Her Highness Sheikha Shamma Opens Eco Edventure at The British International School Abu Dhabi

The British International School Abu Dhabi (BIS Abu Dhabi) was deeply honoured to welcome Her Highness Sheikha Shamma Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan to its campus on Thursday, 17 April 2025. Her Highness, President & CEO of the UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators (UICCA) and The Climate Tribe, is a distinguished entrepreneur, thought leader, and researcher with a deep commitment to sustainability, climate change, and gender equity.

During her visit, Her Highness officially opened the school’s new Eco Edventure, a unique outdoor and enclosed learning area designed to immerse students in nature while exploring subjects like STEAM, Literacy, and Music. This dynamic environment supports Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Early Primary (EP) learning goals and nurtures resilience, curiosity, and creativity in young learners.

Through hands-on experiences such as growing and harvesting food, exploring water systems, building imaginative structures, and caring for animals and ecosystems, students develop real-world skills in a meaningful way. The Eco Edventure reflects the school’s holistic educational philosophy and directly aligns with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating BIS Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to embedding sustainability into everyday learning.

During the opening, Her Highness addressed students and Faculty:
"It is inspiring to witness a school place such value on sustainability and holistic education. The Eco Edventure is a wonderful example of how young learners can connect with the natural world and gain a deeper appreciation for the impact they can have. Nurturing this awareness from an early age is essential to developing a generation of environmentally conscious leaders."

Following the opening ceremony, Her Highness addressed students in Years 7, 8, and 12 at a special Secondary Assembly, focused on the importance of youth engagement in climate action and the role young people can play as catalysts for meaningful change. Her Highness also toured a student showcase highlighting a variety of eco-conscious and sustainability-focused projects developed throughout the school year.

The visit concluded with a warm and memorable reading session for Year 1 students in the Primary Library, where Her Highness shared a story that reflected the themes of nature and community.

Principal Alan Cocker expressed his gratitude and pride in hosting such an inspirational leader:
"We were truly honoured to welcome Her Highness Sheikha Shamma Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan to our school. Her leadership in the fields of climate action and sustainability is not only inspiring but deeply aligned with our own mission to educate globally minded, responsible citizens. The opening of our Eco Edventure is a significant milestone in our journey, and it was incredibly special to mark this occasion with Her Highness,  who shares our vision so deeply."

The visit marks a powerful moment in BIS Abu Dhabi’s dedication to sustainability and experiential learning. As the school continues to grow, initiatives like the Eco Edventure help provide students with opportunities to engage critically with the world around them and play a part in shaping a sustainable future.