming adversity, and SK Putrajaya in Malaysia for supporting healthy lives. Together, they represent a global network of schools pioneering new approaches to the challenges of today.