DUBAI – The Pakistan Educational and Cultural Board (PECB) has been distinguished with the Gold Category Award during the second phase of the Ethraa Empowerment Programme, an initiative orchestrated by Dubai’s Community Development Authority (CDA). The accolade was presented during a formal ceremony at Emirates Towers on December 17, 2025, in recognition of PECB’s exemplary performance and distinguished social services within the community.
Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the CDA, conferred the award and emphasized in her keynote address the critical importance of community partnership, civil society enhancement, and the instrumental role non-profit organizations play in advancing social development—core tenets of both Dubai and the wider UAE national vision.
The Gold Category Award specifically honors institutions that exhibit superior service quality, sustainable governance frameworks, and the delivery of comprehensive support services to priority demographic groups. PECB, which oversees the Pakistan Education Academy and English Language Private School, stood out for its alignment with these rigorous criteria.
Chairman Hassan Hokal and Vice-Chairman Rashid Ashraf accepted the award on behalf of PECB. They were accompanied by the principals of both institutions, Shamaela Ahmad and Muhammad Atif.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Hokal expressed profound gratitude to the CDA, noting that initiatives like the Ethraa Programme significantly bolster public confidence in non-profit entities while incentivizing continuous improvement in service quality. He described the recognition as a tangible manifestation of the Dubai Government’s commitment to social development, inclusivity, and sustainable community progress.
Mr. Hokal further attributed this achievement to the concerted efforts of PECB’s leadership, board of governors, management, educators, and staff, acknowledging that support from students, parents, volunteers, and the broader community has been fundamental to their success.
The Ethraa Programme serves as a strategic platform for promoting social welfare, institutional transparency, and community service, resonating with the vision of the Dubai Government and its leadership. PECB’s gold-tier selection underscores the organization’s successful integration into Dubai’s social development strategy and its substantial contributions to education and communal service.
Looking forward, PECB reaffirmed its dedication to expanding its educational and social initiatives in accordance with governmental visions centered on tolerance, harmony, and sustainable development, pledging to maintain the highest professional standards in community service.