Accompanying Sheikh Mohammed to the Global Education and Skills forum ceremony, held at the Dubai-based Varkey Foundation in Atlantis, were Crown Prince of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Deputy Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum were present during the ceremony.

The US$1 million award for teaching is the largest prize of its kind. The Global Teacher Prize was set up to recognise one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution while shining a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society.

Also present during the event were Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Future Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi,  Minister of State for Financial Affairs Obaid Humaid Al Tayer,   Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy,   Minister of State for Defence Affairs Mohammed Al Bowardi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Public Education Affairs Jameela Musabah Al Muhairi,  Dubai Director of Protocol and Hospitality Khalifa Saeed Suleiman and Chairman of GEMS Education Sunny Varkey.