Dubai International Academy (DIA) Emirates Hills has made it to the final three of the World's Best School Prize for Environmental Action 2024, one of the most prestigious global school awards. The Dubai-based IB school — which has championed ecological causes for 15 years through its student-run Eco Club — is now competing against schools from Spain and Singapore for the $10,000 top prize.
A 15-Year Legacy of Student-Led Environmental Action
The school's Eco Club sits at the heart of its environmental identity. Over the past decade and a half, students have installed solar panels that generate a 20-30% reduction in DEWA electricity bills, collected more than 2,000 kilograms of e-waste, organised beach-cleaning events, and ran pre-loved uniform sales to reduce textile waste.
In November 2023, DIA Emirates Hills hosted Dubai's first Model COP28 summit, bringing together 130 pupils from across the city to debate plastic pollution and other pressing climate issues — a milestone that put the school on the global radar.
Principal Hitesh Bhagat summed up the ethos driving these achievements: "I am filled with immense pride to see our pupils' work recognised on an international level."
What the Prize Money Would Fund
Should DIA Emirates Hills win the World's Best School Prize for Environmental Action, the $10,000 award would be directed toward building a hydroponic farm on campus — advancing the school's green infrastructure. Additional plans include promoting sustainable transport options and refurbishing second-hand electronic devices for redistribution to underprivileged communities.
The school is also working with local businesses to place e-waste collection bins in malls across Dubai, and has plans to plant a forest area in the UAE — extending its environmental footprint well beyond the school gates.
About the World's Best School Prize
The World's Best School Prize was launched in 2022 by T4 Education, in partnership with Accenture, American Express, and the Lemann Foundation. The prize recognises schools pursuing exceptional, creative endeavours across five categories: Environmental Action, Community Collaboration, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives.
Winners across all five categories share a $50,000 total prize fund. This year's finalists and winners will be celebrated at the World Schools Summit in Dubai on 23-24 November 2024, bringing together education leaders and top schools from around the world.
DIA Emirates Hills joins Axular Lizeoa (Spain) and Dulwich College (Singapore) as the three finalists in the Environmental Action category — a strong showing for UAE education on the global stage.
