In a remarkable triumph for youth innovation, Zahi Najmal, a talented 11-year-old from Habitat School, Al Jurf, Ajman, emerged as the first prize winner in Category 3 (Websites/Web/Mobile Apps) at the 5th International Digital Fest 2025, hosted at the University of Dubai by Cyber Square. His winning project — SchoolStudents.org — is a pioneering alumni directory platform built to securely connect students and alumni across UAE schools.
The competition, which drew participants from the GCC, India, and other countries, spotlighted the region’s most promising young technologists. Zahi’s victory not only celebrated technical excellence but also underscored the power of student-led platforms to drive real-world change.
From Al Jurf to All of UAE: A Platform With Purpose
Zahi’s digital journey began with Habitatalumni.site, a simple directory to reconnect former students of his own school. Encouraged by the response, he expanded the concept into SchoolStudents.org, now scaling to include multiple UAE schools and built with a vision of going global.
“I started with just my school in mind, and now the platform is expanding across the Emirates,” Zahi said.
“My goal is to take it global. It’s more than a website — it’s a digital community for learning, mentorship, and connection.”
Digital Fest Dubai 2025: Celebrating Young Innovators
The International Digital Fest, organized annually by Cyber Square, is one of the region’s premier tech events for young minds. This year’s edition brought together students from across the Middle East and Asia to showcase projects in AI, mobile apps, web innovation, and more.
Judges from academic and tech industries praised Zahi’s entry for its usability, security, vision, and scalability, calling SchoolStudents.org “a model platform that empowers student-led innovation through responsible tech.”
Proudly Representing Habitat School, Al Jurf
Known for its strong emphasis on innovation and digital literacy, Habitat School, Al Jurf, has continuously encouraged its students to think beyond the classroom. Zahi’s success adds another feather to the school’s cap.
“The UAE government is very supportive of technology and AI,” Zahi noted.
“They regularly organize national challenges, and I’ve participated in several. Thank you, UAE, for making this possible for students like me.”
What is SchoolStudents.org?
Zahi shared a demo of the platform during his winning presentation. Here are its standout features:
- Alumni Directory – Verified school-by-school directory for easy discovery and reconnection.
- AI Mentor Chat – Real-time guidance for career advice, competitions, and school-related queries.
- Events Calendar – Powered by Notion API, the platform tracks academic events, competitions, and school updates.
- Free Student Courses – Curated learning in coding, design, and career prep for UAE students.
- Privacy First – HTTPS encryption, verified logins, and restricted access to maintain safe student interaction.
Built using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and tools like FormSpree, JotForm, and ElfSight, SchoolStudents.org offers a clean, responsive, and multi-lingual interface accessible across all devices.
Zahi’s Growing Ecosystem of Innovation
Zahi Najmal’s resume as a pre-teen tech entrepreneur is already impressive. In addition to SchoolStudents.org, he has developed:
- ZahiTech.com: A learning platform for students and teachers.
- Habitatalumni.site: His first alumni network project for his school.
- SchoolStudents.org: An expanded UAE-wide alumni and students directory.
- Cubic Heaven: A Rubik’s Cube enthusiast portal..
- CyberBuddy: A coding hub for young learners.
“Each project has taught me something new, but this one — SchoolStudents.org — is the most meaningful. It helps real students, every day.”
Message to Parents and Students: Join the Movement
In his closing remarks, Zahi encouraged students and parents to be part of the SchoolStudents.org network.
“Whether you’re a current student or alumni, this platform is for you. Let’s shape the future — together.”
He also thanked Cyber Square and his school’s educators for their continuous support in his journey toward building student-led digital solutions.
UAE’s Future Lies in Its Youth
As the UAE continues to lead the region in AI education, digital transformation, and future-focused learning, young changemakers like Zahi Najmal demonstrate how policy, education, and innovation can come together to empower the next generation.
About the Event:
- Event: 5th International Digital Fest 2025
- Venue: University of Dubai
- Organizer: Cyber Square
- Winner: Zahi Najmal, Category 3 – Website/Web/Mobile Apps
- Participants: GCC, India, and other international schools