Al-Mansour’s efforts include financial empowerment programmes like the ‘Riyali Financial Awareness Initiative,’ through which students launched small businesses, earning a stable income.
In a ceremony held at the World Government Summit 2025, Saudi teacher Mansour bin Abdullah Al-Mansour was awarded the prestigious GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, valued at $1 million. The award was presented by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, in the presence of prominent UAE leaders, including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister.
The award celebrates Al-Mansour’s remarkable contributions to education and his transformative impact on communities in Saudi Arabia. A teacher at Prince Saud bin Jalawi School in Al-Ahsa, Al-Mansour has volunteered over 3,000 hours, positively influencing the lives of hundreds of gifted orphans and low-income students. Since 2001, he has worked tirelessly to support children with disabilities, learning difficulties, and challenging family circumstances.
Al-Mansour’s efforts include financial empowerment programmes like the ‘Riyali Financial Awareness Initiative,’ through which students launched small businesses, earning a stable income. Beyond his classroom, Al-Mansour has authored 21 books on education and provided over 300 training hours for educators across the Gulf, solidifying his role as a leader in advancing teaching practices.
On receiving the award, Al-Mansour said, “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.”
The GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, now in its ninth year, is a Varkey Foundation initiative in collaboration with UNESCO. It recognises educators who make extraordinary contributions to the profession and society. Since its inception, the prize has received over 100,000 applications from teachers worldwide. Sunny Varkey, founder of the prize and GEMS Education, congratulated Al-Mansour, calling his journey a testament to the transformative power of education. UNESCO’s Stefania Giannini emphasised the importance of recognising teachers in addressing global challenges, while Lisa Crausby, GEMS Education’s Chief Education Officer, highlighted the immense impact teachers have on shaping future generations. Al-Mansour now joins an esteemed group of educators recognised for their innovation, dedication, and unwavering commitment to empowering students and communities worldwide.
