Saudi Educator Mansour Al-Mansour Awarded GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize
In a momentous gathering at the World Government Summit 2025 held in Dubai, the esteemed Saudi educator Mansour bin Abdullah Al-Mansour was awarded the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, a recognition valued at a remarkable million. This prestigious accolade was presented by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Minister of Defence, amidst a distinguished assemblage of UAE leaders, including the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister.
The Global Teacher Prize, which honors exemplary educators, recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the field of education and demonstrated a profound influence on their communities. Al-Mansour, a teacher at the Prince Saud bin Jalawi School in Al-Ahsa, has dedicated over 3,000 hours of volunteer service to support the educational needs of gifted orphans and economically disadvantaged students throughout Saudi Arabia. His commitment to social equity is evidenced by his extensive work since 2001, focusing on children with disabilities, learning difficulties, and those facing challenging family circumstances.
Among his notable initiatives is the ‘Riyali Financial Awareness Initiative,’ designed to empower students through financial literacy and entrepreneurship. This program has enabled numerous students to launch their small businesses, which in turn not only fosters their economic independence but also cultivates vital skills for their future. Al-Mansour’s belief in the transformative capacity of education is echoed in his approach to integrating practical life skills into academic curricula, thus preparing his students to thrive beyond the classroom.
Beyond his teaching, Al-Mansour has authored an impressive 21 books revolving around education and pedagogy, contributing to a broader discourse on best practices. Additionally, he has conducted over 300 hours of training workshops for educators across the Gulf region, effectively positioning himself as a vanguard of educational reform and innovation. In his acceptance speech following the award presentation, he remarked, “This is an incredible honour. I hope to use this platform to empower more children and ensure every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to succeed.” His aspiration to uplift others through education reflects a deep-rooted belief in equal opportunity, a principle firmly echoed throughout the ethos of the Global Teacher Prize.
The GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, now in its ninth iteration, is an initiative of the Varkey Foundation in partnership with UNESCO. Since its inception, the prize has garnered more than 100,000 applications from educators across the globe, highlighting the vast reservoir of talent and dedication present within the teaching profession. Sunny Varkey, founder of the prize and GEMS Education, expressed his admiration for Al-Mansour, commending his journey as a powerful illustration of education’s potential to catalyze societal transformation.
Stefania Giannini, from UNESCO, underscored the importance of recognizing teachers in the process of addressing the world’s most pressing challenges, particularly in an era marked by rapid change and uncertainty. “Teachers are not just imparting knowledge; they are shaping the future,” she remarked. Lisa Crausby, the Chief Education Officer at GEMS Education, further emphasized the crucial role educators play in cultivating the next generation, stating that their impact resonates far beyond the classroom walls.
By receiving this honor, Al-Mansour joins an illustrious cadre of educators who have been acknowledged for their innovative approaches, dedication, and steadfast commitment to empowering students and communities. The Global Teacher Prize not only shines a light on the important work being done by teachers worldwide but also advocates for the recognition of their vital role in fostering educational, social, and economic advancement.
As the global education landscape continues to evolve, Al-Mansour’s achievements inspire both current and future educators to strive for excellence and to embrace the transformative potential of their profession. His story serves as a reminder of the fundamental importance of education in creating opportunities, bridging gaps, and empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential.
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