GEMS Education has officially welcomed over 1,700 new teachers from various countries at its annual GEMS Awareness Day, held at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai.
The event marks the start of the new academic year and highlights the group’s continued focus on innovation and educational excellence.
Focus on human connection
In his keynote address, GEMS Education Chairman and Founder Sunny Varkey called 2025 “a turning point” in education. Reflecting on GEMS’ 65-year journey, he stressed the irreplaceable value of teacher-student relationships in a technology-driven world.
“No machine is programmed to give our children the values and mindset to succeed and be a good person. No line of code can replace warmth and encouragement. And no artificial intelligence, no matter how advanced, will believe in you the way a teacher can. This is the power of human connection,” said Mr Varkey.
He also emphasised the role of family in education, referencing key GEMS initiatives such as BEYOND100, Determined Genius, Family First Café, and Parent 360. “Our work is more than a job, more than a mission, more than a calling. It is a simple promise we must keep – to always put children first. No ifs and no buts,” he added.
Commitment to quality teaching
Group CEO Dino Varkey highlighted GEMS’ ongoing investment in attracting top teaching talent, noting the rigorous recruitment process and the focus on building a strong educational culture.
“Every year, we go to extraordinary lengths to recruit only the very best educators – those who share our vision for excellence, creativity, and student success. GEMS Awareness Day is a celebration of this culture, attracting top educators, fostering belonging, and reinforcing excellence across our network,” he said.
He added, “Teachers have always been and will always be the backbone of GEMS Education.”
Strong academic results
GEMS Education reported strong outcomes for the 2025 academic year. So far, 250 students have secured places at Global Top 50 universities, while 353 have been accepted into UK Russell Group institutions. Seven students have received offers from Ivy League universities in the US.
Group Chief Education Officer Lisa Crausby OBE also welcomed the new teaching cohort, stating: “The calibre, experience, and passion of our teachers make the real difference in our classrooms every day. With innovation at the heart of our work, I am confident we will continue to deliver exceptional outcomes for every child, in every GEMS school.”
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
