Saudi Teacher Mansour Al-Mansour Wins Global Teacher Prize 2025
DUBAI, February 14, 2025 (SAUDI ARABIA BREAKING NEWS) – Saudi educator Mansour bin Abdullah Al-Mansour has been awarded the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2025, valued at US$1 million, during a ceremony held at the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai. The event took place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court; and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, who presented the prestigious award.
Al-Mansour, a teacher at Prince Saud bin Jalawi School in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, was selected from over 5,000 nominations and applications from 89 countries for his extraordinary contributions to education. He has dedicated over 3,000 volunteer hours to helping his community, including transforming the lives of gifted orphans and supporting low-income students through financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs.
The GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, now in its ninth year, is a Varkey Foundation initiative organized in collaboration with UNESCO. The award celebrates one exceptional teacher who has made a significant impact in the profession and highlights the crucial role educators play in society.
Speaking on his achievement, Al-Mansour expressed gratitude, stating:"It is humbling to be recognized among such remarkable educators worldwide. Every child deserves the chance to shine, regardless of their circumstances, and I will continue to work toward breaking barriers so that no young person is left behind."
Al-Mansour’s contributions extend beyond the classroom. Since 2001, he has worked in low-income neighborhoods, supporting students with disabilities and learning difficulties. His financial literacy initiative, the ‘Riyali Financial Awareness Initiative,’ has empowered students to start small businesses, with some now generating stable monthly incomes. Additionally, he has authored 21 books on education and conducted over 300 training hours for educators across the Gulf region.
In recognition of his efforts, Al-Mansour was appointed as an international ambassador for the Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation in Dubai, where he travels across Gulf countries sharing expertise and training teachers.
Congratulating Al-Mansour, Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Global Teacher Prize, praised his passion and dedication, while Stefania Giannini, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education, emphasized the importance of investing in educators to build a sustainable future.
The top 10 finalists for the 2025 prize included educators from Australia, France, the US, Argentina, India, Malaysia, Colombia, New Zealand, and Malawi. Candidates were assessed based on their teaching innovation, impact on students, contributions to the community, and recognition by external bodies.
The award underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global education and highlights the Kingdom’s efforts to support outstanding teachers who drive meaningful change.