UAE

Zayed Award for Human Fraternity Announces 2026 Honorees:

Armenia–Azerbaijan peace agreement

Afghan girls’ education advocate Zarqa Yaftali

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates / January 19, 2026—The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity announced today the honorees of the prize’s 2026 edition: the historic peace agreement between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Afghan girls’ education advocate Zarqa Yaftali – marking the first award recipients from the Caucasus and Afghanistan, respectively.

A landmark decision guided by visionary leadership toward ending decades of conflict and humanitarian suffering in the Caucasus, the Agreement on Establishment of Peace and Inter-State Relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan is being honored as a process of peace, dialogue, normalization, and conflict resolution undertaken by the two states, which underscores that reconciliation is not a single act, but a sustained journey.

A woman of courage with a lifelong dedication to protecting the right to education for women and children, Ms. Zarqa Yaftali is being honored for providing educational resources, psychosocial support, and community-based services to over 100,000 people in Afghanistan and beyond – providing hope and knowledge to girls living in restrictive environments.

H.E. Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, called the award a “great honor” in recognition of the efforts undertaken to help establish peace in the Caucasus region, and a sincere acknowledgement of everyone who contributed to bringing this historic agreement to fruition.

H.E. Pashinyan expressed confidence that this recognition will have a tangible impact both within Armenia and beyond, and will contribute to strengthening trust between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing that this historic shared moment of recognition is of great significance and will support the path to peace.

He stressed that this achievement is not the result of an individual effort, but rather the outcome of collective work involving many inside and outside Armenia, adding that the essence of this achievement is due, first and foremost, to Armenia’s political team, government, parliament, and the society that supports the peace agreement. “That we [Armenia and Azerbaijan] are sharing this award reflects a mutual and collective achievement,” H.E. Pashinyan added.

H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, expressed his appreciation for the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity’s recognition of the peace agreement and extended his gratitude to the 2026 award judging committee for honoring efforts to establish peace in the South Caucasus region and the world.

H.E. Aliyev noted that the recognition holds special significance as the award bears the name of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the United Arab Emirates, in addition to the support of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, head of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, making the recognition by this global award a “double honor.”

For her part, Zarqa Yaftali said she felt “deeply excited and overwhelmed with emotion,” expressing sincere gratitude to the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity judging committee.

Ms. Yaftali said that being selected as a 2026 honoree represents “a powerful and meaningful message” for women in Afghanistan, bringing hope and encouragement to many Afghan women—especially students in online schools and young women enrolled in peace, security, and leadership courses.

The 2026 honorees were selected by an independent global judging committee composed of distinguished figures and experts in dialogue and coexistence, namely: former President of the European Council and former Prime Minister of Belgium His Excellency Charles Michel, former Chairperson of the African Union Commission and former Prime Minister of Chad His Excellency Moussa Faki Mahamat, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Her Excellency Saida Mirziyoyeva, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education at the Holy See His Eminence Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, and Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity His Excellency Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam.

H.E. Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, judging committee member and Secretary-General of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, said: “This year, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity committee selected the historic peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which embody the award’s mission and objectives in promoting and fostering a culture of dialogue and coexistence, marking a pivotal milestone in advancing global peace and a major diplomatic achievement – turning the page on nearly four decades of tension and conflict in the Caucasus and laying a strong foundation for a safer, shared future for both peoples.”

For her part, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said: “The committee was honored to recognize Ms. Zarqa Yaftali for her tireless efforts and leadership to protecting Afghan girls’ right to education and advancing women’s empowerment, despite facing tremendous challenges.”

H.E. Saida Mirziyoyeva affirmed that the announcement of the 2026 honorees embodies a global moral commitment to the principles of peace and human dignity. She emphasized that this recognition conveys a renewed message of hope to the international community and reaffirms the capacity of human fraternity to foster meaningful and enduring change.

The 2026 recipients will be honored on February 4, 2026 – coinciding with UN-recognized International Day of Human Fraternity – at the annual award ceremony, to be held at the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at 7 p.m. UAE time. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the award’s social media channels: Zayed Award for Human Fraternity – YouTube

Inspired by the signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by the late His Holiness Pope Francis, 266^th head of the Catholic Church, and His Eminence Ahmed Al-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, in Abu Dhabi in 2019 and the humanitarian legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the United Arab Emirates, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity recognizes individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions to building a more peaceful, harmonious, and compassionate world based on the values of human fraternity.

Since 2019, the award has honored 19 recipients from 19 countries: His Holiness Pope Francis (honorary recipient); Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed Al-Tayeb (honorary recipient); UN Secretary-General António Guterres; French-Moroccan activist against extremism Latifa Ibn Ziaten; Their Majesties King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein and Queen Rania Al Abdullah of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Haitian humanitarian organization the Foundation for Knowledge and Liberty (FOKAL); Italian organization the Community of Sant’Egidio; Kenyan peacebuilder Shamsa Abubakar Fadhil; Indonesian charitable organizations Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah; Egyptian world-renowned cardiac surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub; Chilean NGO founder Sister Nelly León Correa; Prime Minister of Barbados the Honorable Mia Amor Mottley; American food relief organization World Central Kitchen; and Ethiopian-American teenage health innovator Heman Bekele.

Education

UNESCO selects Sharjah for pioneering early childhood education initiative

Sharjah has been chosen by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to participate in the pilot phase of its Early Childhood Care and Education – Progress Assessment and Transformation Tool (ECCE-PATT), marking a major milestone for the Emirate’s early childhood sector.

The selection highlights Sharjah’s continuous efforts to strengthen early childhood systems through evidence-based policies, effective governance, and high-quality care and education services. It also underscores the Emirate’s reputation as a regional model for early childhood development.

This recognition follows Sharjah’s role in hosting the Regional Conference on Early Childhood Care and Education in the Arab States in June 2023. The event, held under the patronage of the Sharjah Family and Community Council, in collaboration with UNESCO’s Multisectoral Regional Office for the Arab States, brought together key stakeholders including the Sharjah Private Education Authority, the Sharjah Education Academy, and the Sharjah Child Friendly Office.

Sharjah’s integrated approach earns global recognition

UNESCO’s invitation reflects the Emirate’s comprehensive approach to early childhood development, combining supportive policies, strong governance, quality education provision, and close coordination among institutions. The ECCE-PATT pilot in Sharjah will produce a detailed self-assessment of the early childhood sector, documenting achievements, identifying gaps, and sharing promising practices as a reference for the region.

Dr. Muhadditha Al Hashimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Private Education Authority and President of the Sharjah Education Academy, said: “UNESCO’s selection of Sharjah for this pilot aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. We are committed to advancing excellence in early childhood education. The outcomes of this assessment will guide targeted improvements, ensuring our children benefit from the highest international standards, in close collaboration with UNESCO.”

Dr. Borhene Chakroun, Director of the Division for Policies and Lifelong Learning Systems at UNESCO, added: “Lifelong learning starts in the earliest years. Sharjah’s pilot of the ECCE-PATT tool will provide the evidence needed to strengthen early childhood systems, support school readiness, and enhance lifelong learning opportunities. This initiative demonstrates Sharjah’s leadership in placing early childhood at the heart of education transformation.”

High-level dialogue to shape regional policies

In a related development, the Sharjah Private Education Authority and the Sharjah Education Academy, in partnership with UNESCO, will host a high-level closed policy dialogue during the Pre-Conference Day of the Sharjah International Summit on Improvement in Education, scheduled for February 14–15, 2026 at the Sharjah Education Academy campus.

The session will bring together senior policymakers, experts, and representatives from the UAE, the Gulf region, and the Arab world, alongside international organisations and academic institutions. Participants will discuss Sharjah’s pilot findings, share knowledge, and develop actionable recommendations to strengthen early childhood systems, curriculum, and policy alignment across the region.

With these initiatives, Sharjah reaffirms its commitment to placing children at the centre of development, creating an education system that nurtures growth, learning, and the future success of the next generation.

Entertainment

Dubai makes stylish cameo in The Devil Wears Prada sequel

Fashion has officially clocked back in, and yes, it’s wearing Prada. We barely had time to recover from The Devil Wears Prada 2 trailer before eagle-eyed fans spotted something else: Handbags from Dubai-based luxury label Dellaluna by Silvia Paulon, carried on screen by none other than Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway.

Styled by Molly Rogers, Hathaway’s Andy Sachs is seen with the Imperial Silver Clutch, custom-made for the film, while Streep’s ice-cold Miranda Priestly grips the Louvre Abu Dhabi Bag, created as part of an upcoming collaboration with the iconic museum. For Paulon, seeing her designs land in one of fashion’s most legendary film franchises was overwhelming. “I flew to New York and hand delivered the bags myself,” she told Vogue Arabia. “After that, it’s completely out of your control. I woke up one morning and my Instagram was suddenly going crazy.”

All this buzz comes as 20th Century Studios officially unveiled the trailer for the long-awaited sequel to the 2006 cult classic. The Devil Wears Prada 2 is set to hit cinemas on May 1, bringing back the original dream (or nightmare) team: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci reprising their roles as Miranda Priestly, Andy Sachs, Emily Charlton, and Nigel Kipling.

How The Devil Wears Prada was a fashion reset

Fashion was the main character in the film. The costume design was led by Patricia Field, who assembled a wardrobe of over 100 outfits drawn from top fashion houses and carefully sourced pieces to give each character a distinct visual identity.

At the centre was Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly, whose wardrobe communicated authority, wealth, and an almost icy command. Field drew on archival pieces and worked with designers like Donna Karan to build looks that felt tailored. Priestly’s signature came from a mix of high-end menswear and statement outerwear, often in muted monochromes, and was anchored by her impeccable white hair. That’s all, indeed.

In contrast, Anne Hathaway’s Andy Sachs begins the film with a deliberately uninspired wardrobe, ill-fitting sweaters and shapeless pieces that visually underline her outsider status in the fashion world. As Andy becomes more obsessed in Runway magazine’s culture, and a lot more confident while…being run down by Priestly, her looks turn innto bold designer staples from Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Valentino, with pieces like Chanel thigh-high boots and a velvet Chanel coat during a key social event.

Supporting characters also wear looks that reflected their style. Emily Blunt’s Emily Charlton opts for edgier, fashion-forward pieces, while Stanley Tucci’s Nigel combines sophistication with creative flair, grounding the film’s aesthetic in real runway-level style.

Basketball

Seven Arab teams compete in AWST 2026 basketball

Basketball competitions will begin on Tuesday, February 3, as part of the eighth edition of the Arab Women Sports Tournament (AWST 2026), being organised by Sharjah Women’s Sports from February 2 to 12 across the Emirate of Sharjah. The biennial tournament brings together 63 teams from 16 Arab countries, competing across nine individual and team sports.

The basketball competition features seven teams representing six Arab countries, making it one of the tournament’s most competitive and widely-followed sports. The strong participation reflects the rapid development of women’s basketball at the club level across the Arab region, alongside the rising technical standards of participating teams.

Competing in the basketball event are Sharjah Women’s Sports Club and Khorfakkan Women’s Sports Club (United Arab Emirates), Al Fatat Sports Club (Kuwait), Al Hala Club (Kingdom of Bahrain), Shabab Fuheis Club (Jordan), Ghaz Al Shamal Club (Iraq), and Al Amal Sports Club – Al Watan Al Qibli (Tunisia).

Basketball matches and training sessions will be hosted at Al Bataeh Cultural and Sports Club. Meanwhile, Al Riqa Children’s Centre will host the teams’ official training sessions. This arrangement ensures the highest technical and organisational standards and supports the teams’ readiness throughout the tournament.

Pride in hosting basketball was expressed by His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah bin Halis Al Ketbi, Chairman of Al Batayih Cultural and Sports Club, who highlighted the venue’s capacity to accommodate more than 500 spectators and the inclusion of community activities showcasing local culture alongside the competitions.

Sharjah Women’s Sports invites fans and basketball enthusiasts to attend the matches, support Arab women athletes, and experience the competition firsthand in an atmosphere that reflects the growing momentum of women’s sport across the region. Match schedules are available on the tournament’s official website, https://awst.ae/

Host clubs and facilities have confirmed the completion of all maintenance and preparations, and announced their full readiness to stage competitions and training sessions in line with the highest standards, ensuring smooth operations, capacity for all spectators, and a comprehensive sporting experience befitting the scale of the event.

Basketball remains one of the tournament’s flagship sports, enjoying strong public and media interest due to its fast-paced nature and advanced skill level. The competition also serves as a prominent platform to showcase the progress of Arab women’s clubs and their ability to compete at the regional level.

The organisation of the basketball competition aligns with the tournament’s broader vision to present an integrated sporting model that strengthens women’s participation in competitive sport and reinforces Sharjah’s position as a regional hub for women’s sport, bringing together clubs and athletes from across the Arab world.

WAM