Kamal Ghorui
In a heartwarming fusion of academic achievement and spiritual tradition, 50 young women in Dubai just received the ultimate “gold star” on their report cards. The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) has announced it is sponsoring a full family Umrah trip for 50 outstanding female students who have shown exceptional dedication to their studies.This isn’t just a reward for high grades; it’s a celebration of the “all-nighters,” the perseverance, and the curiosity these students brought to their community centers, including the Umm Al Sheif and Al Mizhar Islamic Cultural Centers. By choosing Umrah as the prize, the department is turning a moment of personal success into a shared spiritual milestone for the students and their loved ones.
How does the Umrah award work?
The students were selected from several community centres run by IACAD, including:
- Umm Al Sheif Islamic Cultural Centre
- Al Mizhar Islamic Cultural Centre
- Nad Al Sheba Women’s Centre
Each student will travel to Makkah to perform Umrah, a peaceful pilgrimage that holds spiritual significance in Islam, accompanied by a male guardian from her family.
Why does it matter?
This experience isn’t just a reward for academic excellence; it’s designed to deepen family connections and build cherished memories that link learning success with shared values and cultural identity.The initiative is a direct reflection of the UAE’s “Year of the Family 2026” vision. During the ceremony, officials emphasized that academic excellence doesn’t happen in a vacuum, it grows in the soil of a supportive home. By inviting the students’ families to join them on the pilgrimage, IACAD is acknowledging the parents and guardians who stood behind every successful exam and every memorized verse.The trip is designed to be a “holistic experience,” blending:
- Academic Recognition: Celebrating the intellectual growth of the students.
- Family Bonding: Strengthening the ties between the students and their guardians in a sacred setting.
- Spiritual Enrichment: Providing a peaceful environment for reflection and gratitude after months of hard work.
Looking forward
The impact of this award goes far beyond the airport gates. His Excellency Ahmed Darwish Al Muhairi, Director General of IACAD, noted that the real investment is in the people themselves. The goal is to prepare “informed female role models” who can lead with both knowledge and values.For the students, ranging in age from young learners to older teens, the trip serves as a powerful motivator. It sends a clear message: in Dubai, seeking knowledge is a journey that is respected, supported, and deeply rewarded. As these 50 students prepare to embark on their pilgrimage, they carry with them not just their luggage, but the pride of a community that believes in their potential to shape a balanced, knowledgeable society.
