Sheikh Hamdan has been an avid promoter of excellence in the fields of education and science, which is evident from the fact that he has taken key initiatives in instituting a number of awards in these spheres.

Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Awards for Distinguished Academic Performance is an outstanding annual event in which distinguished individuals in the field of education are honoured through a unique ceremony held for this purpose. The award includes all public and private schools throughout all the educational zones of the United Arab Emirates and it also includes all nationalities and now became a regional and International Award.

The Dubai International Award for Best Practices was established to recognize the best practices with positive impact on improving the living environment. The Award reflects the policy and commitment of Dubai Government and the United Arab Emirates towards sustainable development of the human settlements and protection of the environment on the basis of mutual international cooperation.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences has been established with a view to honour researchers from every part of the world who tirelessly pursue distinctive medical research that serves the larger interest of humanity