Summit International School's visionary principal Lee Dabagia made waves at the ADEK Awards 2026, not just by winning the Best Principal honor but by launching a passionate appeal for parental involvement in literacy and ethical technology education.
The Indiana-born educator, visibly moved by the recognition, dedicated his award to his teaching staff while sounding the alarm about digital challenges facing modern students. "This isn't just about awards - it's about preparing children for a world where books compete with algorithms," Dabagia told Khaleej Times during an emotional backstage interview.
Armed with three decades of educational experience and twelve years shaping UAE classrooms, Dabagia delivered practical advice: "Transform your living room into a reading oasis. Our surveys show most homes have more charging cables than chapter books." He emphasized simple solutions like designated screen-free hours and maintaining home libraries to counter digital overload.
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The AI Classroom Dilemma
"Exams aren't what they used to be," Dabagia revealed, describing how students circumvent lockdown browsers to access AI during tests. His approach focuses on teaching AI as an ethical tool rather than banning it outright: "We're creating responsible digital citizens who understand technology should enhance - not replace - learning."
Social Media's Learning Disruption
The principal saved particular concern for social media's impact: "Students don't realize their bedrooms became lecture halls when phones entered the equation." His school implemented comprehensive digital responsibility programs addressing everything from cyberbullying to misinformation discernment.
A Celebration of Educational Excellence
The ADEK ceremony recognized over thirty education champions across expanded categories reflecting contemporary challenges - including inaugural awards for AI innovation and anti-bullying initiatives. Mariam Hallami noted record participation: "These awards drive tangible improvements as schools develop new programs specifically to meet our evolving criteria."
Spotlight on Winners:
Al Huiteen School: Their values-based anti-bullying program transformed school culture through peer accountability initiatives
The British International School: Won Dh100k for parent partnership programs that directly shape school policy through regular leadership dialogues
