RIYADH: A massive military exercise to support security, stability and cooperation in the region begins on Sunday when the Joint Gulf Shield-1 drill gets underway after leaders of the participating forces completed the command center exercises.
“The field exercise lasts for four consecutive days,” said the spokesman for the Joint Gulf Shield 1, Brig. Gen. Al-Subaie, a live-fire exercise involving participating countries’ forces (ground, air, naval, air defense and special forces).
Al-Subaie said the exercise aims to raise the competencies of the participating forces to face the challenges and threats within a joint operation environment, in order to achieve the concept of joint action, where many modern and sophisticated weapons are used.
The Gulf Shield 1 drill, organized by the Ministry of Defense in Saudi Arabia, is attended by 23 brotherly countries. Last week, one of the largest military action plans in the world concentrated on field training.
The Gulf Shield 1 drill is a turning point in terms of the techniques used in accordance with the most modern military systems in the world.
Tens of thousands of soldiers have arrived in the Kingdom to join the military exercise, which is considered the largest in the region in terms of the number of participating countries and the equipment used.
Various activities involving joint operational planning, training, demonstrations, seminars on professional topics, and cultural events will be conducted in the harbor phase of the exercise, with the aim of mutually benefiting the participants and generating goodwill.
Irregular warfare, coastal defense, combat search and rescue, naval warfare exercises and extensive flying operations will also be conducted during the sea phase of the exercise.
Observers from various participating countries will board Pakistan Navy ships during the sea phase. Warships from Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, the UAE and US will also participate.
Pakistan is the leading contributor to Joint Gulf Shield-1, both in terms of personnel and assets, which is reflective of the strong bilateral defense relations between Islamabad and Riyadh.
According to strategic experts, the month-long military drill in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia is important for preparing to address any causes of instability and threats to the region.
The exercise reflects the conviction of these countries that joint cooperation on the basis of integrated military understanding and coordination, both regionally and globally, is the cornerstone of confronting the threats and dangers that face the world.
23 countries take part in Gulf Shield-1 military drills in Saudi Arabia
23 countries take part in Gulf Shield-1 military drills in Saudi Arabia
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Standing alongside passionate, innovative teachers from around the world humbling and inspiring: Saudi teacher
- Saeed Salem Abdullah Al-Zahrani, a primary teacher from Jubail, named in the top 50 shortlist for $1 million GEMS Global Teacher Prize 2026
RIYADH: Saeed Salem Abdullah Al-Zahrani, a primary school teacher at Al-Mutrafiyah Elementary School in Jubail Industrial City, has been shortlisted for the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2026.
Al-Zahrani has been named on the top 50 shortlist for the prize, a Varkey Foundation initiative organized in collaboration with UNESCO.
He was selected from over 5,000 nominations and applications from 139 countries.
Now in its 10th year, the $1 million prize is the largest of its kind. It was set up to recognize one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession as well as to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society.
By unearthing thousands of stories of heroes who have transformed young people’s lives, the prize hopes to bring to life the exceptional work of teachers all over the world.
Reacting to his shortlisting, Al-Zahrani told Arab News: “I am extremely honored to be among the top 50 finalists for the Global Teacher Prize. Standing alongside so many passionate and innovative teachers from around the world is both humbling and inspiring.
“I extend my sincere thanks to the Varkey Foundation, GEMS Education, and UNESCO for recognizing the vital work that teachers carry out every day. Teachers everywhere help ignite curiosity and give young people the confidence to pursue their ambitions, and I am proud to be part of this mission,” he added.
“This prize has provided us a global platform to amplify the voice of teachers and has entrusted us with a deeper responsibility to continue working toward more impactful and humane education — one that believes the mission of education transcends borders and makes a real difference in the lives of individuals and communities,” he said.
Al-Zahrani is a distinguished Saudi educator, renowned for his innovative programs and commitment to inclusive, high-quality education. Teaching at Al-Mutrafiyah Elementary School. He has developed initiatives such as “The Challenge,” “Maher,” and “Steps,” improving reading, writing, and learning outcomes for students of all abilities.
These programs have been adopted in Royal Commission kindergartens and praised by the Minister of Education Yousef Al-Benyan.
Holding a doctorate in linguistics and a masters in counseling psychology, Al-Zahrani integrates storytelling, interactive digital tools, and personalized learning to ensure every student reaches their potential.
He has published research in peer-reviewed journals, presented internationally, and trained teachers across Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Founder of the Global Teacher Prize, GEMS Education, and The Varkey Foundation, Sunny Varkey, said: “Congratulations, Saeed. The Global Teacher Prize was created with a simple mission: to shine a light on teachers like you — educators whose dedication, creativity, and compassion deserve to be celebrated and shared with the world. Your work extends far beyond the classroom — it touches lives and shapes the world.”
UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education Stefania Giannini, said: “Congratulations to this year’s top 50 finalists. UNESCO is honored to stand alongside the Global Teacher Prize in celebrating the extraordinary commitment of teachers everywhere. Our world is navigating profound challenges — from teacher shortages and rapid technological shifts to the urgent demands of climate action. If we are to build a just, inclusive and sustainable future, we must recognize a simple truth: we cannot rise to this moment unless we invest in teachers.”
GEMS Education is one of the world’s leading private K-12 education providers, educating more than 200,000 students of more than 175 nationalities across its global network of owned and managed schools. With nearly half a million alumni, GEMS has built a legacy of impact that spans generations and continents. Established in Dubai in 1959, GEMS remains a family-founded and family-led organization.
The prize is open to working teachers who teach children in compulsory schooling or who are between the ages of 5-18. Teachers who educate children age 4 and over in a government-recognized curriculum are also eligible, as are teachers working on a part-time basis, and teachers of online courses. It is open to teachers in every kind of school and, subject to local laws, in every country in the world.
Teachers applying for the Global Teacher Prize are assessed on teaching practices, how they innovate to address local challenges, achieve demonstrable learning outcomes, impact the community beyond the classroom, help children become global citizens, improve the teaching profession, and gain recognition from external bodies.
The prize will now be narrowed down to the top 10 finalists, and the winner will be chosen by the Global Teacher Prize Academy, made up of prominent individuals, and announced at the World Governments Summit, taking place in Dubai Feb. 3-5, 2026.
