It was a pleasure to be back on the airwaves with the wonderful Helen Farmer for her show, Afternoons with Helen Farmer, on Dubai Eye 103.8 this past Wednesday, October 8th, 2025. Having collaborated a number of times, catching up with Helen is always a highlight, and her team never fails to bring the laughs, even amidst a packed radio schedule!
This segment was an exciting opportunity to shine a spotlight on the MENA School Excellence Awards 2026 and mark the final day of nominations.
The Scoop: MENA School Excellence Awards 2026 & Final Deadline
The core of our discussion focused on the importance of celebrating the incredible work being done in education across the Middle East and North Africa region. The MENA School Excellence Awards are a vital platform for recognising the dedication, innovation, and passion of schools and educators.
As a proud judge on the awards panel, the segment was about encouraging the community to submit their nominations before the final deadline.
Important Note: The final deadline for applications closes on Monday, October 13th, 2025. We sincerely hope all the amazing schools and individuals who intended to apply were able to submit their nominations on time!
Integrity in Judging: Louise Dawson's Role
To ensure absolute integrity and impartiality, my role as a judge is focused solely on categories outside of any Special Educational Needs (SEN) awards. This is a deliberate step to avoid any potential conflict of interest or bias, ensuring that the judging process remains fair and transparent for all participants, especially within my own professional community.
This year’s awards are set to be bigger and better than ever, and I am genuinely honoured to play a part in promoting an event that champions school excellence across the entire MENA region.
What Happens Next? The Road to the Awards Ceremony in Dubai
Now that the nomination window has closed, the real work begins! I am super excited to spend the next couple of months reviewing the submissions alongside my esteemed fellow judges. It is always inspiring to see the incredible, often unsung, achievements of our education community.
Every application tells a story of dedication and impact. To even be nominated is a fantastic honour and a true cause for celebration.
Mark your calendars! The prestigious MENA School Excellence Awards 2026 ceremony will take place on Thursday, February 5th, 2026, in Dubai. Get ready to celebrate excellence!
Listen Back to the Dubai Eye Interview
Did you miss the live segment? You can listen to the full radio interview with Helen Farmer on Dubai Eye 103.8 by clicking the link below:
Learn More About the MENA School Excellence Awards
To learn more about the awards, the categories, and the fantastic celebration of regional education:
Stay Updated: Don't Miss the Next Event or Interview!
While the nomination deadline for the MENA School Excellence Awards is now closed, the work of celebrating and promoting educational best practices never stops!
If you enjoyed hearing about this segment on Dubai Eye 103.8 and want to keep up with Louise’s upcoming interviews, speaking engagements, and workshops, be sure to visit her official Events Page. It’s the best way to ensure you are the first to know about new opportunities, training sessions, and media appearances.