Sunny Varkey

“Over the past three decades, I have had the privilege of witnessing one of the most remarkable changes in education anywhere in the world. When my family began building GEMS Education in the UAE, our focus was on expanding access and creating the educational foundations needed by a rapidly growing and diverse population. Today, the UAE and wider Gulf increasingly recognise education not simply as a social priority, but as a foundation for human capital, innovation and economic growth. The region’s leadership has understood that its greatest resource is its people, and that the potential of its young people is limitless.

What makes education in the UAE particularly special is the belief that education is about more than academic achievement. It is about developing young people with strong values, confidence, compassion and a sense of responsibility to their families and communities.

Looking ahead, artificial intelligence will play an increasingly important role in education. Its greatest opportunity is to make learning more personal and give teachers more time to focus on what matters most. AI will never replace the power of a great teacher. But in the hands of great teachers, it can help unlock the potential of every child.”