The International Education group at Cambridge University Press and Assessment has announced accounting and business studies teacher Farrukh Saleem Ghouri from Pakistan International School Jeddah English Section as the regional winner of the 2025 Cambridge Dedicated Teacher Awards in the  Middle East and North Africa. Ghouri is the first teacher in Saudi Arabia to be recognized as a regional winner in the competition’s seven-year history.

Ghouri is one of nine regional winners of the global Cambridge competition that celebrates the achievements of teachers around the world. As a regional winner, he will win 500 pounds ($665) worth of books for his class, a trophy, take part in a regional awards ceremony and receive publicity for himself and his school during the coming year. He will also appear on a “Thank you” page at the front of a range of new Cambridge textbooks, available to the public from November.

Ghouri has more than 25 years’ experience teaching Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge International A Level accounting and business studies. Currently serving as head of department — commerce at PISJES in Jeddah, Ghouri prides himself in delivering more than just the syllabus.

“Teaching, to me, isn’t just about explaining concepts or helping students pass exams. It’s about unlocking their potential, challenging them to think bigger, and standing beside them as they discover what they’re capable of,” he said. “Whether it’s late-night after school events or guiding students through moments of uncertainty, I believe true education happens when we show up — fully, genuinely, and consistently.” I’ve simply tried to be the kind of mentor I once needed, and if that’s made a difference, then I consider myself incredibly fortunate.”

By going to dedicatedteacher.cambridge.org/vote, the public can now vote for Ghouri or another of the nine regional winners to become the overall, global winner. 

The deadline to vote is April 30 and the winner will be announced on May 21.

Rod Smith, managing director of International Education, said: “I congratulate Farrukh on his immense accomplishments, which I’m sure will inspire teachers and learners across Saudi Arabia.”