Dubai: In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, presented the Global Teacher Prize 2026 to Rouble Nagi, a teacher from India.
According to Emirates News Agency, the winner of the tenth edition of the US$1 million award, presented by GEMS Education, was announced during the World Governments Summit 2026. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed emphasized that honouring teachers reflects a profound appreciation for their societal role, noting their lasting impact on future generations and their ability to inspire a love of learning and strong commitment to values. He added that the award recognizes the essential role educators play in shaping a better future for societies, stating, "Teachers are a central source of inspiration for students, guiding them towards a better life and instilling in them the values and ethics that shape society. Teaching remains one of humanity's noblest professions."
He congratulated Rouble Nagi and extended his best wishes to teachers worldwide, encouraging them to continue their mission of spreading knowledge and nurturing future generations. The award ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC); H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; and other dignitaries.
The Global Teacher Prize, presented by GEMS Education and organized by the Varkey Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO, is a prestigious international award that honors exceptional educators for their significant contributions to the teaching profession and their role in raising awareness within communities. Rouble Nagi was recognized for her innovative efforts to transform neglected walls into interactive educational murals that teach essential skills and concepts related to public health and environmental awareness. Over the past two decades, she has integrated more than one million children into formal education using art as an educational tool. She was chosen from over 5,000 nominations and applications from 139 countries.
Through the Rouble Nagi Art Foundation, she established more than 800 educational centers across India, providing inspiring spaces in over 100 low-income communities and villages. These centers enable out-of-school children to begin structured learning and gradually return to formal education while supporting enrolled students through remedial education programs, psychosocial support, and creative activities. The concept of 'Living Walls of Learning' is central to her work, transforming abandoned walls into open learning classrooms.
Nagi's initiatives have significantly reduced school dropout rates by more than 50 percent and improved long-term educational retention. She plans to allocate the US$1 million prize to establish a vocational institute offering free professional skills and digital literacy training, aiming to transform life opportunities for millions of underprivileged children and youth. The list of ten finalists for the prize included educators from various countries, showcasing the global impact of outstanding teaching practices.
