Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum awards Saudi teacher Mansour Bin Abdullah Al Mansour at the Global Teacher Prize. DUBAI MEDIA OFFICE

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has awarded the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2025, a prestigious $1 million award, to Mansour Bin Abdullah Al Mansour, a Saudi teacher dedicated to educating children with disabilities and empowering low-income students. The award ceremony took place during the recent World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai, in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and several other UAE leaders. In his speech, Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the importance of educators in shaping the future. "Teachers are more than just knowledge providers. They inspire generations, fuel creativity, and drive innovation," he said. "Their impact goes beyond the classroom, influencing communities and shaping a better world."

Who is Mansour Bin Abdullah Al Mansour?

Mansour, a teacher at Prince Saud Bin Jalawi School in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, has been an educator for more than two decades, focusing on supporting students with disabilities, learning difficulties, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. His work has transformed the lives of hundreds of children, ensuring they receive quality education despite their challenges. Since 2001, Mansour has volunteered over 3,000 hours helping his community, working closely with orphans and students with special needs. His dedication extends beyond the classroom, as he provides mentorship, career guidance, and financial literacy training to help students become self-sufficient. "Thank you to Sheikh Hamdan, GEMS Education, the Varkey Foundation, and UNESCO for this incredible honor," Mansour said upon receiving the award. "Every child, regardless of their circumstances, deserves the chance to shine. I will continue working to break barriers and uplift the lives of as many children as possible." Mansour pioneered an initiative to teach financial independence to underprivileged students, helping them develop entrepreneurship skills. As part of the Riyali Financial Awareness Initiative, he partnered with charities to provide interest-free loans of SAR500 (Dh486)per student, allowing them to start small businesses. Within two months, students were earning up to SAR1,500 (Dh1,468), and some even expanded their businesses. One student, initially part of the program, now owns a small business, generating a steady monthly income of up to SAR2,500 (Dh2,448). Beyond his work in the classroom, Mansour has authored 21 books on education, covering topics such as innovative teaching methods, professional ethics, and inclusive education. He has also conducted over 300 training sessions for teachers across the Gulf region, helping to improve teaching strategies for students with disabilities. Recognizing his impact, Mansour was appointed as an international ambassador for the Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation in Dubai, where he shares his expertise across Gulf countries and provides training for educators.

Celebrating educators worldwide

The GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, organized by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO, is one of the world’s most prestigious awards recognizing exceptional educators. Since its launch, the prize has received over 100,000 applications and nominations from teachers around the world. Sunny Varkey, founder of the Global Teacher Prize, congratulated Mansour on his achievement. "Mansour’s dedication to his students, especially those facing the greatest challenges, is an inspiration. His work demonstrates the power of education in transforming lives." This year’s top 10 finalists included educators from Australia, France, the US, India, Colombia, and other countries. The award aims to highlight the essential role of teachers in shaping the future and fostering global progress. ICA/Expat Media
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