Dubai: In a prestigious ceremony held during the World Governments Summit 2025, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, awarded Saudi teacher Mansour Al-Mansour the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2025, valued at US$1 million. The event was attended by prominent UAE leaders, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court.
According to Emirates News Agency, the ceremony also saw the presence of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and His Highness Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the fundamental role of education as a cornerstone of civilisation and a driver of development efforts, emphasizing the importance of teachers in shaping future generations through knowledge and creativity.
Mansour bin Abdullah Al-Mansour, a dedicated educator at Prince Saud bin Jalawi School in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, has volunteered over 3,000 hours to his community, transforming the lives of many gifted orphans. He was selected from over 5,000 nominations and applications from 89 countries. The GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, now in its ninth year, is a Varkey Foundation initiative organized in collaboration with UNESCO.
The Global Teacher Prize recognizes one exceptional teacher annually for their outstanding contribution to the profession and the significant role teachers play in society. Since its inception, the prize has received over 100,000 applications and nominations worldwide. Upon receiving the award, Al-Mansour expressed gratitude to GEMS Education, the Varkey Foundation, and UNESCO, stating his hope to continue uplifting the lives of children in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Global Teacher Prize and Chairman of the Varkey Foundation, congratulated Al-Mansour, acknowledging his inspiring journey and dedication to education. UNESCO's Assistant Director-General for Education, Stefania Giannini, emphasized the importance of recognizing teachers, especially amidst global challenges, to build a sustainable future.
Lisa Crausby, Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education, praised the impact teachers have on students and communities, congratulating Al-Mansour on his well-deserved recognition. Since 2001, Al-Mansour has been teaching in low-income areas, supporting students with academic challenges and disabilities. He has also empowered low-income students through financial literacy initiatives, helping them become financially independent.
Beyond his work with students, Al-Mansour has supported fellow educators by authoring over 21 books on education and providing extensive training across the Gulf region. His contributions have earned him the role of international ambassador for the Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation, where he shares his expertise with teachers across Gulf countries.
The top 10 finalists for the 2025 prize included educators from Australia, France, the US, Argentina, India, Malaysia, Colombia, New Zealand, and Malawi. Applicants for the prize are evaluated based on innovative teaching practices, community impact, and their role in advancing the teaching profession.